Someone To You

by MemoriesArePain

Summary:

Mako wasn't supposed to have a roommate. He tended to avoid people in general. He especially didn't want a bouncy, happy, bubbly roommate like Wu. Oh well, he's stuck with him now for better or worse. Over the course of the year sharing a room though, will things change?

Chapter 1: Chapter 1

Chapter 1 

 

Mako blinked, hoping that this was all a dream. He set his bag on the bare bed, and continued to watch his new roommate talk at him animatedly. 

  “My brother’s not much of a talker.” Bolin spoke to his roommate for him, giving Mako time to take in the coffin sized room he was going to be sharing with someone. Nevermind that he had managed to finally scrape enough money and loans to attend Republic City University. He’d made sure Bolin had worked hard enough to get in here before him, and now, finally here he was. 

   “That’s okay! I’m sure I do enough talking for the both of us. Welcome to our room, roomie!” The other guy…Wan? Will? Looked at him happily, green eyes bright and sparkling, wide smile, and held his hand out for Mako to shake. 

   “Thanks.” Mako replied stiffly, shaking hands with his roommate. 

“Wu. My name’s Wu. I can tell you weren’t paying attention.” Wu teased him, before releasing his hand. 

 Mako grunted, trying no to roll his eyes. “Mako. Nice to meet you.” Just because he spent most of his life in  a gang on the streets didn’t mean he was without manners. 

     “You too. I can tell we’re going to be great friends.” Wu said happily, before turning back to his multiple bags of clothes on his bed. 

  Mako rolled his eyes. Yeah, right. Mako wasn’t here to make friends . He was here to try and get a degree, make a better life for himself and his brother. Bolin was the only family he had left here in Republic City. He did what he had to to make sure Bolin had been taken care of. Luckily, what Bolin lacked in education he made up for on the wrestling mat. Long nights of helping Bo with math and making sure he kept his grades okay to maintain his spot on the wrestling team lead to Bolin getting a sports scholarship at the university, leaving Mako having to take two years off of school to save up for it. 

    “Do you guys want to go get lunch with me?” Wu asked excitedly, abandoning his unpacking, he stood spinning a fidget spinner absentmindedly in one hand. 

  Mako glared down at the clothes and supplies he had brought, not answering him. Bolin, ever his happy golden retriever self, responded. 

  “Sure, I could eat. Mako?” 

“I’m good. I ate on the way here. Thanks.” 

He listened to Wu and Bolin talk animatedly as the door shut behind them, before flopping down on his bed. It wasn’t the most uncomfortable thing he’d had to sleep on before. It was a step up from cardboard and a step down from Tahno’s bed. 

   Mako blinked. He hadn’t thought about his old gang members for a year, why he was now didn’t make any sense. “Fuck off.” He grumbled to the empty room, mostly talking to his own brain. He kept himself as numb as possible to those memories. 

   Mako couldn’t shake the responsible side of himself, so he grabbed his class schedule and headed out onto the large campus to see where his classes would be held in a couple of days. He had skipped out on the orientation, wanting to put more hours in at work before he went to weekends and late nights only. 

  Mako appreciated the irony that instead of just serving the preppy college kids alcohol at The Red Lotus he was also now a student, just like them. It looked like a lot of his classes were going to be in Sato Hall. 

  “Is there a building in this city not named after that asshat?” Mako grumbled to himself. 

For what it was worth, the campus was pretty nice. There was a warm summer breeze drifting through the campus, making the plain white t-shirt and jeans that he wore quite comfortable. The buildings were a mix of old and new, plenty of grassy areas where people lounged and played Frisbee and football. 

    “Look at this, it could be a stock photo for the damn university.” Mako said. Hell, it probably was. 

  He passed a few more dorm buildings, reigniting his frustration that he had a roommate. He was supposed to be in a single room, but after seeing the price of that he quickly changed his mind. Still, Mako needed his space, and sharing a room with a guy that had happiness and energy shooting out his ass was going to make for a very long semester. 

  After walking by the dining hall, the library, and the student center, Mako finally found Sato Hall. “Great, all the way across campus. Winter is going to be fun.” 

  Mako really wasn’t trying to be negative. He was trying to look on the bright side. He was finally going to make his life a little better. He was going to get a degree in criminal justice, maybe be a cop, and start taking care of the crime in the part of the city where he grew up. He just had to, you know, graduate, try to make his loan payments on time, and maybe try to get a scholarship if possible. 

  Yup, the bright side. 

He was getting anxious, he fumbled into his pocket for his lighter and cigarettes, and scanned his surroundings. He wanted to be out of the way, not surrounded by so many people. He looked toward the green grassy area not too far from the building, where a large tree stood. Thankfully, no one was around. Mako walked over, plopped down by the root and lit the cigarette, exhaling smoke, some leaking from his nose as well. He had been trying to quit, he knew it wasn’t good for him but fuck if it didn’t help clam his nerves. 

    Mako had just closed his eyes and leaned his head back against the tree trunk when a voice came from above him. “Hey, got any of those to spare?” 

  Mako blinked and opened his eyes, looking for the source of the voice. 

    “Up here.” 

Mako looked up and stood up abruptly, not wanting the person to land on him. “Jesus Christ.” Mako said, staring up at the girl perched in the tree branch above him. 

   She laughed. “Sorry did I interrupt your brooding?” 

Mako glared up at her. Her eyes were a very bright clear blue. “I wasn’t…” 

  “Oh you totally were.” The girl said, grinning broadly before jumping down beside him. 

Mako took a drag on his cigarette, avoiding a response. 

   “Can I?” The girl asked again. 

Mako shrugged and handed over his pack and lighter. The girl took one and lit up, and they stood in silence for a few seconds. 

  “Name’s Korra by the way.” 

Mako grunted a response, exhaling smoke before stubbing out his cigarette. 

  “Hi there, my name is….” The girl, Korra, said in a teasing tone. 

Mako groaned. “Why the fuck does everyone want to talk to me?” 

  Korra laughed. “It’s because you’re so approachable.” 

“Mako.” Mako said through gritted teeth. 

  “Nice to meet you. First year here?” Korra finished her own cigarette and leaned back against the tree trunk. 

   “Yes. I was just seeing where my classes were.” Mako said, not knowing what possessed him to carry on the conversation. 

  “Cool cool, what are you majoring in?” She asked. 

Mako shrugged. “Criminal justice. You?” 

Korra stretched, her dark hair blowing in the breeze. “Eh, I’m still undeclared. Too many options to choose from.” 

  Mako thought about that for a moment. He hadn’t ever considered that. He always had a plan, never really went with the flow. 

   “Want to grab some food?” Korra asked him, smiling kindly. 

Mako shrugged. “Sure why not?” 

  Korra laughed. “Wow you really know how to make a girl feel special.” 

    Mako rolled his eyes and followed her back toward the dining hall. They had a pleasant enough conversation over food. Korra was an only child and wanted to know what it was like to have a sibling. Mako obliged, leaving out more of the rougher details. Like the hungry nights, the things he had done to make some money, trying to shield Bolin from it all, hiding from the foster system. 

  Mako even begrudgingly admitted that her large Labrador mix, Naga, was cute after seeing several photos of her on Korra’s phone. 

   “We should hang out again sometime. I’m…kind of a lone wolf too. This was nice though.” Korra told him, not really meeting his gaze. 

   Strangely, Mako felt a tinge of sympathy for her. Great, day one and he was already making a friend. “That’d be…nice.” Mako responded. 

   They exchanged numbers and went their separate ways. 

Mako was walking down the stairs to his coffin sized room, when he heard music coming from it. It was loud too. 

  “What the fuck?” Mako muttered, before unlocking the door and walking in. 

He really wished he hadn’t. “What the fuck?! ” He yelled over the music. 

   On Wu’s bed, Mako could only see a much larger man’s muscled shirtless back, dwarfing an also shirtless Wu, as they made out aggressively. 

  “Hey!” Mako yelled again, before yanking the blue tooth speaker off of Wu’s desk and cutting off the music. 

   “What the…oh. Shit.” Wu said before scrambling out from under the other guy. His brown hair was a mess, his tanned face slightly red. “Heyyyy Mako.” 

   Mako looked past him at the guy still lounging on Wu’s bed. “Get out.” 

     The guy raised his eyebrows and then looked to Wu. “Please Wing, I’ll meet up with you later.” 

The other guy, Wing, huffed and pulled on his clothing. He stopped to give Wu a kiss on the cheek, and a glare at Mako before exiting their room. 

   “So. Ground Rules. This is my room too. If you’re going to have some dickhead going down on your dick. Give me a heads up so I know not to come in. Or, better yet, just don’t do it in my room.” Mako grumbled at Wu. 

   Wu glared back at him. “ Our room, Mako. It’s not just yours. I’d text you if I had your number. But fine, in the future I’ll stick a sock on the door or something.” 

Mako glared back at Wu, seeing his own face reflected back in the bright green eyes. “Fine. Here.” 

  Mako grabbed a piece of paper and wrote down his number. “Now, I’m going to take a nap before dinner, you’d better be fucking quiet and not all ADHD got it?” 

  Wu stopped pacing and using his fidget spinner, and grabbed his shirt. “I’ll do you one better.” He spat out, before slamming the door behind him. 

    Great. I have to live with an asshole. 

Mako sighed, flopped down on his bed, and closed his eyes. 

  It was going to be a long year. 

Chapter 2: Chapter 2

Mako sat at the cramped desk near the foot of his bed, typing furiously at the laptop he checked out from the laptop. It had only been a couple days of classes and he already had a fair amount of homework to do. Mako glared at the screen as he typed, trying to ignore Wu on the other side of the room. 

   The guy couldn’t just sit still . He would sit at his desk for a few minutes, flip through the pages of a book, then stand up and start doing jumping jacks for whatever bizarre reason. He was oblivious to everything he was doing due to the noise canceling headphones he had in his ears. 

   “If I kill him I go to jail, if I kill him I go to jail.” Mako muttered to himself, as he finished his homework. 

   Other than Wu’s constant movements they had, thankfully, passed each other like ships in the night, Mako hadn’t walked in on Wu with anyone again, and he hadn’t even seen a sock on the door, or received any texts from Wu telling him he had plans. If anything, the two of them seemed to be avoiding their room as much as possible, which suited Mako just fine. 

    “You should just give him a chance bro.” Bolin told him, they had eaten lunch together the day before. 

    “Mako chewed on his burger thoughtfully for a moment. “Why’s that?” 

Bolin looked at him firmly for a minute. “Because, you should make some friends outside of me and Kai.” 

  Mako stared down at his food. “I have friends.” He replied defensively. “Besides, I’ll be too busy to really make friends Bo.” 

  Bolin rolled his eyes. “You have a friend. A very hot friend I might add and if you would put in a good word for me-” 

  Mako laughed. “I don’t think Korra is really looking for someone right now.” 

    Bolin sighed. “Yeah or she’s just looking for you to ask her out.” 

 Mako stared at his brother, his green eyes staring mournfully at his food. “Hey, I’m not interested in Korra dude. She’s just a friend. If you want to ask her out, be my guest.” 

   Bolin shrugged. “Maybe. Still think she likes you though so I don’t think I have a chance.” 

“Don’t be so hard on yourself. She’d be lucky to have you.” Mako told him gently. 

       Mako closed his laptop, hoping to run over to the library to print his work, while he went over the conversation in his head. Korra didn’t like him. Did she? Would Mako even be interested in her ? They had hung out a few times, studying and getting food together mostly. 

  Mako stood, grabbed his things, and turned to see what Wu was up to before heading out. At the moment, Wu was actually sitting still, his brown hair was a mess from him running his hands through it constantly, and he actually looked focused on what he was doing. 

   Mako cleared his throat. “Hey, I’m heading to the library to return this and get some things, do you want to come?” 

  Wu didn’t hear him, Mako had forgotten about the noise canceling headphones. 

     “Never mind.” Mako said to himself, turning towards the door. 

“Oh hey wait! Where are you going?” 

Mako turned back in surprise, Wu had turned off his own computer, and he stared at Mako curiously, one headphone in his hand. 

   “Oh, uh…library. Got to print some stuff and return this.” Mako gestured to the laptop in his hand. 

  Wu looked uncertain for a moment. “Want some company?” 

Mako blinked, he hadn’t been expecting that. To be fair, he did just try and ask Wu if he wanted to come but still, he hadn’t thought Wu would actually want to come along. “Sure.” Mako said with a shrug. 

   Wu pulled on a hoodie, a pink one, and Mako was surprised at how well it went with Wu’s black jeans. It would’ve looked ridiculous on anyone else, but somehow with Wu, it fit. 

  Mako turned away abruptly. He led the way through the door, trying not to think about the last person he’d thought looked nice. It hadn’t ended well for either of them. Not that he thought Wu looked nice , not that way. He wasn’t…like that. 

   “So why don’t you have your own laptop?” Wu interrupted the silence, and Mako’s thoughts, startlingly. They were walking across campus, a fall breeze drifting across it lazily. The leaves were already starting to turn a little. 

   “I couldn't afford my own.” Mako said guardedly.  

“Oh.” Wu blinked. “How is it…you can afford, you know, college then?” 

  Mako stopped walking, Wu stopping a few steps ahead of him. “Oh right, I forgot you’re from the land of the rich. Everyone handed everything to you. Like this education you’re getting. Your major is what? Oh that’s right you don’t have one yet. You get the luxury of just floating through life unbothered.” 

  Wu glared back at Mako. “There’s no need to be a dick about it.” 

    Mako laughed, rolling his eyes. “Wow, yeah, sorry.” He said sarcastically. “I can afford college Wu, by working hard. Having a job. Hell, multiple fucking jobs.” 

   Wu’s expression changed. “That must be hard.” He said sympathetically. 

       Mako walked past him, not caring if Wu followed or not. “What would you know about hard?” 

Mako reached the library alone. Apparently, Wu hadn’t wanted to continue their conversation. ‘ Good.’ Mako thought angrily. This was why he avoided people usually, it was rare that anyone had gone through the same shit he had, who understood his life. There wasn’t any point in trying to make people get it. 

    “Hey stranger.” Korra’s voice said from behind him. 

Mako turned to see her grinning behind him, holding her own books. “What do you want?” He asked, not caring how grumpy he sounded. 

   Korra just laughed. “Ever the happiest sun shiny guy I see.” 

Mako trudged past her through the library, looking for a printer to use. “I’m really not in the mood Korra, I have to work tonight, I want to finish my homework, eat, and take a nap.” 

   Korra continued to follow him. “Where’s work?” She asked curiously. 

Mako pulled up his documents, and hit print. “A place that I go to, to make money.” He told her. 

   “Wow, someone really did crawl up your ass.” Korra said, eyebrows raised. 

Mako sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose and closed his eyes. “Wu. He just…doesn’t get it.” 

   Korra leaned against the wall next to Mako. “Get what?” 

     “Well, you know, how hard people have to work for things. He’s just here doing whatever he wants because mommy and daddy shipped him off here.” 

  “He told you this?” Korra asked calmly. 

Mako thought about it for a minute. “No, but I’m sure that’s-” 

  “Mako.” Korra chided him. “You shouldn’t just assume things about people. Sure, maybe you’re right. But you could also be wrong. Don’t be an ass to him because of ASSumptions.” 

  Mako blinked at her. “So…I was being a jerk?” 

Korra laughed. “Yeah, kind of. Take me for example. I’m here, I worked hard, sure my dad is well off, but that wasn’t handed to him either. He worked hard for it, and he wants me to work hard to achieve whatever goals I have. Maybe Wu is here trying to do that too. Trying to make it on his own. You don’t know unless you ask .”  

   Mako squinted at her. “You know, you’re weirdly wise.” 

Korra rolled her eyes. “I’m just smarter than you.” 

  Mako laughed. “Oh fuck off.” He hesitated before adding. “ The Red Lotus . I bar tend there some nights and most weekends. Stop by if you want.” 

   Korra grinned. “Maybe I will.” 

Mako led them back to the front, turned in his laptop, and they headed to the dining hall. “Korra…are we friends?” 

   Korra looked at him like he had several heads. “Yes, you idiot, we are friends.” 

Mako blinked. “Oh. Cool.” 

   “What world do you come from where it’s not obvious when someone is your friend?” She teased him. 

  ‘ If only you knew .’ Mako thought to himself. 

“Oh hey, would it be cool if my brother asked you out? He’s seen you hanging around with me and well, he’s a great guy and-” 

  Korra laughed and cut him off. “Mako, I’m not really looking right now, and I did sort of…meet someone too. So, sure he could, but I’d have to let him down easy.” 

   Mako smiled at her. “Someone has a crush .” He teased her. 

 Korra punched his arm. “Don’t make me crush you.” 

Mako rubbed his arm. “I don’t  know what was worse, the punch or that joke.” 

   They continued their way to the dining hall, laughing and teasing each other. Mako was surprised how happy he felt. Maybe friends weren’t so bad. Now he just needed to work on being a good roommate. 

  He’d rather work for his old boss than apologize to Wu. But, he supposed he should give it a shot. Whenever he next saw him.
 

Chapter 3: Chapter 3

“Well if it isn’t our newest academic scholar.” Ghazan announced loudly, when Mako walked into the bar. 

   He rolled his eyes as Ming-Hua nudged her boyfriend in the ribs. “I’m hardly a scholar Ghazan.” 

   “What?! I can’t be proud of the kid? He's finally getting out of the life. Look at him! He’s practically glowing!” 

  Mako laughed, walking around the bar to start cleaning some glasses before the night really began. 

   “He’s not pregnant, you idiot.” Ming-Hua said with a laugh. “Seriously though, how have things been Mako? You do look like you’re doing well.” 

   Mako thought about it for a minute. Sure, Professor Beifong was kind of a hard ass, Wu was annoying, but he had Korra and Bolin and Kai. “It’s a lot of hard work, but so far it's worth it.” He told them. 

   Ghazan swung an arm around Ming-Hua. “Our little boy is all grown up.” He said teasingly. 

Mako laughed before heading into the back room to stock the front. A couple hours later and the bar was in full swing. Music played loudly over the speakers and Mako was running up and down the bar filling drinks left and right. All the while avoiding the flirting efforts of girls and even a few guys. 

   “Hey! Go take a break! We can handle this for a few minutes!” Ming-Hua told him over the noise.  

 Mako squeezed his way through the crowded room and out the back door into the familiar alleyway. He leaned against the brick wall covered in graffiti and pulled out a cigarette from his pack and lit it, taking a long drag, before sighing. This wasn’t unfamiliar for him, hiding out in alleys with his old gang. Except, this time, he wasn’t trying to steal something, or mug someone, or find out information. It was nice. 

    “Been awhile since I’ve seen you around.” A familiar voice said from the alley entrance. 

Mako tensed, nearly choking on the smoke in his lungs. “That was intentional.” He managed to say, hoping he sounded more confident than he felt. It was easier than he expected. 

   Tahno took a few steps forward, grinning like the Cheshire cat. “We’ve missed you.” 

Mako stubbed out his cigarette and took a few steps forward. “I seriously doubt that.” He said, glaring into Tahno’s ice chip colored eyes. 

   Tahno laughed quietly, taking a step forward so their faces were just inches apart. “You haven’t missed this?” 

   “There’s nothing to miss.” Mako hissed the words out in a venomous whisper. 

Tahno laughed quietly. “I disagree. Besides, the boss man still isn't happy about how you left.”   

    Mako took a step back, still glaring at Tahno. “I don’t give a shit. You can run back and tell him that too. I did everything he wanted me to do, and then I wanted out. That was the deal.” 

    Tahno rolled his eyes and sighed. “Well Mako, the problem is, apparently you were just too good at the job. He hasn’t been happy with any of your replacements so far.” 

   Mako smirked. “Does that include you?” 

Tahno glared back at him. “Don’t make this harder on yourself. He’ll get you back to him one way or another.” 

  Mako opened his mouth to respond but the door to the bar creaked open loudly and Ghazan appeared. “Hey Mako breaks over we could-” He broke off once he saw Tahno. 

    Tahno waved at Ghazhan mischievously. “I was just leaving.” 

 Ghazan walked forward standing just beside Mako. “Get the fuck out of here. Your boss knows not to send any of his boot lickers here. Don’t make me find him and have a word with him.” 

  Tahno laughed. “He’s the one who sent me.” He said proudly. “But, I was just leaving. Enjoy the rest of your night.” 

  Mako and Ghazan watched silently as Tahno left the alley and got into his car, driving off into the city. 

  “Inside, now.” Ghazan told him quietly, giving Mako’s shoulder a squeeze and guiding him back into the bar. 

  Mako’s head was spinning. What could the gang still want with him? He had done everything that he was supposed to for them. He couldn’t go back, no matter how badly his old boss wanted him too. It wasn’t fair, he was supposed to be out like Ghazan and Ming-Hua.

  “Mako! Hey! Mako!” 

Mako was pulled out of his thoughts by Korra’s familiar voice. “Hey! What’s up?” 

 Korra looked a little upset, her blue eyes wide with concern. “I need some help! A friend I came with isn’t doing so hot. Can you help me get her home?”  

  Mako looked up at the clock, it was almost time for his shift to be over. Almost midnight. He had told Ghazan and Ming-Ha he could work until three but they wouldn’t hear of it. His education was too important. He wasn’t sure when they had decided to become the parents he’d never had. “Sure, let me just tell my bosses.” 

   After saying good-bye and thanks to his friends, Mako headed into the crowd, following Korra’s lead. “I told her she had too many, but she didn’t listen.” Korra told Mako loudly as they reached her friend, a dark haired girl leaning against the wall for support. “Asami? Come on, I found someone to help me get you home.” 

   Asami groaned, swatting at Korra feebly “Don’t want to go home.” She grumbled. 

Mako sighed inwardly. He guessed this was going to be part of his life now. Bartender who helps get wasted sorority girls home. Great. “Well we do want to go home, so come on Miss Priss.” 

   “Don’t call her that.” Korra snapped at him. “Just help me get her walking and she can lean on me.” 

  Mako blinked at the sharpness of Korra’s tone, but helped get Asami to stand on her own two feet. 

  “That’s it, you’re doing great.” Korra encouraged her friend, while she and Mako guided her towards the front door. 

  Mako made the mistake of looking back at the bar, before they reached the door. He was surprised to see Wu there, but immediately angered when he saw how he looked. He was swaying, practically leaning against another guy. The guy had a shaved head, strong build, and looked far too amused at Wu’s predicament. “Oh hell no.” Mako said. 

   “What are you-” Korra’s voice broke off as she followed Mako’s line of sight. “Go on, I can get Asami into a cab. I’ll hold it for you too.” She told him firmly, glaring at the scene. 

  Mako nodded, barely hearing her as he pushed through bodies once more, heading back for his roommate. “Everything alright here?” Mako asked, knowing that it definitely wasn't the case. 

   The guy glared at Mako. “Yeah, of course, why wouldn’t it be?” 

Mako ignored him. “Wu? Wu are you alright? Do you know this guy?” 

  Wu blinked blearily at Mako, from where he was pressed against the guy’s chest. “Mako? Why the fuck are you here? Yeah I know his name’s….” 

  Mako watched as Wu blinked a few times, his voice getting more slurred as he talked. 

    “Zaheer.” The guy, Zaheer, finished for him. 

“He’s not going anywhere with you.” Mako told Zaheer, glaring at him. 

  Zaheer didn’t seem to like this, his grip tightening around Wu, who squirmed uncomfortably. “Says who?” 

   Mako stepped closer to Zaheer, his hand already forming a fist. “You really want to do this?” Mako asked, his voice icily calm. “People like you make me sick.” 

   Zaheer laughed. “Look man, if you’ve got a problem with gay guys then-” 

Mako laughed humorlessly. “You’re kidding right? That’s definitely not the problem here and we both know it. Now, let go of my roommate and let me take him home.” 

   Zaheer raised an eyebrow at him. “Or what?” 

Mako opened his mouth to respond but was interrupted. 

  “Or, the four of us take this outside and we beat your ass.” Korra said from behind Mako. 

Mako blinked, noticing Ghazan and Ming-Hua standing behind Zaheer. He hadn’t noticed the three of them approach, his only instinct to get Wu away from him. He was used to having to take care of people, sometimes that’s all he was aware of. 

   Zaheer looked nervous for the first time. “Fine, take the twink, he's yours.” 

Mako scooped Wu up, carrying him like a groom would a bride, hoping no one was noticing, and headed back to the front of the bar. He nodded his thanks at Ghazan and Ming-Hua while Korra led him to the cab that Asami stood by, looking like she was ready to vomit. 

   Mako placed Wu in first, Korra slid into the cab next, and Asami followed. Mako sat in the passenger seat. “Thanks.” He told Korra quietly. 

    “Of course, I wasn’t going to leave you alone in there. I wasn’t going to let that asshole go anywhere with Wu.” Korra said fiercely. 

 Mako stared out the window watching the city fly by as the cab took them home. He may not be in the gang anymore, but maybe he’d found a new one. 

  

 

 

Chapter 4: Chapter 4

Mako hadn’t slept well, but he managed to get a surprising amount of work done. It was an old habit he had picked up from keeping an eye on Bolin and wherever they had to stay on a given night when they were growing up. 

  Mako and Korra had gotten their friends to their respective dorms, Mako practically carried Wu down to their room while he waited for the roofie to wear off. Wu, of course, had fallen asleep as soon as Mako placed him in his own bed. He hadn’t asked, so Mako wasn’t sure what compelled him to stay up late, making sure no one was going to try and hurt his roommate, but he did it nonetheless. 

  Mako sighed blinking down at the last bit of his homework, before glancing back over at Wu. He slept like the dead as usual, but he looked especially peaceful under the blankets, his chocolate colored hair mussed from sleep. 

  “What am I getting myself into?” Mako muttered to himself. 

The only person Mako was supposed to ever take care of like that was Bolin, his little brother. To be fair, Bolin definitely didn’t need his help anymore thankfully. Mako wasn’t sure he was ready to take up the responsibility of babysitting another person. 

   “Then again, could you have slept knowing Wu was passed out somewhere and…” Mako broke off. He didn’t want to finish that thought. 

  Hell, he was so tired he couldn't finish any of his thoughts. He pulled out his phone and blinked down at the screen. It was almost five in the morning. He could see the pale gray of dawn trying to fight its way into the sky from the window between their beds. 

      Thankfully, it was the weekend and Mako didn’t have a shit at work until later that night. He kept going back to earlier in the night, to Tahno. He and Tahno had been in the gang together. They’d…well, they’d been through a lot together. Mako had hoped Tahno would’ve gotten out, like he had. Apparently, Tahno had instead decided to move in the ranks. That was definitely bad news. 

    Mako needed a smoke before he hopefully fell asleep. He was safe here, Bolin was safe, Wu was safe. Korra and Asmai had made it back home safe. He could rest. Mako creaked the window open as quietly as possible and lit a cigarette, trying to exhale as much as he could out into the brisk morning. 

   “Mako…?” Wu’s voice croaked from the bed. 

Mako jumped slightly, surprised that Wu had woken up. “Shit, sorry Wu.” Mako stubbed out the cigarette and flicked it out the window. “I didn’t mean to wake you up.” 

  Wu blinked up at him, his green eyes bleary with sleep. “Feel…weird.” 

Mako sighed, grabbed his desk chair, turned it around, and plopped himself into it. He was about eye level with Wu now. “A guy slipped something into your drink at the bar. Korra and I took you out of there before…anything could happen.” 

   Wu rolled away from him, staring up at the ceiling instead. “Oh….thanks.” 

Mako shrugged. “I would have done it for anybody.” 

   Wu sighed, sat up, and peeled himself out of his clothes until he was just in his underwear. “Still, you saved me from an awful night.” 

  Mako looked back out the window. “Don’t mention it. Like I said, I would’ve done it for anybody.” 

    Wu squinted at him. “Have you slept at all? You look like shit.” 

Mako laughed. “Thanks, you really know how to make your saviors feel special. No, I haven’t slept yet.” 

  Wu grinned tiredly at him. “Well, normally I am quite skilled at thanking people that help me.” 

   Mako blinked, surprised at Wu’s suggestive tone. “Thanks but no thanks.” Mako replied, getting up to hop into his own bed. “Night.” 

   Wu laid back down, tucking himself under the blankets. “Night, and thanks again Mako, seriously.” 

     Mako grunted, before drifting off to sleep. 

~~~~~~~

He dreamt of cold winter nights, laying on freezing blocks of concrete, dragging Bolin to soup kitchens for free hot meals. He could vividly remember his own determination. His responsibility of keeping his brother safe. 

  “Come with me kid, I’ll pay you if you help me.” That grating, menacing voice lulled its way into Mako’s ears. It sounded so easy, the man’s voice smooth like butter. It was so convincing. 

  Mako nodded, following the man into the warehouse, where a table sat with maps, guns, drugs, everything. 

   “You’ll be the look out kid, got it?” 

All Mako could do was nod, and hope Bolin was safe where he’d stashed him tonight. 

~~~~~~

Mako gasped, sitting upright in bed. Sweat drenched his sheets, and he looked wildly around the room for a moment, before his breathing evened out. He looked over at Wu’s bed, but it was empty, blankets and sheets strewn everywhere. Weirdly, that calmed him. He rolled his eyes at Wu’s side of the room. The bed wasn’t the only thing that was a mess. His desk had papers piled high, along with books and Mako was sure his laptop was in there somewhere. Clothes were shoved precariously into Wu’s wardrobe. 

   “He really doesn’t understand the term ‘shared space’ does he?” Mako grumbled, standing up to stretch his arms high over his head. 

   He checked his phone, surprised to see it was almost noon. Just in time for lunch. Mako wasn’t sure what he was going to do with his time today. Maybe he could see what Bolin was up to. Hell, he’d probably better check in with Korra and see how she was after dragging her friend out of a bar last night. 

   Mako was heading to the door, a change of clothes and towel in hand, when he stopped. Something on his desk caught his eye. There was a sandwich on his desk, along with a bottle of water. “What the..?” Mako took a closer look, and there was a note attached. 

    ‘You looked like you were sleeping pretty good so I didn’t want to wake you for lunch. I wasn’t sure what you liked so I only got you water. The sandwich is turkey. You should stop by sometime, this is where I work. Thanks again for last night.’ 

                                     - Wu 

Mako stared dumbly down at the note, stunned. He couldn’t remember the last time someone had taken care of him like that. Well, okay, it was probably Bolin and before that…no, he wasn’t going to devote more time to that. Needless to say, it had been a while. 

   “Upper Ring Cafe huh?” Mako raised an eyebrow. 

This place was nice, he’d passed it a lot when he walked not too far from campus. He wondered why Wu was working there? Weren’t his parents paying for things?

   Mako placed his clothes and towel back down, unwrapped the sandwich and took a bite. 

     “Damn, that’s good.” Mako said to the empty room. 

After finishing the sandwich, he finally went to take his shower. While the hot water ran down his body, Mako closed his eyes, and his mind wandered back to Wu. Maybe there was more to him than he thought. Mako finished his shower, wrapped his towel around his waist and headed back to his room. 

    Today he was determined to learn more about his roommate. 

  

Chapter 5: Chapter 5

“Remind me again why we’re going here? Especially since you already ate?” Korra asked him, looking at him skeptically. 

   Mako took a drag off his cigarette before passing it to her. She really wasn’t helping him kick the habit. “I told you, Wu said to stop by sometime, and I want to make sure he’s okay still.” 

   Korra rolled her eyes, exhaling smoke. “Mako, he’s fine. I’m fine, Asami is fine. Everyone is fine . Relax.” 

   Mako and Korra walked around a slow moving couple on the busy sidewalk before regrouping. “I just want to be sure.” 

  Korra grinned at him. “Is that all?” 

Mako blinked at her. “What do you mean?” 

   Korra rolled her eyes again. “Nothing, nothing.” 

Mako didn’t want to know what she meant by that. He changed the subject fairly quickly. “How was Asami after last night?” 

    Korra sighed. “Fine. I guess. She puked quite a bit, which is why I skipped breakfast. No one should have to witness something like that so early in the morning.” 

     Mako finished their cigarette, just as the shop was coming into view. “Fancy.” Korra commented, raising her eyebrows. 

   She wasn’t wrong, it looked pretty fancy. A place where a lot of the city's better half probably came for breakfast and lunch. It definitely wasn’t somewhere Mako frequented. 

  A bell rang cheerfully over the door as they entered, causing Korra to roll her eyes again. “Cute.” She commented, with a sarcastic grin. 

  Mako was nervous. He wasn’t sure why. He saw Wu everyday. This shouldn’t have felt so weird. Maybe it was the atmosphere. There were people in business suits, preppy high school and college kids, and chill happy music playing around them in the brightly lit lunch spot. 

   “You good?” Korra asked him, squinting at him like he was a strange science project. 

 Mako nodded. “Just not really my scene is all.” 

Korra laughed. “You think it’s mine ? This place is freaking me out.” 

Mako laughed along with her, which earned them a few odd locks from the other patrons. Mako ignored them, his palms starting to sweat. 

   “Next!” A cheery familiar voice called out. 

Mako groaned inwardly. He was already regretting this. What was he supposed to say? He had already eaten, which Korra had pointed out. “Hey…Wu. How’s uh your day going?” 

  Wu blinked at Mako and Korra in surprise. “Oh hey…fine. What’s up?” 

    Korra waved at Wu, grinning at the two of them like they were the greatest show on earth. 

“Oh nothing I just wanted to…make sure you were doing okay.” Mako said lamely. 

   A guy behind them cleared his throat pointedly. 

Mako could take a hint. “Uh two coffees please.” 

  Wu blinked at him curiously. “Just…two plain black coffees or do you want anything in it. Or…with it?” 

   Mako’s palms felt ridiculously sweaty now and seriously what was that even about ? “Err…” 

      “Yup! That’ll be perfect Wu thanks!” Korra cut in cheerfully before slapping some money down on the counter. 

   Mako tried not to stare bug eyed at the ridiculous amount of money it was for two coffees, before hastily adding a few bucks to the tip jar on the counter, while Korra ushered them farther down the counter to wait for their drinks. 

   “Dude,” Korra started, “What is going on with you?” 

“I panicked!” Mako hissed at her, his nerves still on edge. 

  “Why? What’s the big deal we’re just visiting your roommate. I didn’t even think you liked the guy all that much.” 

   Mako blinked at her dumbly. “I don’t! Well, okay, maybe I judged him too hard and I’m…making an effort?” 

  Korra raised an eyebrow at him “An effort at what? Small talk? Because let me tell you that was awful.” She laughed. 

   Mako huffed. “No, I’m trying to just…be friendlier, you know. Get to know him a little better. We do have to share a room for a long time. Best to know who’s sleeping next to you all night.” 

  Korra’s gaze softened. “That’s great Mako. You really should make more friends. The whole hot loner vibe is cool but…life’s hard. It’s not bad to make a few more friends.” 

   Mako nodded. “Wait…did you just call me hot?” 

Korra laughed, slapping him playfully on the arm. “Don’t change the subject.” 

   Mako laughed too, his nerves easing up a little. “Friends don’t always…come easy for me.” 

 Korra nodded, like she already knew this. Which, maybe she did. Mako wasn’t exactly a social butterfly. 

   “Here you go guys!” Wu’s voice broke into their conversation. He was smiling, his green eyes a little tired from the night before, as he handed them their cups. 

  “Thanks Wu. So…you're really doing okay?” Mako asked again. 

Wu nodded at him. “I am. Thanks again Mako. I see you took my note a little too seriously.” He laughed. 

   Mako felt his ears grow warm with embarrassment. “You said to visit! This is me…visiting.” 

Wu raised an eyebrow at him, his arms folding. “The sandwich was good wasn’t it?” 

  Mako grinned sheepishly at him. “Maybe. That, and…would you want to hang out later?” 

Wu blinked, surprised. “Uh…sure, I do have a  lot of homework to do so….library? Study buddy?” 

  Mako nodded, giving Wu a small smile. “That works for me. What time?” 

     “I get out of here in a few hours so do you wanna grab dinner and then head to the library?” 

Korra sipped her coffee, quietly watching the exchange like it was a tennis match. 

  “Sure, that works for me.” 

Wu grinned. “Great! See you later!” 

Mako smiled back at him, before he and Korra headed back out into the streets. 

   “So…that seems like a date to me.” Korra said, eyeing him curiously. 

Mako scoffed. “What? We’re just hanging out. Besides, I don’t, you know, like Wu like that. I’m still waiting to see if I even like him as a person.” 

  Korra sipped her coffee again. “Sure Mako. But to me it seems like you like him just fine.” 

Mako looked over at her. “I didn’t realize it was such a big deal.” He said gruffly. 

  “It’s not…unless you make it a big deal.” Korra told him coolly. 

Mako blinked. Those words were too familiar. It brought him back to a part of his life he was trying to forget about. This wasn’t the same. It was just Wu, he was just a friend. 

     ‘The last person was also just a friend. Until they weren’t.’ 

Mako wanted to hit himself in the head. He wasn’t going to do this again. He looked over at Korra again. She was happily drinking her coffee, the drink already adding more pep in her step. Maybe… 

  “Hey, speaking of dates. Would you want to go out with me sometime? On an actual date? If you want.” 

  Korra coughed, practically choking on her coffee. Mako had to slap her on the back a few times. 

   “What?” She asked him, blinking back tears as she regained her breath. 

Mako shifted nervously. “A date. With me. One that doesn’t involve drunk friends or anything.” 

  Korra eyed him again, warily. “Mako…are you sure?” 

    Mako nodded. “I am…are you?” 

Korra leaned in and kissed Mako on the cheek. “Sure, just let me know when.” 

Mako blinked, watching Korra lead the way back to school. This was fine. He could do this. 

   Right? 

Chapter 6: Chapter 6

“Look, you asked for my help with this for some crazy reason so just listen to me Mako.” Wu huffed at him, arms folded in annoyance. 

   “Oh come on Wu, I want to look nice tonight.” Mako pleaded again. 

“I’m telling you Mako, everybody likes the edgy loner vibe thing, so just wear what you normally wear, act like you normally do, and you and Korra will have a great time.” Wu rolled his eyes before turning back to his desk, playing with a yo-yo as he did. 

     Mako sighed. “Fine, fine, I’m sorry I keep asking for your help. I'm sure you’re busy.” 

Wu looked back at him, his gaze softening. “It’s fine Mako, I’m glad to help. There isn’t a need to be nervous, you’ve been stressing about it all week. It’s just a date, With Korra, who you already know is a pretty cool person. No big deal.” 

  Mako blinked, wishing he could have Wu’s laid back attitude. Or Bolin’s, or Kai’s. Growing up too soon can have that effect on a person he supposed. “You’re right, it’s no big deal. I can do this.” 

  Wu eyed him curiously for a minute. “You…you have been on a date before right?” 

     Mako rolled his eyes. “Of course I’ve been on dates before.” 

Well, sure, the dates he’d been on hadn’t exactly been normal dinner and a movie ones. Usually, he was sneaking around, drinking illegally, messing around with whoever. This was definitely more serious than he was used to. 

  He remembered other things about those nights too, his name whispered in his ear, dark alleys, old warehouses. The adrenaline rush he used to get. Mako shook his head, trying to shake the memories away like a cobweb. 

   “You alright?” Wu asked, his voice etched with concern. 

Mako blinked at him, surprised he had stopped moving enough to notice that Mako had gotten lost in thought. “Yeah, yeah I’m alright thanks.” 

  That was the other odd thing, in the last week Mako had spent more time with his roommate than he had since the semester started. They had hung out in their room a lot mostly, studying, talking, attempting to get to know each other. Mako had kept things guarded, but he suspected that Wu had been too…for whatever reason. 

  “Hey, it’s almost time to meet up with Korra. You’d better head out.” Wu gave him a tight grin. 

Mako nodded and returned Wu’s smile. He wasn’t sure why it felt so weird. “Well, I guess I’d better go. Thanks again for the help and the advice.” 

   “No problem.” Wu said quietly, following Mako to the door. 

Mako let the door close with a soft click, and headed out to meet Korra. They were meeting near the dining hall, but not going there to eat. It was just an easy halfway point. Mako leaned against a tree, smoking while he waited for Korra. He was down to only one a day now, and it was definitely difficult but so far so good. 

   “Hey! Ready to go?!” Korra had appeared, grinning happily, blue eyes sparkling. 

Mako scrubbed out his cigarette, looking at her appreciatively “Wow, you look great!” 

  Korra laughed happily. “Thanks! You too handsome.” She winked. 

     Mako laughed, following her along the path that led off campus into the city. This was easy, talking to Korra, hanging out with her, she was easily a fun person, and they got along great. 

  So why did everything feel so awkward? 

“The diner’s over here, not far from the movie theater.” Mako said, nodding up ahead. 

     “Oh perfect! Have you been here before?” Korra asked curiously. 

Mako blinked. He hadn’t been here before it just seemed…convenient. Close to the theater and within his price range. He flinched inwardly, he felt bad that he was worrying about wasting money on this date. 

   ‘Wasting?’ He had no idea where that came from. 

“No actually I’ve uh…never been here. I thought we could both give it a try.” Mako said nervously. 

   Korra laughed. “Cool! I like the idea.” She smiled at him quickly but turned her attention back to the diner up ahead. 

   Was she nervous too? Mako wondered. He thought that was strange, Korra struck him as someone who didn’t scare easily. 

   “Just the two of you?” A dark haired waitress smiled politely at them as they entered. 

“Yeah, thanks.” Mako said with a smile. When did his hands get so sweaty? 

    Mako and Korra sat quietly in a booth looking over their menus. The silence was awkward….and Mako didn’t understand why. Maybe it was because they spent so much time together already? 

   Mako cleared his throat, once the waitress had taken their orders and their menus. “So…how did that paper go for your history class?” 

  Korra shrugged. “I think it went okay, Professor Tenzin can be…difficult to please but weirdly I think I’m doing good.” 

  Mako smiled. “That’s great Korra, I’m glad you seem to be killing it in class.” 

Korra laughed. “I’m not sure about that. How about you?” 

Mako groaned. “I think I’m doing alright. Professor Beifong can be a hard ass, but I think the class is wearing her down.” 

   Korra laughed. “I still can’t believe she and Professor Beifong are related. She’s so chill in her classes.” 

   “Well, you got lucky then.” Mako said with a laugh. 

Once the food came, things got even easier. They carried on conversation with no problem, and Mako was relieved when the bill came and it wasn’t too bad. 

   “Alright we’d better go before we’re late for the movie.” Mako said, leading the way out of the diner and up the street to the theater. 

  The movie was a bit of a blur if Mako was being honest. He was too busy debating if he should try and hold Korra’s hand, or put an arm around her, or just do nothing at all. He settled for not doing anything at all. Which, maybe that was what he did wrong. In the end, the kiss had been the mistake. 

   “I had a great time.” Korra said, smiling at him calmly. 

Mako grinned back. “Me too, thanks for coming out.” 

   They were outside of her dorm building, it was getting pretty late, the lights near the sidewalk illuminated the area around them. 

    ‘Fuck it’ He thought. 

 Mako leaned forward and kissed her. She kissed him back tentatively. 

    ‘This is fine. This is good.’ Mako thought. 

Korra broke away. “Mako. I….had a really great time, I did. But, I think we’re better off as friends. I had fun but this just doesn’t feel right. You know?” 

  Mako blinked at her dumbly. “Yeah…yeah uh good call.” Was it though? He wondered. 

Korra smiled gratefully at him. “Get home safe okay?” 

  Mako nodded, feeling a little numb. “Have a good night.” He said quietly, before heading back to his own dorm. 

Mako couldn’t believe how the night had ended. Instead of joining Korra at her dorm, here he was heading back to his own. Sure, she’d been right to say what she’d said. It wasn’t like Mako didn’t disagree with her. But… 

    ‘But what?’ The voice in his head nagged. 

“Fuck off.” Mako muttered, letting himself into his and Wu’s dorm. 

He immediately regretted it. 

   “What the hell?” A girl yelled. 

“Oh shit.” Wu’s voice followed. 

  Mako was pissed. There was no way this was happening. Again. 

    ‘I thought he was gay too what the fuck?’ The voice in his head asked. ‘ Not important right now.’ 

  “Get out.” Mako grumbled at the girl. 

     “Uh excuse me but who the hell-” She began. 

“This is my fucking room too and I want to sleep. So get. The fuck. Out.” Mako grumbled at her. 

    The girl rolled her eyes. “Whatever. I’ll see you around Wu.” 

  Wu stared at them for a moment, eyes wide. “Uh yeah, sure. I’ll text you Kuvira.” 

    Kuvira rolled her eyes and called over her shoulder before the door closed. “Yeah, or don’t.” 

Wu flopped back down onto his bed, covering himself with the blanket. “Mako, what the fuck? I thought you’d be at Korra’s or out with her still.” 

   Mako took off his sweatshirt and jeans, and laid down on his own bed. “Yeah, well, so did I. That’s not the point, what happened to putting a damn sock on the door?” 

    Wu sighed. “Right, sorry again. How’d the date go?” 

Mako rolled over so he was facing the wall. “I don’t want to talk about it.” 

  “Alright well….I’m here if you do,” Wu said quietly. 

‘That’s the problem…you’re always THERE.’ 

 With that last lovely thought, Mako closed his eyes and prayed for sleep to come. 

Chapter 7: Chapter 7

Mako was keeping busy. That was all. He definitely was not avoiding Wu. Things had definitely been awkward since the other night. Not just with Wu but with Korra too. They tried to laugh the date off, move forward and act like they normally did but it was definitely still a little strange between the two of them. 

  So, here he was, watching Bolin’s wrestling practice and definitely not avoiding all of his problems. He had his homework to do and there was definitely a lot of it. Most of it was from Professor Beifong, she was really putting them through the ringer. 

   “Nice one Bo!” Kai yelled next to him. 

Mako grinned as Bolin successfully pinned one of his teammates. “You should really work on your homework Kai.” Mako chided him. 

    “Exactly what I’ve been saying.” Jinora looked up from her own work and glared somehow affectionately at her boyfriend. 

      “Hey! I don’t need both of you on my case.” Kai said with a frown. 

“Then do your work.” Jinora said with a sickly sweet smile, before returning back to her own. 

    Kai turned to look at Mako, who shrugged and shook his head. “She’s not wrong. Opal keeps Bolin in line now, so I do have extra energy to nag if you really need it.” 

   Kai turned his horrified look down to his backpack and immediately sta down and pulled out his own work. 

  Opal laughed from Jinora’s other side. “I can see why Bolin turned out so well.” She told Mako happily. 

   Mako paused and glanced back up to where his brother stood, rough housing on the sidelines with one of his teammates. It was true, Mako had done a lot for Bolin, but it wasn’t like he did everything. Bolin was great at wrestling, enough to get a sports scholarship to help pay for college. He was smart too in his own way. Mako may have raised him, but Bolin did plenty on his own too. 

   Mako could remember the long hungry nights. Making sure Bolin ate instead of him, trying to keep him warm in the winter as best he could. Then the gang came along. Despite all the shit Mako ended up having to do…it had all been worth it to see Bolin healthy, happy, and smiling. 

   Jinora glanced up at him from her work. “I haven’t seen Korra hanging around much lately.” She commented. 

 Mako wasn’t exactly sure how to respond. “Er…yeah she’s just been busy I think. I have too.” 

   Jinora nodded, flipping a page on her textbook. “I haven’t seen Wu either, I thought you guys were getting closer. Being friends, you know? Or did something happen?” 

     Mako dropped his gaze back to his notebook. “He’s very…difficult.” He said lamely. 

Jinora rolled her eyes. “We’re talking about Wu, not you Mako.” 

   “Hey!” Mako said offended. 

Jinora shrugged. “Look, all I’m saying is that maybe you’re being too….you about Wu. You make it so difficult to let people in. Hell, it took me months to get you to have a conversation like this with me.” 

   Mako flinched. “I’ve apologized for that before Jinora you know that.” 

 “That’s not my point Mako. I’m fine, my point is you’re always so….guarded. I get it, Kai told me all about how you and Bolin grew up. He didn’t have it easy either. I’m saying…things are better now, you can learn to trust more.” 

    Mako blinked at her. He knew she meant well, he just wished it was that easy. Kai only knew so much about…what he did to get where he was now. 

   “I’ll think about it, Jinora. I promise.” Mako told her quietly. 

Jinora smiled. “That’s all I can ask for.” 

  Mako returned to his homework and tried not too think about Wu and Korra too much. 

It wasn’t working. 

    He decided to deal with the easier problem first. He pulled out his phone and sent a quick message to Korra. ‘ Hey do you want to grab dinner tonight? Haven’t seen much of you the past few days.’ 

   Mako put his phone back in his pocket and waited for a response. As for Wu, well, he lived with the guy so he was sure he would see him sooner rather than later. Hopefully…later rather than sooner. Yeah, that would be better. 

   They had treaded lightly around their shared space like an actual minefield since the other night. If Wu could just keep it in his pants, or even just in literally anyone else’s room it wouldn't be so bad. Mako wasn’t a stranger to sex but really, he lived there too and he would prefer not to constantly run into half naked people. 

   Wu was free to do whoever and whatever he wanted. It was fine, really. 

      Totally fine. 

Mako’s thoughts were interrupted by the coach’s whistle sounding and Bolin clambering up the bleachers toward them. 

   “Hello my adoring fans! Please no autographs!” He said dramatically. 

 Opal laughed. “You’re not an actor silly.” 

   Bolin winked at her. “Maybe in another life.” He leaned down and kissed her before turning back to the rest of them. “Party later tonight? Yes? Kai? Jinora? Mako?” 

   Mako shook his head. “Sorry bro, gotta work tonight and I’m meeting Korra for dinner first.” 

     “Only you could mess up a date and still be friends with the girl after.” Bolin teased him. 

  Opal slapped his shoulder. “Be nice!” 

Bolin rubbed his arm mockingly. “Owww. I just finished practice!” 

   She rolled her eyes at him. “Great, so now you can eat, and do your homework before going to this party. Right?” 

   Bolin looked like he was about to argue, but one look from Opal and he seemed to think better of it. 

   It was a  little scary sometimes how much she could look like her aunt, Mako thought. 

The small group said their goodbyes and Mako headed right for the dining hall. Best to get the awkwardness over with. 

   “Hey stranger!” Korra grinned at him, placing her tray of food down at the table he grabbed. 

Mako smiled back. Korra was just too easy of a person to be around. “Hey yourself.” 

   “So what's up?” Korra asked bluntly, taking a bite of her burger. 

Mako rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly for a moment. “I just wanted to clear the air. I’m sorry if I pressured you into a date and tried to…force something that wasn’t really there. You’re a great friend though so I don’t want to mess that up in any way.” 

   Korra blinked at him and stared. Then she burst out laughing. “Oh is that all? Mako, it's fine . It wasn’t just you trying to force something I swear. I thought hey this is a cool guy, we get along great, why not give it a shot? But I think I was…projecting feelings I have for someone else onto you.” Korra grimaced at him guiltily. 

   Mako shifted in his seat. “Oh, I mean, that’s okay. No hard feelings.” 

‘As if you didn’t try to do the same thing in the past.’ The voice in his head taunted him. 

  Mako ignored it. He was not ready to revisit any of those memories. “So, we’re good?” 

   Korra grinned at him. “I’m good if you are.” 

It was really that simple. Being friends with Korra was probably the easiest thing he’d ever done. 

  Once they finished their food and catching up, Mako decided to head back to his room and take a nap before work later. Hopefully the bar wouldn’t be too crazy. There was a chill in the air as he walked across campus. Fall would be over soon, and winter would be blanketing the city in its brisk grasp. 

  He breathed a sigh of relief when he opened the door to his dorm and found it empty. Wu was off doing…whatever it was Wu did besides classes, work, homework, and pissing Mako off. He threw his bag down by the bed, and then threw himself onto the bed, falling asleep quickly. 

    He fell into a memory almost right away. 

L ips pressed against his in the shadow of an alley. They were hiding, mostly from cops, but from the gang as well. They needed to stay a secret. Neither of them knew what would happen if anyone knew. So the stolen kisses and touches were all they could have. 

   Suddenly, the lips vanished, everything did. Mako was alone. Where did he go? Did someone find out? 

  He began to shout. Over and over again, looking for the lips he used to know so well. 

  “Mako! Hey Mako! Wake up!” 

Mako sat up in bed with a yell, shoving at the person who yelled his name. 

   “Hey! Easy! Get off of me!” 

Wu. It was Wu who had yelled at him. Mako took deep panting breaths, staring around the room wildly. “What happened?” 

  Wu blinked at him, placing his hand over Mako’s. The one still on his chest. “You were having a nightmare. You were shouting for someone.” 

  Mako’s blood turned to ice. “Who? Who was it?” He was panicking. If anyone knew who he had worked for…well, it wouldn’t be easy to explain. 

   “Tahno?” Wu said confusedly. “Who’s that?” 

Mako turned away from Wu’s concerned gaze. “Nobody.” 

Wu sighed. “Okay well, I’m here if you want to…talk about it.” 

   “I don’t want to.” Mako practically snarled at him. 

Wu rolled his eyes. “Fine.” He turned to head back out the door muttering, “I don’t know why I bother.” 

  Mako flinched as the door slammed behind Wu. 

Some things were just too complicated. 

 

Chapter 8: Chapter 8

Mako was practically on autopilot  that night while he worked. The customers obviously didn’t seem to notice it, but Ming-Hua and Ghazan knew him better than that. 

   They were sober as well, that always helps things. 

Between the nightmare and failing to make amends with Wu, he was feeling pretty shitty. Hell, he’d probably made things worse with Wu by biting his head off. 

 Mako sighed, as we wiped out a glass. He was never good at making friends. They just sort of… found him . The gang, Bolin’s friends, and Korra. He never actually went out of his way to make friends. 

  It was easier just to be an ass. 

    “Hey Mako? Are you doing okay? You’ve been quiet tonight. Even for you. It’s a little scary.” Ghazan said, eyeing him warily. 

  Mako shrugged. “I guess? My roommate has been annoying me a lot, I almost messed up a friendship by trying to date my friend Korra, and I’ve always got one eye over my shoulder for Tahno or worse-” 

  “We know who you mean.” Ghazan said nervously, not letting Mako finish. 

Ming-Hua wandered closer to her boyfriend and gave his shoulder a reassuring squeeze. “It sounds like there’s a lot on your plate. If working here is interfering at all-” 

   “No! No, really, it’s fine. The job has been great, school hasn’t been too bad yet…just my personal life is a mess.” Mako said hurriedly. 

    Ghazan laughed. “It never gets any easier, trust me. We’re all former gang members there’s always going to be something nagging in the back of our head.” 

   Ming-Hua gave Mako a sad smile. “Unfortunately, it’s true. Even when we make deals with our former bosses….they don’t always honor their terms. 

  Mako thought back to Tahno sneaking around the other night, and nodded. “Gee, you guys really know how to make a guy feel better.” He said sarcastically. 

   Ming-Hua rolled her eyes. “Who said I was trying to do that?” She said teasingly. 

Mako grinned. “I’ll be alright, I promise.” 

  “You tell us though if you have any problems we can help with Mako, seriously.” She added. 

“Don’t worry, I will.” Mako said, not sure if he was being entirely honest. 

  Some habits never changed. It was still hard to accept help from people, even after all these years. 

  “Hey, I’m sure you and the roommate will come around. You and Tahno hated each other at first, then you two were as thick as thieves.” Ghazan laughed. 

   Mako’s heart skipped a beat in a panic. There was no way they could’ve known….could they? Tahno and Mako had always been careful. Ghazan wasn’t wrong either, Tahno had a way of pissing Mako off. Always had, always will. But then that had turned into…whatever they had been. 

   “Earth to Mako?” Ming-Hua said, waving a hand at him. 

      Mako blinked. “Right. Yeah, maybe I’ll get used to him eventually.” 

He returned to his own thoughts for the rest of his shift. Which, wasn’t really the best idea, considering his head was spinning. There was no way he could feel…. that way about Wu. 

    Right? 

Mako was running out of things to clean and people to serve drinks to. It was an annoyingly slow night. 

   “You can take off if you want.” Ming-Hua said, with a knowing smile. 

Mako scratched the back of his head nervously. “Sorry, I haven’t really been paying attention tonight.” 

  Ming-Hua’s gaze softened. “It’s really okay, Mako. You’re allowed to be a college kid sometimes. You have other things to worry about than this hole in the wall.” 

   Mako grinned at her. “I haven’t been able to be a kid for a long time, you know that.” 

     She rolled her eyes. “So go then. Be a kid. There’s probably some party going on at that campus somewhere.” 

  Mako laughed. “I’d take a good night’s sleep actually.” 

Ghazan groaned loudly. “Boring!” He said jokingly. 

  “Alright, alright, I’m going!” Mako said, holding his hands up in mock surrender. 

     “Have a good night!” Ming-Hua called after him, as Mako headed for the front door. 

Mako wandered the quiet streets of Republic City, back to campus. Well, as quiet as he’d ever known them. He was used to hearing more police sirens, gunshots, and general pandemonium. 

   It’d be pretty bad if all of that was so close to campus he supposed. 

 He remembered the earlier comparison of Wua and Tahno. It wasn’t the exact same thing, to be fair. Sure, he did feel a need to make sure Wu was safe, but god damn could the guy get under his nerves. 

   ‘So did Tahno though.’ His brain whispered to him quietly. 

Mako groaned quietly as he walked through campus. “It’s not the same, I don’t even like the guy like…that.” He muttered to himself. 

   Maybe the more he said it, the more real it would be. That’s how that worked right? 

Mako paused outside the door to his dorm. He had taken to listening outside the room before walking in, since Wu still wasn’t getting the whole ‘sock on the door’ concept. It was late, almost three in the morning, and Mako didn’t hear anything coming from inside. 

   Maybe the room would be his for the night. Wouldn’t that be a nice change? 

Mako closed the door quietly behind him, expecting Wu to be asleep if he was in the room. But, the lamp on Wu’s night stand was on, the only light that was on in the room, and he was just…laying there. Wrapped up in a cocoon of blankets. 

   “Wu?” Mako asked cautiously, “Are you okay?” 

Wu didn’t say anything, he just laid there on his side, staring blankly at the wall he was facing. 

 “Wu?!” Mako walked quickly over to the bed and knelt down in front of Wu’s face. 

  The blank expression blinked slowly at him. “Mako?” He asked tiredly. 

He was freaking Mako out. Normally, Wu was bouncing around doing three things at once, a literal ball of energy. This was….scary. 

   “Yeah it’s me.” Mako said quietly, searching Wu’s face for any sign of emotion . “What’s going on why are you…?” 

    Acting like someone died? 

Being a robot? 

There was no easy way to ask that. 

   Wu sighed and shrugged at him. “Just…too much going through my head. I took one of my medicines.” 

   Medicine? How had Mako not noticed his roommate took medication? More than one apparently. 

   ‘You were too busy avoiding him, that’s why.’ The voice in his head said mockingly. 

“Alright, that’s…fine. You didn’t take too much did you?” Mako asked as calmly as possible. 

   Wu shook his head. “No, this is just what it does. It…focuses me, makes everything go quiet for a little while.” 

   Mako pulled up a desk chair, and sat down right by Wu’s bedside. “Anything I can do to help?” 

  Wu blinked at him, his green eyes dull. “No, I just want to sleep. Tired.” 

     Mako’s eyes widened in alarm. “Can you…is it safe to sleep while you’re like this?” 

  Wu nodded, yawning. “I’ll be okay when I wake up Mako. I promise.” Wu said tiredly, before rolling over and facing away from Mako. 

    As reassuring as that sounded, Mako wasn’t going to believe him. 

Not bothering to turn off the light, Mako sat as close to the bed as he could, rested his head on the edge of the bed, and made sure Wu was still breathing. 

   He kept watch for as long as he could, before dozing off into a fitful sleep. 

    

   

   

Chapter 9: Chapter 9

Mako was woken up in quite possibly the worst way possible. He nearly fell out of the chair he was in, as music blared to life in his and Wu’s room. 

  “Rise and shine Mako!” Wu yelled cheerfully over the music. 

Mako groaned, lifting his head off of Wu’s bed, swiping away drool hastily. His neck and back were killing him, he’d slept terribly because of Wu and this was how he decided to wake him up? 

   “What the fuck Wu?!” Mako yelled, standing up abruptly, trying to ignore the pain in his neck. 

Wu just blinked at him, stunned into stillness, holding a fidget spinner and a notebook in each hand. 

   “Uh…good morning? How are you?” Wu smiled nervously at him, hastily pausing the music. 

Mako took a few steps forward, trying to temper his frustration. “How am I?” Mako roared at him. 

  Maybe he didn’t try hard enough to be calm but at the moment, he didn’t care. 

“You were…you were a completely different person last night Wu! Don’t you remember?! I was worried sick about you! Did you not get that idea by me literally passing out next to your bed?!” 

Wu, the asshole, just blinked back at him. “You drool when you sleep.” 

   Mako was able to take a very deep, very controlled, breath. “That is not the point.” He said through gritted teeth. 

  Wu sighed. “Look, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you. I did tell you that I would be okay and here I am. Totally fine. Like I said I would be. I didn’t realize you cared so much.” 

  Mako blinked, taking a step back. The truth was, Mako hadn’t realized that he cared either. 

    “What happened? Why were you…not you?” Mako asked, finally calm. 

Wu looked away from him and started to play with the fidget spinner. “Sometimes things can be a lot. I have trouble focusing on a good day but, add that with my own brain thinking all the time, about anything and everything. It can be a lot. So…I have medications to help with all of it.” 

  Mako blinked, and tried not to feel too much like an asshole for yelling at Wu. “So…you’ve got what ADHD?” 

  Wu laughed ruefully. “Yeah, amongst…other things.” 

     Mako didn’t want to push his luck. Wu clearly didn’t want to share much more about his mental health. Mako didn’t blame him. Hell, Mako probably needed to see a therapist or be on some meds for all the shit he’d seen and done. The nightmares were probably a sign that he wasn’t exactly the most mentally sound human being. 

  “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to yell at you. You were worrying me last night, Wu. You were all…not you. Scared me a little bit.” It was Mako’s turn to avoid eye contact. 

Wu laughed quietly. “Do you make it a habit of watching over people while they sleep?” 

  Mako rolled his eyes. “If they’re freaking me out, yes. Still waiting for a thank you. Or an apology.” 

  Wu grinned at him. “I’m sorry for scaring you. I’ll warn you next time whenever things are too much for me if I can. Okay?” 

  Mako nodded. “Deal. I’m sorry too for being an ass.” 

Wu laughed. “Is that an apology just for this morning or as like, a whole for every time before including today?” 

  Mako grinned at him, starting to laugh despite the pain in his neck and the revelation Wu just dropped on him. “I guess I deserved that. To answer, I’d say yes for every time before now, and this morning.” 

  Wu smiled back at him. “Can I…hug you?” 

    Mako raised his eyebrows. “Uh…” 

Wu laughed before shoving Mako playfully. “I was just kidding. I don’t think we’re there yet.” 

  Mako laughed as well, trying to ignore whatever the feeling in his stomach was. “Do you want to grab breakfast?” 

  Wu looked at him, surprised. “Uh..yeah sure. I know a place if that works for you?” 

Mako shrugged. “Yeah, just let me shower and get ready. Anything works for me.” 

   “I’ll be right here.” Wu said, turning the music back on and decreasing the volume. 

Mako rolled his eyes and headed to the bathroom. He focused on the conversation earlier while he showered. There was more to Wu that met the eye. He was usually happy and chipper, annoyingly so. But, he had mentioned that the ADHD was only part of it. Was all of that cheerfulness because of the ADHD? 

  Mako shook his head, the hot water relaxing his sore muscles from his night in the desk chair. He tried not to dwell on Wu, and instead focused on the idea that they were actually willingly hanging out. He wondered how that was going to go. Mako got dressed and headed back to meet Wu in their room. 

   “Hey! Ready to go?” Wu smiled at him. 

Mako found himself grinning back. Why did he feel so nervous? “Yeah where are we going?” 

  Wu led the way out of their room and outside. “You’ll see.” 

     Mako raised an eyebrow as they walked across campus. “That sounds like you’re planning to kill me.” 

   Wu laughed, his green eyes lighting up like they always did. “Nobody ever try to surprise you before?” 

  Mako huffed indignantly. “I was kidding .” 

   Wu looked surprised. “Oh that was a joke? You do jokes now?” 

Mako grinned at him. “I can do jokes, yeah.” 

  They continued off campus, joking around and teasing each other until they finally reached a small building that smelled delicious. 

  “Here we are.” Wu said, leading the way into the restaurant. 

Mako blinked, looking at the sign. “ Upper Ring Cafe ? Don’t you work here?” 

   Wu shook his head. “No, not this one. This one is more of a restaurant than a coffee shop too. It’s all a chain, different types of restaurants, small cafes, dinner type places.” 

  Mako raised his eyebrows as they took their seats. “That’s…wow I didn’t realize it was all that.” 

    “Yeah, well, it helps that my parents built all of them.” Wu shrugged. “Know what you want to eat?” 

  Mako stared at him for a full minute, before standing abruptly and heading back out the door. 

Chapter 10: Chapter 10

“Mako! What the fuck?!” Wu yelled, following a little bit behind Mako, grabbing his arm to try and spin him towards him. 

  Mako shook him off, pretending not to hear him. He didn’t want to deal with any of the emotions running through him. 

   “You’re so god damn annoying you know that?! What is it Mako huh? What did I do or not do to piss you off now ?” Wu shoved him this time, making Mako stumble. 

   He wasn’t making this easy to ignore. 

Mako spun around, causing Wu to crash into his chest. Mako didn’t help him as Wu righted himself, and took a few steps away from Mako and his furious glare. 

  “ I’m annoying?! That’s hilarious coming from you. You’re not exactly the easiest person to live with!” 

  Wu huffed indignantly and rolled his eyes. “I don’t think that’s what has you running out of the restaurant. What’s really the problem, Mako?” 

  Mako didn’t answer for a  few moments because it wasn’t just that, it was a whole host of things, but right now… 

   “I didn’t realize your parents were super rich. I mean sure, I assumed that. You did seem like a spoiled brat but I wasn’t sure if you really were one but now after bringing me to mommy and daddy’s fucking food empire?! I guess it’s confirmed.” 

  Wu glared back at him, green eyes full of contempt. “So? Why does it matter who my parents are and what they do? I’m not them, trust me.” 

  Mako laughed harshly. “I’m sure it was really hard, growing up in what I’m guessing was a huge house, where you could do whatever you want, whenever you want, not having to worry about any-” 

   Mako broke off, surprised, as Wu shoved him as hard as he could, making Mako land flat on his ass on the sidewalk. “What the hell?!” 

   “You think you know everything about me, don’t you? Hell, you’ve got the worst superiority complex I’ve ever seen on anyone, and as you pointed out, I grew up with my parents so that really is saying something Mako. You don’t know anything about me . So fuck you, go buy your own lunch somewhere else.” 

  Mako blinked, stunned, as Wu spun around and walked back down the sidewalk, away from him. He wasn’t sure he’d ever heard Wu yell like that before. “Wu, wait!” Mako called, scrambling up off the sidewalk. 

   Unsurprisingly, Wu did not stop, or  even look back. He kept on walking down the sidewalk, weaving between the other people. Mako followed suit, shame and annoyance filling him. 

   “Hey, just wait please.” Mako said, grabbing Wu’s wrist, forcing him to stop. 

Wu sighed, turning to face him. “Mako, if you want to keep arguing I don’t think I have it in me right now.” 

   Mako shook his head, “No, I don’t want to argue right now. I want to go to lunch. Just…not here.” 

  Wu laughed humorlessly, trying to shake his arm free. “I think you’ve made it clear about that, but I really don’t want to eat with yo-” 

   “No I meant…” Mako sighed, “I don’t mean it like that. I just need to show you where I used to love to go to eat, and it’ll make sense why I sort of-” 

   “Treated me like shit? Acted like a dick?” Wu interrupted him, raising an eyebrow at him. 

Mako laughed, relieved. “Sure, yes, now come on we’ve got to catch the subway.” 

  Mako thought Wu’s eyes were going to fall out of his head, he looked so surprised. “The subway?!” 

  Mako dragged Wu behind him, heading up the street towards the subway entrance. “Yes, the subway, your highness. It’s not that bad I promise.” 

   Mako hoped this plan wouldn’t backfire on him. 

~~//~~~

 

“Why can’t you just tell me where we’re going, or about your life before school? Wouldn’t that be easier?” Wu asked, obviously uncomfortable as he followed Mako down the sidewalk. 

   “You’ll be fine, besides this place has the best hot dogs in the whole city.” Mako replied with a grin. 

  “If you say so.” Wu grumbled, eyes still darting around nervously. 

They stopped at the hole in the wall burger and hot dog place that Mako and Bolin had often, well, stolen from, when they were younger. Until the owner caught them and Mako was able to secure a job there for Bolin. Begged, maybe, but he sure as hell wasn’t going to let Bolin join up with him and the gang. 

   “Wow, this is surprisingly good.” Wu said, taking a bite out of his hot dog. 

They had walked over to the nearby park, and sat on the empty bench to eat their food. Mako remembered huddling up under a bridge in the same park when he and Bolin were younger. Maybe coming back here wasn’t the best idea. Anyone from the gang could be around, and if they spotted him here…it wouldn’t be good. 

   “Don’t judge a book by its cover…like I did with you earlier. I’m sorry.” Mako told Wu, before shoveling fries into his mouth. 

   Wu sighed, “It’s fine Mako, I can see why you think I’m some spoiled brat. I can’t believe you grew up here. Do your parents live nearby?” 

   Mako flinched, an old reflex whenever anyone brought up his parents. “Not…exactly no. It was just Bolin and I…we stayed wherever we could. Actually, Bolin used to work where we just got these. We stole from Pabu’s Good Eats a lot and it was a way for him to make up for it.” 

  Wu blinked, surprised. “Oh, wow, I’m…sorry?” 

Mako shrugged, “Don’t worry about it, we made out okay.” 

   “Look, my parents are crazy rich but, we never really felt like a family. I didn’t have a brother like you, it was just me and they always have a certain way they want me to act, be, what my life is going to be like.” 

  “And yet they let you just go off to college without deciding a major? That doesn’t add up.” Mako said, his eyebrow raised skeptically. 

  Wu laughed, shaking his head. “Yeah, well, they think I’m studying business. What they don’t know won’t kill them.” 

  “Or maybe it will.” Mako joked, darkly. 

Wu laughed, surprising the both of them. “One can only hope.” 

  Mako snorted, taking a sip of his soda. This was nice, weirdly. Their argument from earlier seemingly forgotten. Maybe Wu wasn’t so bad after all. 

Mako looked around the park, trying not to think about how often he had slept there, when he noticed a familiar car stop on the road nearby. 

  “Get up.” Mako told Wu, sharply, already standing. 

Wu looked at him confusedly, “What, why?” 

   “We need to leave, let’s go.” Mako barked commandingly. 

Wu stood, but it was too late. 

Tahno was already strolling across the park towards them, grinning like he had won a very special prize. 

Chapter 11: Chapter 11

“Mako, who is that?” Wu asked. 

Mako could barely hear him over the ringing in his ears. He was frozen, standing as if ready to run, but his legs weren’t working. 

  “Aw, your little friend here doesn’t know about me?” Tahno said teasingly as he approached. 

Wu surprised both of them. “No, I don’t. I think there’s a good reason for that too,” He replied coolly. 

  Mako blinked, Wu’s calm confident tone bringing him back to reality. “We were just leaving, this was a mistake.” 

  Tahno laughed, “I like this guy. I can see why you do too,” He winked at Mako. 

Mako glared at him. “I don’t- Not like…Shut up,” He growled at Tahno. 

   Tahno laughed, stepping even closer to Mako. “Still a little touchy about all of that aren’t we?” 

      “Okay, well like Mako said, we were getting ready to go. It was nice to meet you….” Wu paused, waiting for Tahno to supply his name. 

   “Tahno, and it was nice to meet you . Mako, head out of here and I might not tell the boss I saw you. I can’t imagine you want your friend here to get mixed up with him.” Tahno was practically leering at Wu. 

  Mako tried to step in front of him, to shield him from the physical manifestation of Mako’s past, but Wu wasn’t having it. 

  He huffed, stepping around Mako. “I can deal with a lot, but thanks for your concern. We’re leaving.” He turned around, grabbed Mako’s arm and practically dragged Mako away. 

  Mako stumbled, mouth opened, stunned as he followed Wu out of the park. 

“Say Hi to Bolin for me!” Tahno called after them. 

  Mako’s blood turned to ice. Tahno always knew how to scare him if needed. 

 “Don’t,” Wu muttered. He didn’t even look back at Mako, it was like he knew what he was thinking about doing. 

  Mako shook his hand out of Wu’s grasp. “I’m fine!” He said stubbornly. 

   Wu ignored him, leading the way back to the subway. “You wanna explain some of that to me or are you going to pretend that nothing weird happened back there? Because I’m not.” 

    Mako sighed, wearily, the weight of the past threatening to crush him. “It’s a lot to explain Wu.” 

  “Give me the bullet points then Mako, because I do not have the energy for more of your bullshit. I know a threat when I hear one.” Wu grumbled, taking a seat on the subway. 

  Mako sat next to him. He figured this would make it easier to talk to Wu, as opposed to sitting across from him. He wouldn’t have to look Wu directly in the eye. 

  “Alright. This isn’t…easy for me to talk about I-” 

Wu interrupted him, sounding annoyed. “Mako, I don’t care if you’re gay or bi or whatever. That much is obvious. I’m more worried about the guy who is clearly a gang member threatening the two of us. How do you know him?” 

   Mako sat in silence for a few moments, stunned. “I’m not…I’m…I don’t what?” 

Wu raised an eyebrow at him. “You’re kidding right? There’s obviously history between you and him. Again, not the point Mako. I don’t care about who you sleep with. I’m pan, if you were wondering. I like the person, that’s what’s important to me. So, explain the more important shit to me.” 

    Mako stared at the floor. No one had ever talked to him about…. that . He had messed around with Tahno more out of convenience, not any real need or want …right? He shook his head, trying to focus. Again, he missed the mark. “So you’re…bi? I guess that makes sense.” Mako said dumbly, remembering the two very different people he’d caught with Wu in their room. 

   Wu smacked his arm firmly. “Mako! First of all, I’m pansexual not bisexual, there is a difference, contrary to most people’s belief. I don’t care about people’s gender, like I said. Bisexuality is a little different than that. That doesn’t make my identity less important. Secondly, now that we’ve established that I know my identity and you’re…clearly in denial, I need you to tell me more about how you grew up and if we’re in danger.” 

  Mako sighed, bracing himself. “Alright, yes I was in a gang most of my life. I didn’t have any other family besides my parents. After they died…I had to do something. I wasn’t going to let Bolin and I be split up. I basically raised him.” 

   “Mako…” Wu started, his voice quiet. 

“Let me finish. Please,” Mako said, eerily calm. “This isn’t easy to talk about. I don’t know the last time I even…told anyone. I worked for a gang when I was only eleven years old. Just small things, but as I got older I had to get more…involved. I made a deal, Wu. I’m not supposed to be on their side of town, and they’re not supposed to be on mine. Mine being near the college now I guess. It was a hard life, but it was my life. It’s a big reason why I’m studying criminal justice. I want to try being on the other side of the law for once.” 

   Wu was quiet after Mako finished. It was possibly the longest few minutes Mako had ever experienced. It felt more like three years. 

  “I’m…so sorry you had to do all of that Mako. That must’ve been really difficult for you and Bolin. It must’ve been…lonely.” Wu said sympathetically, placing his hand on Mako’s shoulder. 

   Mako tensed, not because of what Wu was doing, but more what he had said. “Yeah it was…until Tahno. You might’ve been right about me. I’m definitely not…straight.” 

  Mako looked Wu directly in the eye when he said it, looking at his bright green eyes, the smile lines on his face…how was he always so happy? He realized he was staring at Wu, and thought privately that yes, Wu was right. 

  Mako was something, but it wasn’t straight. How come it had taken him this long to realize it? Memories were flooding his mind, stolen kisses in the shadows, sharing a bed strong hands holding his own…

  “Mako? Are you okay?” Wu’s voice brought him back to the present. Wu was standing, heading for the subway door. 

   Mako cleared his throat. “Yeah, yeah, I’m okay, let’s head back to campus.” 

Mako followed Wu out of the subway, wondering when his life had gotten even more complicated. 

Chapter 12: Chapter 12

“Have you actually been working or are you just getting lost in your head?” Korra asked him, bringing Mako back to reality. 

  “What?” He replied dumbly, looking up from the textbook he’d been trying to read since he’d gotten to the library. 

  “I guess I was right,” Korra said, pushing her own books aside. “You’re usually so focused, what’s going on with you?” 

  Mako sat back in his chair with a frustrated sigh. “I’m not sure…Wu and I had a pretty stressful day a few days ago and it's got me thinking about a lot of things.” 

“Well, come on, talk to me because if you don’t then neither of us are going to get any work done. What happened?” Korra leaned forward, elbows on the table, blue eyes sparking eagerly. 

   “I’m not good at the whole talking thing so you’ll have to bear with me,” Mako told her, shifting nervously in his seat. 

   Korra lagged, “You? Not good at communicating? I’m surprised,” Korra said sarcastically. 

    Mako rolled his eyes, “Ha-Ha, so funny.” 

“I’m here for you though, whatever it is okay?” Korra added sympathetically. 

   Mako nodded, taking a moment to gather his thoughts. “Okay, Wu and I were fighting as usual. It was stupid really, mostly about how different we were raised and he suggested that I tell him more about myself. So, to do that, I showed him around where I grew up. It was a stupid idea for…a lot of reasons. Anyway, it made me think more about myself, and my life. I think I might be…bi? Gay? I don’t know I’m not straight, that’s for sure. It’s given me a lot to think about, and you can’t tell anybody okay? I;m not ready to…tell a lot of people.” 

   Korra just stared at him for a moment. Then, she surprised Mako by practically jumping over the table to hug him. “What are you..?” 

   “Mako you idiot! I’m giving you a hug because I like you and care about you. I don’t care what you plan to identify as, I’m still your friend okay?” She told him fiercely, holding him tight. 

   “Oh wow, um…thanks? It doesn’t have to be a big deal or anything. I think I sort of always knew? I think that I’ve been repressing it maybe? Not just that but maybe a lot more too.” Mako mumbled against her shoulder. 

     “It’s okay, Mako. You don’t have to hide any part of you okay? It doesn’t matter to me and I highly doubt it matters to anyone else that cares about you,” Korra said, releasing him from her grip finally. 

   “I think you’re right but I’m still not ready for all of that,” Mako told her, cracking his knuckles nervously. “Thanks though,” He added, smiling at Korra as she returned to her seat. 

    “You’re welcome, besides I’m an out and proud bisexual, Mako. I can show you the ropes of coming out and everything if you need,” Korra winked at him and laughed. 

    Mako stared at her, surprised. “Oh! I didn’t…didn’t realize that I guess, thanks for sharing?” Mako laughed softly, “I didn’t realize how many people weren’t straight I guess.” 

   Korra snorted, “It’s a big gay world Mako. Hey, did you talk to Wu about any of this? I’m pretty sure he’s bi too from what you’ve told me.” 

  Mako sighed, “He’s pan actually. I’m still wrapping my head around all the different identities. I didn’t realize it had all gotten so complicated. But, he’s actually the one who helped me realize this about myself.” 

 Korra raised an eyebrow at him. “Oh? I see Wu helped you out with this. That’s all? Are you sure Wu just being Wu didn’t help you come to this conclusion yourself?” 

  Mako looked at her, confused. “I’m not sure what you mean.” 

   Korra grinned at him. “Right, sure, of course you don’t. Mako, are you sure Wu has nothing to do with this new realization?” 

  Mako stared at her for a moment, before he caught on to what she meant. “What? No! He’s just…” 

  Just what? A friend? They weren’t exactly there yet. Mako didn’t really hate him anymore either. Things were certainly going in a better direction but that didn’t mean he…did it? 

   “He’s just my roommate,” Mako finished lamely. 

Korra blinked at him like he grew three heads. “Sure…that’s all, whatever you say.” 

   “You don’t believe me?” He asked her curiously. 

  Korra sighed, “I believe that the Nile is not just a river in Egypt.” 

      Mako scoffed, “I do not like Wu that way. I’m fine with being his roommate and his friend, that's all. Besides, I seem to recall you caring about a  certain friend of yours quite a bit one night at a bar.” 

   Korra’s eyes narrowed and she crossed her arms. “Asami was clearly very drunk, I was making sure she got home safe.” 

   Mako grinned victoriously. “What was that you said about Egypt?” 

    Korra rolled her eyes, but she was smiling now too. 

Mako thought things were going to be okay. He still had his friends even if he was a little…different. 

 

~~~//~~~

 

Mako and Korra departed the library a couple hours later, returning to their respective dorms. Mako was feeling hungry, and checked his phone to see if he had time for a quick meal before his shift at the bar later. He was surprised to find a text from Wu. 

    ‘Want to grab dinner with me? You have work tonight right?’ 

Mako found himself grinning stupidly down at his phone, a warm feeling in his stomach. 

  He stopped walking and stood there, dumbly, on the walkway on campus for a moment. 

    Crap. 

Korra may have been on to something with what she had said earlier. 

   ‘Sure, dinner sounds great. Meet me at the dining hall?’ 

Before Mako could click his phone off, another text message came in. He didn’t have the person in his contacts. 

    ‘Come to the bar now. The boss wants to have a meeting with all of his old friends.’ 

Mako froze again on the walkway. He shook off his darkest thoughts, and ran as fast as he could across campus and out into the city. 

   

   

Chapter 13: Chapter 13

Mako wasn’t sure what he was expecting when he got to the bar. A hostage situation, Ming-Hua and Ghazan’s dead bodies already on the floor. The scene that he saw once arrived was neither of these things. If anything it was more bizarre. 

  “I’m here! Don’t fucking do anything to-” Mako broke off, his voice adding to the odd silence in the empty bar. 

  “Nice of you to join us, Mako.” Tahno sat at the bar, drink in hand and a mischievous smirk on his face. It made Mako’s stomach tighten with anxiety. He knew that look, whatever the plan was, it wasn’t good. 

  Mako turned towards one of the booths and his blood ran cold. On one side of the table sat Ming-Hua and Ghazan, who both looked like they would rather be literally anywhere else in the world. On the opposite side sat his old boss, the man who ran the city’s underground, and kept it in check. 

  Amon. 

“Well well, if it isn’t my favorite hard worker. It’s been too long since I’ve seen you,” Amon mused, his voice still silky smooth. 

  Mako walked over hesitantly, trying to ignore the old feeling of appreciation. He was used to Amon being impressed with him, some things weren’t so easy to forget. “It has been a while hasn’t it?” Mako said, hoping he sounded calmer than he felt. 

   “What’s this I hear about you being back on my side of town? I thought part of the deal was that you stay over here, and I stay over there.” Amon’s tone was icy, any of the false friendliness was missing now. 

 Mako turned to glare at Tahno, who merely sipped his drink, glee clearly visible in his eyes. “I didn’t realize your errand boy was such a snitch.” He grabbed a spare chair and sat at the end of the table, between Amon and his friends. Ming-Hua and Ghazan were being uncharacteristically quiet. He didn’t blame them, it was best to let Amon talk and only answer when necessary. However, Mako wasn’t in the mood for his old politics and games. He wanted to get to the point and find out as much as he could, as carefully as possible. 

  Amon’s face flickered with annoyance, but only for a moment. “You’re being evasive. This isn’t a wise move Mako, you know the things I could have done to you.” 

  Mako stared back at him evenly, before shrugging. “I’m not sure there’s much else you could do to me, you’d be continuing to violate our deal. No bringing me back into the loop, no more doing jobs for you, you stay away from me and my side of the town.” 

   Amon leaned back into the booth comfortably. “Ah that is true I suppose, but that deal doesn’t extend to your brother does it? Not entirely anyway. I hear you have some new friends as well, they can’t be too hard to track down. After all, I hear your roommate is quite the brave idiot.” 

   Mako wasn’t sure if he was breathing. Reality seemed to shift once Amon said that. He knew he wasn’t above hurting others to make a point. “Alright, what do you want?” 

  Amon smiled, though there was no joy, only cruel calculated determination. “Simple. I want you to keep your side of the bargain, you don’t need to be over on my side of the tracks so to speak, stay out of my business. In return, I don’t harm or kill your friends and family. Remember, I have eyes everywhere. I’ll know if you come back to any more old haunts, as it were.” 

   Mako raised his eyebrow, wondering what the catch was. “I can do that. I suppose you’ll keep our old deal then, since that’s all you're asking of me.” 

  Amon laughed and he actually sounded amused. “I don’t think so. I think that since you so flagrantly violated the terms of our last deal that this time it should be my turn. I think some of my guys may enjoy the finer things on this side of the city. Besides, three of my best former gang members are here living it up, why shouldn’t the rest? No, Mako, I think that I can go wherever I want.” 

    Panic seized Mako’s body, and yet he had to remain still, calm, and collected. He couldn’t show any fear. What choice did he have? It was either accept the terms of the deal or wait and see how Amon decided to make his life more of a hellscape. “That…seems fair,” Mako choked out. Amon had that effect on people. With just a few sentences it was like he was forcing you to physically submit to him. Mako often wondered how good of a lawyer or politician Amon could’ve been had he chosen that route. 

  Amon smiled. “Good, then I think we’re done here. Tahno, let’s get going. Lovely to see you all again.” 

  Just like that, Amon stood and headed out the back way of the bar, Tahno following not far behind him like a loyal dog. Mako glared at him as Tahno turned and waved sarcastically at the three of them. “See you around, Mako,” He added with a wink. 

  Mako flipped him off, before turning to Ghazan and Ming-Hua’s pale faces. “I’m so sorry, I wasn’t thinking and I ran into Tahno while I was over there and I should've known he would've-” 

  Mako stopped talking as he watched Ghazan get up without a word to either of them, his face a mask of misery and anger. He began setting stools and chairs down, preparing to open in a couple of hours. 

  “It’s…not your fault Mako. Amon would’ve done something like this eventually, he just needed a reason,” Ming-Hua said quietly, giving him a sympathetic smile. 

   Mako felt a stab of guilt. “But I was the reason. I made a stupid mistake. He should be punishing me, not you two too. You guys have built something great for yourselves and he’s going to try to ruin it. It’s not fair .” 

   Ming-Hua shrugged, before sliding out of the booth. “It is what it is Mako. Besides, we all know how to handle Amon, maybe he’ll get bored over here. It’s a lot quieter than what he’s used to.” 

  Mako wasn’t so sure of that. Amon may do the opposite and decide to ‘liven things up’ on this side of town. 

   “Come on, since you’re here you might as well take some extra hours,” Ming-Hua said, before leading the way to the back room. 

   Mako blinked, surprised. “I’m…not fired?” 

She rolled her eyes, “No, you idiot, you’re not. Ghazan will get over it. He needs to face the new reality that’s all. You’re like family to us kid, we wouldn’t do that to you. Even if at the moment, that’s all Ghazan is probably thinking of doing. It’ll pass.” She smiled at Mako softly. 

  Mako felt his own smile start to form. It was nice to know that he still had his friends. 

    Shit, his friends. He was supposed to meet up with Wu for dinner earlier. Mako pulled out his phone and sent Wu a quick text. 

   ‘ Hey, sorry about earlier, something came up. Can I make it up to you with some free drinks?’ 

After a few moments, Wu replied: ‘Free drinks are the way to my heart and an acceptable apology so sure, why not? I’ll see you later.’ 

  Mako smiled and relaxed. He hadn’t realized how worried he’d been about Wu until just then. He had some explaining to do. He needed to warn Wu. Hell, not just Wu but probably everyone. 

   Heaving a sigh, Mako began typing out multiple messages to Bolin, Korra, and his other friends. 

  It was going to  be a long fucking night. 

 

Chapter 14: Chapter 14

“What do you mean Amon was here?! What did he do?!” Bolin asked, alarmed. 

    “Amon? Is that your old ‘boss’ that Tahno was talking about the other day?” Wu asked, curiously, eyebrows furrowed. 

   “You met Tahno?! When? How?!” Bolin’s eyes darted from Mako over to Wu, who sat across from him in the booth. 

   “Give him a minute Bo,” Opal told him softly, giving Mako a sympathetic glance. 

Korra, Kai, Jinora, and Asami all sat there quietly, looking completely bewildered. 

   “I’m sorry but, what the actual fuck is happening?” Korra asked bluntly, taking a sip of her drink. 

  Mako sighed, wishing he was allowed to drink on the job. But, he’d better not push his luck with Ghazan. He still hadn’t said a word to Mako for his entire shift so far. “Yes, he was here. He…changed the arrangement of our deal.” 

    “Why would he do that?! You’ve kept up your end of the deal, haven’t you?” Bolin still looked panicked, despite Opal’s soothing tones. 

   “Deal? What kind of deal did you make with your old boss? Why did you need a deal? What kind of job did you used to have?” Asami asked, looking concerned. 

   Bolin finally stopped looking at him, only to look down at the table worriedly. Wu wasn’t offering any insight either, leaving Mako to explain everything. 

   “I didn’t exactly work a…normal job growing up,” Mako began, eyeing Asami warily. He knew her family was well off and wouldn’t have had to worry about the things he had to worry about so soon in his youth. 

  “Okay…so what did you do?” Asami asked, trying to get to the point. 

Everyone but her seemed to want to leave it there, but her bright green eyes were focused on him so intently he felt like he was under a microscope. 

   “Asami if Mako doesn’t want to talk about it then-” Korra started, but Asami cut her off. 

“I think he needs to explain a few things. He can’t just expect everyone to drop everything because he said so and then not give us an explanation,” Asami’s voice was firm, but not mean. 

  “You’re right, just give me a minute okay?” Mako asked her, meeting her gaze evenly. 

Korra was looking at him curiously, Jinora, Opal and Kai sympathetically, and Wu and Bolin looked like they wished they could stop him from saying anything. Mako was grateful for that, but he needed to explain on his own. 

      “I needed a way to make sure Bolin and I were taken care of when we were kids. After our parents died, we didn’t have anyone else. It was my responsibility to make sure my little brother was safe.” 

  “Mako…” Bolin began, his voice quiet. “I could’ve helped, you just never let me.” 

“You were just a kid Bolin, it wasn’t your job to do anything.” Mako said, the old argument easily rising to the surface. 

  “And what were you exactly?” Bolin snapped back at him. 

Mako glared at him, “I was the oldest, it was my job to take care of you and I think I did a pretty good job. I am not having this same old argument again. Got it?” Mako grumbled at him. 

   “Whatever,” Bolin said with a huff, crossing his arms stubbornly. 

“Anyway,” Mako began again. “I got a job that was…off the books, you could say. It was small stuff at first, running errands, doing some numbers, and in return we got a warm place to sleep at night and some meals. Bolin was free to get an education safely and we didn’t always have to sleep on the streets.” 

   “Your boss though this Amon? I’m guessing he wasn’t running a regular business.” Asami said, her voice soft, looking at him sympathetically. 

   Mako laughed harshly, “You could say that, yeah. He’s basically running the criminal underground of this city. I used to help him with… a lot of things. But, once Bolin got into college I was finally able to look at my life and think about some things I might want. So, I made a deal. I stay away from my old neighborhood and he stays out of my new one. Until-” 

   “Until you brought me there the other day,” Wu whispered, stunned. “Why would you risk doing that?” 

  Mako opened his mouth to respond but Bolin beat him to it. 

   “This is your fault?!” Bolin laughed humorlessly, turning his gaze on Mako. “Why would you even do something like that? For him? Why? You don’t even like him! What the hell, Mako?!” 

    Korra jumped in on his behalf. “Hey! Wu is his roommate. I'm sure they got turned around or something and ended up there by accident while they were hanging out! This isn’t anyone’s fault okay?” 

  Bolin rolled eyes, unconvinced. “My brother knows the city better than most. There’s no way he was there by accident .” 

    Mako stared down at the table, not trusting himself to speak. Bolin knew him too well. 

“We’re getting off track I think,” Jinora said. “Why is he suddenly a threat now? All because you happened to be where you weren’t supposed to? That seems extreme.” 

   Mako looked back up at the assembled group. “He changed the deal. Since I broke my end, he said it was null and void. He can come over here now. Expand his little empire if he wanted. He could get near…well, all of you.” 

   Asami raised an eyebrow. “I’d like to see him try,” She said firmly. 

      Mako almost smiled. Asami wasn’t the princess he thought she was. “I’m hoping he doesn’t but…he’s got eyes everywhere. He’s good at hiding, otherwise the cops would’ve found him by now.” 

   The grim silence that followed was deafening. 

“I’m out of here, I suggest everyone keep an eye out for strange things and don’t go anywhere alone. Thanks a lot bro.” Bolin stood and tossed the last part over his shoulder. 

  Opal mouthed an I’m sorry at everyone as she followed him out of the bar. 

Mako watched as everyone gave him nervous glances and soft goodbyes as they slowly filed out of the bar, trying to make sense of the bomb he had dropped on their lives. 

  It was just him and Wu, and Mako was waiting for him to say something, anything at all. 

    “You shouldn’t have done that, Mako. You should've just told me about your life growing up you didn’t have to-” 

  “Yes, I did Wu. I needed to show you, because I care too much about you to just tell you about it.” Mako said stubbornly, hardly thinking. 

   Wu blinked at him in surprise. “You…care about me?” He asked, stunned. 

 Mako was going to respond or at least try to take it back, but before he could another voice spoke from behind him. 

   “Aw, and I thought what we had was special,” Tahno said drily. 

Mako turned to glare at him, “You’ve gotta be fucking kidding me,” He growled. 

  His life was already getting worse. 

Chapter 15: Chapter 15

Tahno grinned at Mako teasingly. Did he always look so arrogant? 

  No, Mako could remember many nights where the two of them had hidden themselves away and Mako had to reassure and comfort Tahno. Some nights had been worse than others, maybe Amon had been in a mood and took it out on the crew, or the two of them had had to do something especially bad. Tahno would be a mess, sobbing quietly into Mako’s shoulder while he talked to him in comforting tones and rubbed soothing circles on his back. 

   He certainly didn’t need that now. 

   “Why that’s no way to greet an old friend, Mako. Besides, we’ll be seeing a lot of each other now that you went and screwed yourself over with Amon.” Tahno laughed, taking the vacant seat opposite of Wu. “Hello handsome, how’s it going?” 

   Wu glared at him, his green eyes filled with irritation. It wasn’t an expression Mako was used to seeing. “It was going fine until you showed up,” Wu told him, crossing his arms. 

   Tahno sat back, still smirking at Wu. “Looks like there’s more to you than just a pretty face. I supposed there would be since Mako here seems to like you.” 

   “Shut up, Tahno. You don’t know anything about me anymore,” Mako grumbled, rising from his chair so that he towered over him. 

   Tahno rolled his eyes. “There’s no need to be so dramatic Mako, it wasn’t that long ago you and I were as thick as thieves. I was your best friend, aside from Bolin. I know you better than you think.” 

   Wu scoffed, “I’m sure he’s changed since you’ve last been around him. Otherwise he’d be acting like more of an ass than usual.” 

   Mako couldn’t help the short huff of a laugh that escaped him. “Wow, I’m not sure whether to be offended or impressed. You’re not wrong.” 

   Tahno at least had the decency to look offended. “I can’t believe you spend time in this dump,” Tahno said, glancing around the bar. 

   “Well if you hate being here so much, you’re more than welcome to leave.” Wu said coolly. 

Tahno glared at Wu, and then at Mako. “Fine, I can see I’m not wanted here…for now. Mako, I’ll be sure to reach out soon. Wu…I hope you have a better attitude next time I see you.” 

    Wu fixed him with a sunny smile, “I wouldn’t count on it, Tahno.” 

Mako didn’t relax until Tahno was out the door, and disappearing into the city. His shoulders slumped, and he fell back into the chair. “Jesus Christ,” He muttered, running  a hand through his hair. 

   “Are you okay?” Wu asked, looking at him worriedly. 

“Honestly? I’m not sure. I think I’m going to be looking over my shoulder for a while now. Which sucks, considering I just relaxed enough to stop doing that.” 

    Wu reached over and gave his arm a squeeze. “I’ll be here to help you. Even if it means annoying you even more than I already do.” 

 Mako laughed weakly. “You don’t annoy me…as much. Anymore.” 

   Wu laughed, “Thanks for making me sound like a strange fungus that you’ve had no choice but to get used to.” 

    “You’re very welcome,” Mako said, grinning back at Wu. 

“Mako! I don’t pay you to sit around and talk. Get to work, we’ve got customers!” Ghazan barked at him as he passed by holding a few drinks for another table. 

    Mako flinched at Ghazan’s harsh tone. He had never snapped at Mako before. “I gotta get to work. Thanks for…well, being supportive and not mad at me?” Mako said confusedly. 

    Wu’s gaze softened. “Not everyone is upset with you and if anyone is, they'll come around.” 

Mako wasn’t so sure about that. Bolin and Ghazan didn’t seem like they wanted to make up anytime soon. Asami was somewhere in between. Opal, Kai, and Jinora were wild cards. Really only Korra and Wu had risen to his defense. “Thanks, I guess I’ll just have to wait and see.” 

   Wu followed Mako up to the bar, watching him take orders and start making drinks. “I guess I’d better get going. See you back at the room later?” 

  Mako shrugged, “If you’re not asleep by then. I usually get out late.” 

“I'll be up, don't worry. You know me, always moving around. I don’t think I can sleep until I know you make it home safe anyway.” 

   Mako stared at him for a moment, “Oh, well, I appreciate that Wu.” 

Wu smiled at him, “What are friends for? Alright, I’m heading out.” 

   Mako watched Wu head towards the door and then a horrible image entered his mind. Wu, beaten and bloodied to a pulp in an alley somewhere, Amon and Tahno standing over him. 

   Mako walked back around the bar, dodging the bodies that had filled the small space. “Wu, wait!” 

   Wu had almost made it to the door, and turned surprised. “What’s up? Miss me already?” Wu teased him. 

   “Can you just…stay here? Until my shift is over? It sounds crazy but I don’t want to worry that you won’t make it back safe.” 

   Wu blinked, surprised. “I…sure, I guess I can? I’ll try not to bother you while you’re working too much.” 

   “Mako! Get back here!” Ghazan yelled across the bar. 

Mako flinched, “Yeah, that would probably be best.” 

Mako felt himself relax. Wu was going to stay here, he was safe. ‘How long do you think you can keep him safe?’ The voice in the back of his head taunted him. 

   Mako returned to the bar to help Ming-Hua make some drinks. “How long do you think he’s going to be mad at me?” He asked her quietly, as Ghazan shoved past him. 

   Ming-Hua spared him a sympathetic glance. “Not sure, I haven’t seen him this upset in a long time, and never at you.” 

   Mako eyed her curiously, “Okay, so then why aren’t you mad at me?” 

Ming-Hua shrugged and heaved a sigh. “I guess I was sort of waiting for this to happen. I never fully relaxed into this new life. I sort of expected that Amon would find a way to weasel his way back into our lives. Just because you happened to be the cause, doesn’t mean I’m surprised or mad about it. Weirdly, it’s almost a relief because now how could things get any worse? What else is there to be worried about? It’s finally happened.” 

   Mako stared at her, stunned. “Wow, and I thought I had a bleak view on life.” 

Ming-Hua laughed, “Better to expect the worst and be happy when that doesn’t happen than always expect the best and constantly be let down.” 

   Mako thought about those words, and looked over to where Wu sat at the bar, nursing a drink. He wondered how Wu could do it, be so positive all the time. Sighing, Mako returned to his work and hoped the night would go by fast, his bed calling his name already. 

 

Chapter 16: Chapter 16

Finally, Mako was heading back to school, and his bed. Only this time, he wasn’t alone. 

   “You really need to quit that, it’s a pretty bad habit,” Wu said, turning back to look at him. 

Mako exhaled, smoke leaving a trail behind him as he walked. “I’ve been quitting actually, this is the only one I’ve had the whole day.” 

   Wu rolled his eyes, “You shouldn’t be having any Mako. There are other ways to deal with…things.” 

  Mako almost laughed, before taking one last pull of his cigarette. “Things huh? That’s what we’re calling that shit pile that is my life?” 

  Wu laughed, “If it makes it all easier to deal with besides slowly giving yourself lung cancer than yeah, we can call it that. How are you doing?” 

  Mako shrugged, looking away at the city lights lighting up the night. “I guess as good as I can be? I’ll let you know once I have more time to deal with it.” 

  Wu nodded, “Fair enough.” 

They continued their walk home silently, giving Mako plenty of time to think about his upcoming new normal. He was probably going to have to return to his old habits of looking over his shoulder constantly, keeping tabs on Bolin, avoiding getting too close to anyone. 

   ‘A little too late there though isn’t it?’ His own head betrayed him. He’d already made a few new friends, and Bolin had friends of his own, and there was Wu…it was going to be even harder to make sure Amon and his gang didn’t get anywhere near them. 

   Maybe everyone could just…not leave campus anymore? 

Mako sighed inwardly at his own ridiculous thoughts, there was no way he could force everyone into an unwanted lockdown. 

   “You doing okay in there?” Wu asked teasingly, looking at Mako with his brows furrowed. 

Mako blinked, surprised. When had they gotten back to campus? Mako wished, not for the first time that night, that a force field could’ve dropped around them, keeping everyone safe inside the college. “Sorry, I was just thinking, that’s all,” Mako replied, watching Wu’s face relax. 

    “Do you want something to eat? I think the dining hall’s doing late night tonight?” Wu gave him a cautious grin. 

   Mako almost said yes, he really did. But, he was seriously tired. “I think I’m just going to head back and get some rest, thanks though.” 

  Wu nodded, still smiling, but Mako wasn’t sure it reached his eyes. “Yeah, good point. Get some rest.” 

  Before Wu could turn towards the dining hall Mako spoke again. “Hey, Wu? Thanks for…sticking around tonight. It made me feel better, knowing that my friends were safe. That you were safe.” 

  Wu’s eyes widened in surprise. “Oh we’re friends now then? I must’ve missed that memo. I thought you just couldn’t stand me?!” 

    Mako rolled his eyes, grinning. “If you keep that up, you’ll make me regret saying that. I could still go back to hating you.” 

  Wu laughed, and Mako couldn’t help but think that he’d like to make Wu smile even more. Blinking rapidly, trying to swat those thoughts away, Mako said goodnight to Wu and headed back to their dorm. 

 

~~~~//~~~

 

Mako was laying in bed, waiting to see if Wu would be home shortly, when the door creaked open slowly. The room was dark, Mako had been trying to sleep but it had proven difficult. 

   “Wu? Is that you? I haven’t been able to sleep so you don’t need to be so quiet,” Mako said, smiling tiredly. 

   “Mako?” Wu whispered, and he sounded….scared? 

“Wu? Are you alright? Why do you seem so freaked out?” Mako asked, his heart pounding in his chest. 

  “I think it may have something to do with me,” Amon’s voice filled the small confines of Mako and Wu’s room. 

  “No, what the fuck are you doing here?!” Mako practically snarled, leaping out of bed and trying to locate them in the dark. 

    “You didn’t think I would just leave you alone did you?” Amon said with a small laugh. 

Mako somehow hadn’t found them yet, when had their room gotten so empty? “Let him go!” 

   “No, I don’t think I will. He seems like he could be fun to keep around,” Amon said quietly. 

“Mako? It’s fine, it’s all going to be fine,” Wu choked out, almost like Amon was strangling him. 

      “Wu!” Mako yelled, fighting blindly through the dark, still not believing that he hadn’t found them yet… 

 

~~~~//~~~

 

“Mako! Hey, Mako! Wake up, you’re freaking me out!” Wu’s voice was again in their room, full of concern and panic. 

   Mako’s eyes shot open and he sat up, nearly smacking his head into Wu’s. Wu, who was standing over him, clearly unharmed. “Where is he? How did you escape?” Mako asked, looking around the room rapidly. 

   The room, which was definitely not shrouded in complete darkness, did not have Amon hiding in the corner. Mako’s bed sheets were drenched in sweat and he took a shuddering breath. “What happened?” 

      Wu took a step back, looking like Mako was going to hit him. “You were sleeping, and when I came in you started screaming, you sounded really worried about me, so I woke you up. I’m fine, by the way, so whatever you were worried about isn’t happening.” 

  Mako nodded, not looking directly at Wu. Amon had barely come back into his life and Mako was already having nightmares again. He had been doing so good too. He looked over at Wu thinking about other old habits he had from the old days. 

   He reached forward, almost on autopilot, and pulled Wu closer to him. He needed a distraction. 

  “What are you-” Wu began, before Mako cut him off. 

Mako kissed him, roughly, trying to forget everything that happened in the dream. Mako groaned, keeping Wu’s lips pressed against his own, wishing for it to never end. 

   Of course, it did. 

“Mako! Get off of me! What the fuck?” Wu shoved him away harshly, his green eyes filled with hurt and confusion. 

   “I’m sorry, I’m so sorry Wu-” Mako broke off, watching as the door to the dorm slammed shut after Wu. 

Chapter 17: Chapter 17

“So, you really screwed up, basically,” Korra said, eyeing him from across the small table, her books forming a wall around her. 

   Mako groaned, looking up at her from where he had his head placed on his own books. “Thanks, that’s a really helpful way to fix things with him,” He grumbled, glaring at her. 

   Korra shrugged, “You really shouldn’t have just jumped him like that, what happened to being friends?” 

  Mako sighed, sitting up and running his hand through his hair. “I don’t know, that’s what I wanted but I just sort of acted on instinct.” 

   “Instinct?” Korra said, looking at him skeptically. 

Mako looked down at his notes, “Yeah, you know, he startled me, his face was right there and…yeah.” He finished lamely, trying to focus on his school work. 

  “Right, so you said, and then he ran off and he’s been avoiding you for two days now.” Korra nodded, stating the facts the way Mako had explained them to her. 

  Of course, he hadn’t told her about the dream he had. Mako was trying to avoid talking or even thinking about it. 

   “It’s been three days actually, he hasn’t been in the room the same time I have, he comes home late and rises early literally just to avoid me. He probably hates me.” Mako sighed, doodling distractedly on the corner of his notebook. 

    “Why do you care so much? A few weeks ago you couldn’t stand him.” Korra replied, looking exasperated. 

   “I might..think I like him,” Mako muttered, barely audible. 

Korra’s eyes somehow widened even more, “Seriously? I just thought you had a crush or something that was going to, you know, go…away?” 

   Mako looked at her indignantly, “What’s wrong with liking Wu?!” 

Korra rolled her eyes, “There isn’t anything wrong with Wu himself, you idiot, I like him, he's a good guy. But, there’s obviously some complications. You’re his roommate, you kind of assaulted him, your old boss is back and town and might harm anyone you’re close to, or-” 

     “Okay, I get it, you’ve made your point. But that doesn’t mean I don’t want to be with him any less,” Mako said, glaring at her. 

  Korra’s eyes softened, “Look, I know you don’t get close to many people. I want you to be happy, but all I’m saying is to be careful. You can’t afford to be selfish at the risk of someone else getting hurt, okay?” 

   Mako nodded, knowing she was right. “I can be careful, I’m good at hiding when I need to be.” 

Korra made a face, scrunching up her nose slightly, “ I don’t think Wu is going to be interested in being a secret Mako, he’s a really confident, out person. If you’re going to try to date him, he’s not going to want to be hidden away like a dirty secret.” 

   Mako frowned, Korra was describing his exact relationship with Tahno before it had ended. It wasn’t that Mako was ashamed, really it was just all so…new. “Good point,” He conceded. 

   “Now, you just need to talk to Wu,” Korra said with a grin. 

Mako glanced down at his homework, “I think I ‘d rather work on Beifong’s entire syllabus in one night than do that.” 

  Korra laughed, “Good luck with that.” 

 

~~~//~~~

 

Mako was taking a risk, skipping Beifong’s class, but he knew that Wu would likely be in the room if he did, he had a break between classes while Mako was normally in his own class. 

  Mako blinked, realizing that he had somehow memorized Wu’s schedule. Apparently he’d been paying closer attention to his roommate than he thought. 

   A few minutes later, Mako was proved right. The door unlocked and Wu walked in, backpack thrown over one shoulder, looking at his phone. He froze when he looked up and saw Mako, the only sound in the room was the door closing softly behind him. “What are you doing here?” Wu asked him quietly, not quite meeting Mako’s eyes. 

   “I want to apologize about what happened the other day, what I did to you. I shouldn’t have kissed you like that…I had a pretty messed up dream and I was so relieved to see you were safe. I think I’ve uh…been wanting to do that for a while too, and  I didn’t realize it until then. That’s no excuse, I should’ve kissed you with your consent and definitely not the way I did. But, I want to do it again, I want to be more than just…well, your friend and roommate.” Mako took a deep breath after, while he waited for Wu’s response. He hadn’t said so much at one time to Wu before. 

   Wu stared at him for a minute, eerily calm, his face betraying nothing. “So, you kissed me because of some screwed up dream you had…and if you hadn’t then maybe you would never have? Do you know how weird that sounds?” 

  Mako grimaced, wondering if this could possibly get any worse. “That’s not what I meant. Look, the dream I had, the nightmare actually, was about you being hurt. Amon was going to take you. That’s why when I woke up and you were right there I was just so glad you were safe, it was a…reflex mostly. It is something I think I’ve wanted for a little bit, but I didn’t know how to tell you. I only just figured it out myself a little bit ago.” 

   Wu set his bag on the floor and folded his arms across his chest. “Mako, I need some time to think about this. The kiss threw me off guard, I wasn’t expecting you to do that…ever, honestly. You were just my roommate, this guy who would never really notice me that way, I was making my peace with that and then you threw me off.” 

  Mako took a hesitant step closer to Wu, “Maybe I can show you that I’m serious this time?” 

    Wu’s green eyes bore into Mako’s own eyes, “What do you mean?” 

Mako took another step so there was very little space between them, “Can I kiss you, Wu?” 

   Wu looked at him, a small bit of hesitation still there. “Yes, you can.” 

 Mako leaned forward, their lips meeting softly, before Mako found himself pulling Wu gently closer to him, deepening the kiss. Before they got too carried away, Wu pushed off of him gently, and took a few steps back. 

   “Whoa,” Mako said dumbly, as the two of them stood there in shock, wondering why it took them so long to get here. 

Chapter 18: Chapter 18

“So, that’s a thing that just happened,” Wu said, looking at Mako with wide eyes. 

   ‘ Yeah, and it was great so why did you stop?’ Mako thought to himself selfishly. It was surprising too, how much he wanted to keep kissing Wu. It had never felt like that with anyone before. Not with the random girls he had kissed in his past, and certainly not with Tahno. Which was weird, because that had been Mako’s longest…relationship or whatever the hell it had been. 

   “I’m sorry if that wasn’t…uh good  for you,” Mako said nervously, not really looking at Wu. 

Wu laughed, “You’re joking right? That was…I can’t even explain it. It was definitely good, trust me. Was that the first time you’d ever kissed a guy?” 

  Mako laughed and raised an eyebrow at Wu, “Did it seem like my first time?” 

  Wu’s face flushed pink slightly, “No..it did not, which is surprising. I didn’t peg you as bi or gay or anything other than straight.” 

   Mako sighed looking at Wu curiously. “Honestly? I think I was in denial for a long time. I’m definitely something, I’m just not sure if I’m ready to label myself if that’s okay? Something not straight at least.” 

    Wu smiled softly at him, “That’s totally fine, Mako. You don’t necessarily have to identify as anything if you don’t want to.” 

  Mako smiled back at him, taking a few steps closer. “Thanks, Wu. I really appreciate it. So, what does that mean uh for us?” 

  Wu shrugged, stepping forward so there was little to no space between them. “It can mean whatever you want it to mean. I can help you explore…things if you want.” 

   Mako laughed, reaching out and pulling Wu close, backing him into the door, their faces inches apart. “What makes you think I don’t have any experience?” Mako asked, his voice barely above a whisper. 

   Wu let out a strangled groan, his green eyes fixed on Mako. “Okay, so you’re not as clueless as I thought,” He replied calmly. 

   Mako let him go, taking a step back. “Sorry, this isn’t how I wanted this to go. I mean, obviously, eventually I want it to go this route but for now I’m fine with just the two of us being friends first and maybe working up to that. If you want, obviously if you’re seeing one of the uh people I’ve caught you in here with then I don’t want to intrude and-” 

   “Mako,” Wu interrupted, smiling at him. “That’s totally fine with me, we can go at any pace you need. I’m not seeing anyone at the moment either, so I am available for whatever you want.” 

       Mako laughed nervously, “I don’t mean to make it sound like you have to be stuck with me or something. I just mean I guess I hope we can be more than friends…soon, if you want.” 

   Wu wrapped his arms around Mako, hugging him tightly. “Of course I want that Mako,” He said softly, his voice muffled since his face was buried in Mako’s shirt. 

  “I don’t know how I ever thought you were annoying,” Mako said, grinning as he looked down at Wu. 

  “I’m not even that annoying!” Wu said, stepping back and looking offended. 

“Not anymore,” Mako said teasingly, laughing at Wu’s expression. 

Mako became hyper aware of the fact that he and Wu were roommates just then. His mind started running wild with scenarios now that they may start messing around with each other. 

   “Are you okay?” Wu asked, brows furrowed in concern. 

“What? Yeah, I’m fine, sorry, just thinking.” Mako replied hastily. 

    Wu didn’t look convinced but he replied, “Okay, well I was going to the gym, do you want to come with me?” 

~~~~//~~~

 

“Mako! What are you doing here?!” Bolin asked, not bothering to hide his tone of surprise. 

   Mako had for whatever reason, agreed to go to the gym with Wu. He didn’t even know Wu went to the gym, and Mako barely ever went. So, now here he was, in the gym trying to find something to do while Wu ran on the treadmill, and now he was face to face with his brother whom he hadn't seen or heard from since the bar. 

   “Probably the same as you, I’m exercising.” Mako replied, stiffly, not really sure where he and Bolin stood with each other. 

  “Oh, I’m just surprised to see you, that's all, man.” Bolin said, holding his hands up in surrender. 

  Mako sighed, “I came because Wu invited me honestly, I have no idea what I’m doing. I might just go join him on a treadmill.” 

  “Wait!” Bolin said, his eyes looking panicked for a minute. “Mako, I wanted to apologize for how I sort of freaked out on you the other night. It’s just terrifying to think that Amon and Tahno and everyone can just come and find us now. I didn’t mean to blame you, I sort of lashed out at you like a reflex.” 

   Mako sighed, “I get that, I do, but Amon could’ve come for us at any point. That hasn’t changed. You were right to be mad at me, I screwed up going back there, but I didn’t mean for anyone to see Wu and I.” 

   “But there was the deal, remember? Really, Amon couldn’t have gotten to us until now,” Bolin said desperately. 

   Mako’s gaze softened. “Bo, Amon was going to do whatever the hell he wanted, deal or no deal. I just gave him an excuse.” 

    Bolin sighed, “Yeah, you’re probably right. What’s the deal with you and Wu anyway?” 

The question threw Mako off guard. “What do you mean?” 

Bolin shrugged, “I just mean what’s going on there, I thought you hated the guy and now you’re spending all this time together. What happened?” 

   Mako’s palms started to sweat, “We’re roommates, and we’re friends now, it’s kind of hard to hate someone you live with. I don’t hate you and we lived together forever.” 

   Bolin grinned at him, “Yeah I don’t think you could ever hate me.” 

Mako smiled back at him, “So, are we good?” 

   Bolin nodded, “Of course bro, we’re good. Just…be careful okay. I don’t need you getting sucked back into that gang shit okay?” 

  “I’ll be careful if you’re careful okay? Keep an eye out for Amon and Tahno,” Mako replied. 

     “You got it man,” Bolin said, before wrapping him in possibly the sweatiest hug in the world. 

   “Gross, get off of me,” Mako said with a laugh. 

   Mako headed back to the treadmills, looking for Wu, trying to ignore the stab of shame he felt at not disclosing the full length of his relationship with Wu to his brother. HE hoped soon he’d be able to feel comfortable in his new skin. 

Chapter 19: Chapter 19

Things had gotten busy for Mako over the last few weeks. He and Wu still weren’t exactly…official. They had shared a few more kisses and had spent as much time as they could together between classes and late nights in their room studying and talking. 

   However, midterms were fast approaching and he and Korra had decided to try and study together instead of with their friend who was sort of more than a friend. So, here they were, holed up in a study room in the library as the night grew longer and darker and colder. 

    “Can we please take a break now?” Korra whined dramatically, from where she lay on the floor with several notebooks surrounding her. 

   Mako sighed and lifted his head off of the table. “How about we call it a night instead and go get food at late night?” 

   Korra sat up immediately, displaying more energy than she had in the last couple of hours. “Sounds good to me! But I want it noted that you called the study session to an end first,” Korra said with a grin. 

   Mako rolled his eyes, gathering up his notebooks and textbooks. “If I fail, I’m blaming you and then you’ll have no choice but to let me live with you and support me for the rest of my life, because I can’t afford college more than one time.” 

   Korra blinked at him, “Wow, that was…really intense, even for you. I thought you’d be more relaxed since you’re seeing Wu now. I figured he’d mellow you out a bit.” She grinned at him suggestively. 

    Mako didn’t meet her gaze, his face blushing while he finished stuffing his backpack with books. “I don’t know what you’re talking about we’re..” 

   They were what? Roommates that kiss? Friends with eventual benefits? Boyfriends? They hadn’t really discussed it. 

  “We’re still figuring things out,” Mako finished lamely, as they headed out of the library. There was a chill in the air and Mako was forever grateful that he wouldn't be sleeping on the streets ever again. “What about you? When are you going to tell Asami how you feel about her?” 

  Korra sighed, “I’m still waiting for the right moment. I don’t even know if she likes girls, dude. At least with Wu you knew he was bi.” 

   “Pan, remember? It’s important to get people’s identities right.” Mako said, almost like  a reflex. 

  “Right, yes, sorry,” Korra said with a smile. “I see Wu is teaching you a lot of things.” 

Mako smiled sheepishly as they entered the dining hall. “Don’t keep putting the subject back to me. If I can do…all of this with Wu, I think you can at least tell Asami how you’re feeling. At least you don’t live with her, so you wouldn’t have to see her day and night if things didn’t happen to work out.” 

   “Are you having doubts already?” Korra said with a grin, as they sat down at a table. 

Mako was surprised at how empty the dining hall was, other students were either still holed up in the library or their rooms. Actually, come to think of it, Mako hadn’t heard from Wu in a few hours. He was trying not to let his mind wander to the worst case scenario. Maybe he went to bed after studying? “No, I didn’t mean it like that. I’m just saying the worst possibility is that you have an awkward conversation and the best is that maybe you get a great girlfriend.” 

    “You’re getting really wise all of a sudden, what brought this on?” Korra asked, following Mako up to get some food. 

  Mako shrugged, “Oh, you know, probably all the stress and trauma.” 

Korra laughed, and Mako grinned, glad that he had found a group of friends. 

 

~~~~//~~~

 

Mako blinked in surprise when he opened the door to his dorm and the lights were still on. It was well after midnight and their room looked like a war zone. 

   In the middle of it all was Wu, curled up in a tight ball on the floor. “Wu?! Hey, what’s going on?” Mako rushed over and knelt beside him. 

  Wu just laid there staring off into space. Mako looked up worriedly at Wu’s nightstand and saw the pills from before. 

  Mako looked back down at Wu, who was staring ahead of himself barely noticing Mako’s presence. “Hey…can you talk to me? What happened?” Mako asked, his voice soft. 

   Wu heaved a deep sigh, and his green eyes looked at Mako, finally. They looked duller than normal. “I just got so worried…I needed a way to make it all stop. I was doing so good too.” 

   Mako nodded, and ran his hand soothingly down Wu’s arm. Wu had been doing good, Mako hadn’t seen him in a situation where he needed his pills in a long time. Normally, Wu would bounce around doing three or four things at once at ease. It was chaotic, sure, but it worked. “What had you all worked up? The midterms?” 

Wu huffed out a laugh, “I wish, no…it’s what’s after midterms that has me worried. I have to go home. Home, where my parents are. With all of their views about how I should be, how my life should be, what I should be doing. I just needed some time for it to just…stop.” 

   Mako laid himself down next to Wu and laced his fingers with Wu’s. “I’m here, whenever you need me. You can talk to me about it or we can just lay here for a while longer. Whatever you want.” Mako hesitated, but then leaned in and kissed Wu’s forehead. 

  “I think I just want to lay here for a while.” Wu murmured quietly. 

Mako nodded, but then he had an idea. “Okay, stay here, I think I can make this a little more comfortable.” 

  Wu didn’t go anywhere, and Mako kept one eye on him while he pushed their two beds together as best as he could. He’d have to get the nightstands out from under them at some point, but for now it would have to do. “Come on, let’s go to bed.” 

   “What did you…oh.” Wu said, his voice tinged with mild surprise. 

Mako lifted him up off the floor and placed him on the bed, throwing the blankets over him. “You can sleep when you’re like this…right? Safely?” 

  Wu nodded, his eyes already closing. “Thank-You, Mako.” 

   Mako wrapped his arm around Wu, and tucked in next to him. “I’ve got you,” He said, before drifting off to sleep. 

Chapter 20: Chapter 20

Mako had survived midterms, and so did all of his friends. Wu was doing a little better…that one bad night not included. Mako liked to think that their new living arrangement had something to do with it, considering they spent their nights sharing a bed and talking quietly in the dark. 

    “So can I ask you something? It’s totally fine if you don’t want to talk about it, I’ll respect it but-” Mako started. 

   Wu sighed, his hand squeezing Mako’s arm nervously, while they lay under the covers. “You want to know about my meds right? Why I need them, what they are, what they’re for I’m guessing?” 

   Mako nodded, holding Wu closer to his body. “I’d like to, yeah, if you want to share.” 

Wu nodded, sitting up a bit and leaning his back against the wall. He wasn’t looking at Mako, he looked like he was looking at a ghost in the room. “Alright, you know my parents have certain…expectations of me. I’m their only kid, the only one they want to take over the family business. Growing up in Ba Sing Se, it was amazing, I never realized how good things were until I got older. But, I also didn’t realize how bad my parents could try to manipulate me until I got older too.” Wu took a deep breath, almost balancing himself. 

   Mako reached over and held his hand, running his thumb over Wu’s knuckle soothingly. 

“They kept forcing me to get involved with their little empire, trying to understand the business, but I was never interested in that. My dad also made it pretty clear that he didn’t want things to end just with me, so whenever I was done with my little phase , I would have to settle down, find a nice girl, marry her, and grow the family too.” Wu smiled ruefully, “You see, when my dad talks  about the family business, they aren’t two separate entities to him. They’re the same thing. Family is the business and the business is the family.” 

   Mako glared at the opposite wall. “What exactly did he mean by your little phase?” 

Wu laughed, humorlessly. “I think we both know I’m not exactly subtle when it comes to my sexuality. He thinks I’ll just grin and bear it when I need to and finally do what they want me to.” 

   “Wait, so these meds, they’re really real medication for something right? They’re not something crazy your family has you taking to make you more…straight right?” 

   At this question Wu actually laughed for real, making Mako’s face flush. “Mako! That is not a thing are you kidding?!” 

  “Of course I’m kidding,” Mako grumbled, shoving Wu playfully. “Mostly, who knows what your crazy parents could’ve come up with.” 

  Wu’s grin faded a moment later. “No, they’re not for that. I always have my parents' voices in my head, stress doesn’t do me any favors either. I’ve got a fair amount of ADHD, anxiety, and a little depression. When all three of those come together it can be….a lot. So, when I need to, I try to calm myself down.” 

   Mako blinked up at him. “That’s…wow, Wu I’m so sorry. No offense, but your parents are assholes.” 

   Wu grinned down at him. “Trust me, I know. But, yeah, I go home tomorrow and I’m already dreading seeing them. Counting down the days until I’m back here…where I can be free.” 

  Mako nodded, he could relate to that free feeling. Or at least, he used to, before Amon decided to come over to this side of town too. Strangely, the university had been a safe haven, a land of opportunity for Mako. He hoped that he could keep it that way. “I’ll be here waiting for you, don’t worry. I’m just a phone call away if you need me too.” Mako sat up and pulled Wu onto his lap, kissing his neck softly. 

    Wu gripped the back of Mako’s head firmly, “If you keep that up, I’m never going home.” 

Mako grinned, continuing to trail kisses up Wu’s neck, and gently laying him down on the bed. “That’s fine with me, then I won’t be here all alone.” 

  Wu sat back up, forcing Mako to pause his actions. “Wait, really? You’re just staying here for vacation? What about Korra and your brother?” 

  Mako shrugged, “Bo is going home with Opal, Korra said Asami invited her back to her place for the break, so I’m going to be staying above the bar. Ming-Hua said it’s not the greatest little studio apartment, but it’ll do for the break.” 

   Wu looked uncertain, “Are you sure? I’m worried about you being here by yourself, what if Amon or Tahno-” 

  Mako leaned in and shut Wu up with a kiss, as he pinned Wu down to the bed with his body. Mako groaned as Wu’s hand slid down his chest, and then it landed farther south, on Mako’s sweatpant covered dick, causing Mako to pause and pull his lips away. 

   “Can I?” Wu whispered, sounding hesitant. 

Mako had kept things more or less above the belt since he and Wu started…kind of dating? It’s not that Mako didn’t want to, it just wasn’t what he was used to. With Tahno, there hadn’t been this much emotion, this much of a connection. Wu, however, he had gotten to really know, and care for. It wasn’t just about getting some relief. But, if this was the last night they had together for awhile….

   “Yeah, yeah, go for it,” Mako said, his voice already sounding hoarse. 

That was all Wu needed apparently, Mako’s eyes widened in surprise as Wu rolled them over and straddled Mako easily, their bare chests pressed together firmly. Wu kissed his way down Mako’s body, making him squirm, before slowly pulling down Mako’s pants and underwear. “You’ll tell me if anything is too much?” Wu asked, looking up at him. 

    Mako nodded, not daring to speak. He watched, mesmerized, as Wu looked down at his hard cock and wrapped his mouth around it, sucking him easily into his mouth. “Oh my god,” Mako said, enjoying the feeling of Wu pleasuring him. “That feels so good, Wu, holy shit.” 

   Wu easily bobbed his head up and down Mako’s cock, his tongue doing something amazing, and those green eyes looking directly up at Mako, filled with lust. “Don’t stop,” Mako begged him, shocked at how easily he was coming undone. 

   Wu however, did stop, much to Mako’s frustration. “What are you-” 

Wu interrupted him, pulling his own underwear down, and revealing his hard, leaking, cock. “Sorry, I need to cum soon, this is just way better than I imagined.” 

   Mako grinned, laughing a little. “Oh, so you’ve been thinking about this?” He teased. 

Wu wasn’t laughing, but he smiled mischievously. “Yeah, pretty much since you walked through that door at the beginning of the semester.” 

   Mako raised an eyebrow, “Well then, by all means, I’m all yours.” 

“Good,” Wu said firmly, before wrapping his hands around both their cocks, the friction making Mako hiss with pleasure. 

  Mako watched transfixed, as Wu spit on their dicks, and began to jerk them in sync with each other. “Oh fuck, Wu.” Mako grunted, moving his hips in sync with Wu’s hand. 

    “That’s it Mako, fuck that’s so good, you’re doing amazing,” Wu moaned, pumping their dicks faster. 

   “Wu, Wu, I’m going to-” Mako groaned loudly, shooting his load all over their bodies. 

Wu moaned and followed a moment later, and they sat there panting, and sticky for a few minutes. 

  “That was….wow,” Mako said, blinking dumbly up at the ceiling before grinning at Wu. 

Wu smiled back, “You have no idea what else I have planned for you.” 

  Mako laughed, “I like the sound of that, but first let’s get cleaned up and get some sleep.” 

Wu nodded, getting up and grabbing a towel from his side of the room. Once they were mostly cleaned up, Mako pulled Wu close to him, and settled in for the night, neither of them bothering to put clothes back on. 

   “See you in the morning,” Mako mumbled, kissing Wu on the head. 

 

However, the next morning, Mako woke up alone in bed, to an empty room. Wu was gone. 

 

Chapter 21: Chapter 21

“I’m sure everything is fine, Mako. You said he had to leave early the next day to get back home. I don’t think you scared him off or anything,” Korra told him over facetime, frowning at the screen. 

  Mako continued to pace the small apartment above the bar. He’d packed quickly that morning, wanting to get the hell out of that dorm room. He had barely spared the room a second glance, trying to ignore the memories from the night before. “Or I did scare him off, which is why I haven’t heard from him at all. Last night was obviously…a mistake.” 

   Korra looked at him sympathetically. “Mako, I’m sure it wasn’t a mistake. By the sounds of it you both had a great time. It’s a long train ride to Ba Sing Se, Wu is probably trying to sleep a bit before he gets home. You mentioned his parents were uh, not the greatest right?” 

   Mako closed his eyes, wondering how he had selfishly forgotten about Wu’s worries with going home. “Alright, you’re probably right, but if I don’t hear from him by tonight then I might just catch the next train out there.” 

  Korra raised an eyebrow at him, “Wow, he really has you wrapped around his little finger.” 

Mako’s ears reddened and he spluttered nervously, “I have no idea what you’re talking about.” 

   Korra laughed, “It’s okay to care about him, Mako. I’m sure everything will be fine okay?” 

Mako nodded, trying to ease the tension in his shoulders. “Thanks, Korra. Have a good break okay?” 

   “Keep me posted!” Korra told him loudly, before disconnecting the call. 

Mako sighed, and started to unpack the clothes and belongings he had brought for his short stay. Before he could get too far, however, there was a knock at the door. Mako eyed it cautiously, wondering who it could be. Everyone he knew was out of the city aside from a few people. Mako walked over, and opened the door enough to look and see who it was. 

   It was Ghazan. 

Mako felt a rush of surprise. “Oh…uh, come in?” Mako asked hesitantly, opening the door wider for Ghazan to enter. 

   “Look, I just wanted to see how you were settling in,” Ghazan began awkwardly, not really looking at Mako. “I also wanted to apologize for how I’ve been treating you since…everything happened. It wasn’t your fault, it was only a matter of time before Amon decided to come to this part of town.” 

  Mako stared at him, surprised. “Well, to be fair, I did give him that reason. I understand why you’re upset with me, I put you and Ming-Hua in danger again after you’d gotten out.” 

   Ghazan sighed, “We can take care of ourselves. We’re used to looking over our shoulders. Just have to pick the habit back up. I’m sorry, again Mako, for being an ass.” 

   Mako laughed, “I think I was an ass too, so we’re even Ghazan.” 

 Ghazan grinned, and clapped Mako on the shoulder, giving him a squeeze. “I’ll see you tonight for work?” 

   Mako nodded, “I’ll see you then.” 

Mako was left alone, again, but only for a moment. His phone buzzed, and he immediately picked it up, hoping for a message from Wu. 

  ‘ Wish you were here! Miss you!’ It was a message from Kai, with a picture of him surrounded by Jinora and Professor Tenzin’s family. 

  Mako smiled down at his phone, he sometimes forgot how Jinora was related to one of Korra’s professors. He also forgot how easily he could miss his friends. 

    There was another message from Bolin, more or less the same thing, wishing Mako was there and that he would be back soon. 

   There was still nothing from Wu. How long could it possibly take to get to the damn city? 

 

~~~~~//~~~~

 

Mako was finally able to snag a break that night. He was surprised by the sheer amount of people coming in wanting to get drunk. Maybe they were prepping for seeing their families at the upcoming holidays. Mako sighed, wishing he had plans with everyone himself. Although, his Thanksgiving would be ideal, small and quiet just with Ghazan and Ming-Hua. But, he would be missing his friends, his brother, and Wu. 

  Wu, who he still had not heard from all day. Mako exhaled, smoke leaking a trail behind him. He hadn’t smoked all day, but his nerves were rattled the longer the silence between him and Wu stretched. It was doing little to calm his nerves though. 

   ‘ Hey, I hope everything is okay. Please call or text me when you can. I miss you.’ 

Mako sent the text, and leaned his head back on the brick wall, and put his phone back in his pocket to avoid looking at the several other messages he’d sent Wu that day. 

   “Well, aren’t you looking as stressed and sexy as ever,” Tahno called to him, his footsteps echoing around the alleyway. 

   Mako took one last drag from his cigarette, and started to head back inside. “Not interested, asshole,” He told Tahno. 

    “Aw…is someone missing his little twinkie friend?” Tahno teased him. 

The statement caused Mako to stop, the door to the bar held open, his grip tight on the handle. “What would you know about it?” He asked angrily. 

   “Well I am here aren’t I? Maybe I miss you…” Tahno said quietly, stepping closer to Mako. 

“I’ll make it easy for you, then,” Mako told him bluntly, before closing the door behind him right in his face. 

    Mako headed back to the bar and rejoined Ming-Hua. “We’ve got company out back,” He told her quietly, while he poured another drink for the buzzed patron sitting in front of him. 

    Ming-Hua’s eyes narrowed thoughtfully. “How many?” 

Mako shrugged, “I think it’s just Tahno, I didn’t hang around to find out.” 

She rolled her eyes, exasperated. “Why is he always hanging around here? Doesn’t he have anything better to…oh.” 

   Mako looked over at her after passing the drink over the bar. “What?” 

    “He’s here for you isn’t he,” She said, eyeing him curiously. 

“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” Mako said, hoping to ignore this conversation. 

   Ming-Hua snorted, “You two were hardly ever subtle Mako, I have eyes you know.” 

Mako huffed, annoyed that she was pushing the subject. “Well, good thing there’s someone new then.” 

  Ming-Hua’s eyes widened in surprise. “That’s great! Who’s the lucky guy? Or girl? Or if it’s just guys that’s fine too of course but-” 

   Mako raised a hand, cutting her off. “I think….I have a boyfriend. But he went home from the break and I haven’t heard from him. I’m worried about him.” 

  Ming-Hua shrugged, “I’m sure everything will be fine, he’ll talk to you soon I bet.” 

Mako nodded, and a few moments later his phone buzzed again. 

    ‘I miss you too.’ 

Mako didn’t know a simple message like that could make him feel so many emotions. Wu was safe….and he missed him too! 

   Mako spent the rest of the night tending bar with the goofiest smile anyone had ever seen on his face. 

Chapter 22: Chapter 22

Mako made the short walk upstairs and threw himself onto the small bed with a yawn. It was almost two in the morning and he had just finished work. His eyes were just about to close when his phone started to ring. He blinked blearily at the screen for a moment, wondering who in the hell would be calling him so late, hell who would even be calling no one did that anymore. 

  “Hello?” Mako practically yawned into the phone. 

“Mako? It’s…it’s me. I didn’t mean to wake you I just-” Wu’s voice filled Mako’s ear, and he sounded so…un-Wu like. 

   “Wu? What’s going on? Are you okay?” Mako sat up, suddenly more awake than he’d been all night. 

  Wu sighed, “No? I don’t know, I haven’t been able to sleep and I…missed you. I guess I’ve gotten used to sharing a room with you,” Wu laughed weakly. 

  Mako smiled, despite knowing something else was going on. “I miss you too, but what else is on your mind?” 

   Wu’s voice softened, and some of his sadness started to make itself known. “I hate being home…my parents have been, well, less than ideal. Pressuring me to focus on school, declare a major, and oh have you met a nice girl yet son? Actually dad I have a boyfriend, a really great one who you probably would like if you weren’t such a-” 

   “I’m your boyfriend huh?” Mako asked teasingly, trying to get Wu to focus on something. 

“I…oh shit, uh, yes? Or will you be?” Wu asked him, sounding a little panicked. 

   Mako laughed, wishing he could see Wu’s face. He wished he was there with him, or that Wu was back here…back home with him. “Of course I will, besides, I called you my boyfriend earlier so I guess we should make it official.” 

   “You told someone you have a boyfriend?” Wu asked, clearly very surprised. 

Mako rolled his eyes, exasperated. “Relax, it was Ming-Hua and she wasn’t all that surprised. Uh, Tahno was at the bar and apparently she’s had a guess for…awhile.” 

   Silence greeted Mako’s words for a few moments. “Why is that guy always around? He needs to learn how to take a hint.” Wu said grumpily into the phone. 

   Mako grinned, despite Wu’s tone. “Don’t worry, I didn’t go near him. I don’t think he’d find you all that intimidating, no offense.” 

  “Hey! I can be scary! He should be so scared of me,” Wu said indignantly. 

     Mako smiled, glad he was succeeding at distracting Wu from his problems but he figured he should circle back to said problems. “Why not just tell your parents all of this? Tell them about me, and tell them what you want to do with your life. Then maybe they wouldn’t be so hard on you.” 

    Mako pulled the phone away to make sure he was still connected to the call. He was, Wu just hadn’t said anything for a couple of minutes. “Wu? Are you there?” 

   Wu cleared his throat. “Yeah, I’m just wondering if that was a joke or if you were being serious, because there’s no way in hell I could do that.” 

   Mako was confused. “Why? I know they have this…idea about your life and how it’s supposed to be and maybe if you told him that’s not what you want they might let up and even support you. It could be worth a shot.” 

   Wu laughed humorlessly, “You really don’t get it do you Mako? I’m the only kid my parents have, I’m supposed to inherit the company when I’m older, keep all the businesses open, I’m their only chance and they’ve been trying to make sure I’m exactly how they want me to be.” 

   Mako was getting annoyed, this was ridiculous. “So what? You’re just going to do everything they tell you to no matter what? So far, I haven’t been seeing any of that, you can’t keep being two different people. You need to do what’s best for you Wu.” 

   “I am! Can’t you see that, Mako?! I’m doing what’s best for me right now . Did you ever think that I’m undeclared because all I know is that I don’t want what my parents want for me, and I’ve never had the chance to think of being anything else! I’m just…trying to get through life day after day.” 

  Mako snorted, failing to hide his contempt. “Yeah, and when the world is too much for poor Wu you use those damn pills to deal with it. You’re a coward Wu, and you’re too scared to even try to be whatever you want to be. You’re fine with complaining about your situation but not willing to do anything about it. It must be so hard being so rich and entitled, I can’t imagine how tragic that is.” 

   The silence that followed spoke volumes. Mako closed his eyes, pinching the bridge of his nose with his fingers. “I…I didn’t mean to-” 

   Wu’s voice was cold. “No, I think you did. I forgot that you were the only one who could ever have problems in life, who could’ve had a hard life. Sure, my life isn’t the same level of difficulty that yours was, or rather is, I suppose. But that doesn’t make you more of a martyr. That doesn’t mean people don’t have it worse or less than you do Mako. But please, continue to tell me how my problems don’t matter and they’re an easy fix.” 

     Mako sighed, feeling more tired than he did before Wu called. “Clearly we have different ideas of a difficult life, you’ve made your point.” 

   Wu didn’t say anything for a moment, but then “Goodnight, Mako.” 

Mako blinked in disbelief, pulled the phone away from his ear and looked down at the screen, which displayed his home screen. Did Wu really just hang up on him? How had their conversation gone from establishing that they were together to arguing about how they looked at life? Maybe they had grown up too differently. 

   Mako groaned, and laid back down on the bed. He’d finally gotten his first real boyfriend, and now he wasn’t sure if they were even still together, all within the course of a few short hours.  

  Of course, Wu would be back in a couple of days, and they’d be back to sharing a room. 

      Perfect. 

Chapter 23: Chapter 23

“My break was great Mako, thanks for asking,” Korra said sarcastically, smiling at him across the dining hall table. 

  Mako grimaced, feeling like an ass for forgetting to even ask. He’d been giving her the rundown of where things were at with Wu since they sat down. “I’m sorry, how was your break?” 

   Korra laughed, “Relax, I’m just teasing you. I had a pretty good time with Asami. We didn’t see much of her dad which I think bothered her more than it bothered me. I don’t think he really…approves of my relationship with her.” Korra shrugged, “He can’t do much about it though.” 

    Mako rolled his eyes, “Ugh why does everyone think they need everyone in their life to be okay with their shit? Why is that so common?” 

   Korra stared at him for a moment. “Okay, don’t bite my head off because I’m going to say something that is true, and you’re not going to want to hear it.” 

   Mako crossed his arms and immediately regretted it. He felt like a child throwing a tantrum in the middle of a busy store. “Fine,” He grumbled, only adding to that mental image. 

   “Not everyone is going to be okay with people like us. Parents especially, may not be okay with it, and I don’t mean this in the wrong way, but you only have Bolin to worry about in terms of telling your family. Besides, Bolin is like the human version of a golden retriever, so I don’t think you’ll have much to worry about there. Parents are different, a lot of them, like Asami and Wu’s parents, have a certain image or idea for their kids. It can be hard for them to understand that maybe their kid isn’t made the exact way they expected them to be. Just because Wu doesn’t have the same problems as you, doesn’t mean he doesn’t have problems. Or that they’re less problematic than yours.” 

     Mako sighed, knowing that Korra was making very valid points. “I just…hate the way they make him feel. He’s trying to balance two different lives, it’s a lot of work.” 

   Korra nodded, “But, do you think it’s fair to have him tell his parents everything about himself when you’ve told…what, me that you and Wu are together?” 

    Mako squirmed under her scrutinizing gaze. “Ming-Hua knows too,” He muttered. 

Korra rolled her eyes. “ She told you that she knew. That doesn’t count. Look, come out on your own terms, I’m not trying to force you to do anything you don’t want to.” 

    Mako groaned, realizing what she was getting at. “I did that to Wu, didn't I? I was asking him to basically come out against his will and demanded he stick up for himself.” 

   Korra nodded, “I mean telling him to stick up for himself wasn’t really that bad because yeah I agree that he’s got some shit to work out with his parents. But, yeah, maybe let him do it on his own terms and in his own time.” 

   Mako thought about it for a few minutes, finally starting to eat his lunch. Wu had been avoiding him with an alarming precision. Mako could still feel the pain he felt when he got back to their room to find the beds were back to their original spots, no longer one large bed for the two of them to share. Mako had tried to talk to Wu that night, but he had either truly been asleep or just pretending to be. 

  Mako hadn’t seen him other than when he was there to sleep, and Wu hadn’t spoken or messaged him at all either, despite Mako’s attempts to contact him. “Alright, then I guess it’s time for me to come out.” 

   Korra seemed to choke on her food for a moment. “Mako…you should only be doing that if you want to, not just to prove a point to Wu or something.” 

    Mako sighed, “Maybe I’m tired of keeping it a secret. It isn’t any scarier than Amon knowing exactly where I am. I might as well start getting it over with. Besides, it’ll be a lot easier than trying to keep it a secret. Who knows, maybe everyone has guessed it like Ming-Hua did.” 

   Korra grinned at him, “Well, good luck with that,” she said around a bite of food. “The hard part will be getting to talk to Wu again.” 

    Mako groaned, sliding down in his seat. “Don’t remind me.” 

 

~~~~//~~~ 

 

Mako made it a whole ten minutes of studying before Bolin interrupted him. To be fair, he was much more suspicious and observant than Mako was giving him credit for. 

   “Why are you studying with me? You never study with me, actually we never really have time to hang out like we used to and you want to spend it studying ?” Bolin looked at him across the table, exasperated. 

   Mako sighed, and closed his textbook. “Okay, you're right, I didn’t actually want to study with you.” He felt a stab of guilt as he realized Bolin was right, they really didn’t see much of each other these days. “I will make more of an effort to hang with you bro, I promise. I just…have something important to tell you.” 

    Bolin squinted at him suspiciously. “What’s up dude?” 

Mako took a deep breath. “Okay so, here goes. I’m not…straight. I’m not sure what I identify as but I’ve been seeing Wu, sort of. I’m not sure if we are even still together right now but…yeah. Oh, and I also was sort of together with Tahno a few years ago? Secretly, so yeah I thought you should know that.” 

   Bolin gaped at him for what felt like an eternity, before giving his head a shake. “I’m sorry, I think I’m focusing on the wrong thing. Tahno?! You were with that jerk?!” 

    Mako rolled his eyes. “Yeah, the key word being was . So, you don’t care that I…don’t like girls?” 

   Bolin’s eyes softened. “Dude, I’m happy as long as you’re happy. You made sure I had a good life, why would I be an ass about who you want to date?” 

   Mako shrugged, “I wasn’t all that worried about it, but you never know until you’re here.” 

Bolin nodded, “So wait, why aren’t you and Wu together anymore? How long were you together? Do I need to have a talk with him?” Bolin rambled on. 

  Mako smiled at his little brother, grateful to finally have that off his chest. Now, if only talking to Wu about things could go this easy… 

 

Chapter 24: Chapter 24

It was the weekend, and Mako was tired of sitting in his room waiting to see if Wu would appear. It was frustrating, to say the least, how could someone he shared four small walls with be so good at avoiding him? Wu hadn’t responded to texts or calls, and he was always asleep when Mako came home, or pretending to be. 

  So, naturally, he decided to do something a little crazy. Think outside the box, like Bolin might do. But, maybe Bolin wouldn’t resort to stalking. 

   Stalking may be a bit of a stretch, it wasn’t like Wu had blocked Mako on his social media accounts, he was just…ignoring him. So Mako was just casually scrolling through Instagram and just happened to see that Wu was at The Upper Ring Cafe at the moment, having lunch perhaps? Hopefully alone? 

   Mako sighed, “Am I really going to do this?” 

The empty room offered no response, so Mako figured that he was on his own. Well, almost on his own. 

   “I need help,” He said bluntly, looking down at the confused faces of Korra and Bolin on his phone. 

   “Good morning to you too,” Korra grumbled, her hair still looking sleep rumpled, clearly still in bed. 

   Bolin, on the other hand, looked sweaty, his green eyes bright and alert. “Good timing! I just got back from my run!” 

   “The morning is evil…and I am hungover.” Korra hissed at them, “What do you possibly need help with so early in the morning.” 

    “It’s like ten thirty in the morning!” Bolin said indignantly, “That’s not early!” 

 “You athletes are insane,” She grumbled back. 

Mako raised an eyebrow at her, “You’re both athletes if I remember correctly.” 

    Korra rolled her eyes, “Yes, but I’m not crazy like your brother, get to the point or I’m hanging up.” 

    Mako laughed nervously, unsure if she was joking or not. He decided not to risk it. “So, I’m sorry for bothering you with all of my Wu problems, but I have an idea on how to sort of…trap him into talking to me but I need to know if it sounds too crazy. I think he’s working at one of the cafe’s his parents own so I was going to happen to be out and about and stop in for lunch. So then I could talk to him too while I eat…something.” 

     The silence that greeted his words was not…ideal, to say the least. 

Bolin cleared his throat, “Uh, sure that sounds fine but what if he’s not there? You said you think he’s there working, right?” 

   Korra squinted at him, her blue eyes looking accusatory and possibly….impressed? “You know he’s there don’t you? Have you been stalking him?” 

    “He wasn’t giving me a choice! I haven’t been stalking him, just his social media accounts.” Mako said defensively. 

   “That doesn’t exactly sound much better dude,” Bolin conceded, looking like he was trying not to laugh. 

    “When did you turn into such a disaster gay?” Korra asked, rubbing her face with her hand. “Actually, don’t answer that. Honestly? This plan doesn’t sound terrible. Maybe a little creepy in the way you’re going to go about doing it, but it could work. What’s he going to do? Run and hide in the kitchen?” 

     Mako coughed, “Yeah, he might try that, I wouldn’t be surprised.” 

Bolin laughed, “Wow, no wonder you like him, he’s as ridiculous as you can be.” 

   Mako glared at his brother, and then at Korra when she added, “Seriously.” 

“I say go for it,” Bolin said with a shrug. 

   “Agreed, if you want to talk to him so badly, then give it a shot but Mako, if it doesn’t it might be time to accept things as they are and move on,” Korra told him, looking at him sympathetically. 

   Mako sighed, “Yeah, I guess you’re right, thanks guys.” 

“The offer to knock some sense into him still stands! My brother is a catch and any person would be lucky to have him!” Bolin said indignantly. 

   Korra snorted out a laugh, “You have way too much energy but I respect it, Bolin.” 

      Mako grinned, “Alright guys, I’ll let you know how it goes, thanks again!” 

“You’ve got this bro!” Bolin said. 

      “Good luck,” Korra told him, with a mock salute, before both their screens went black. 

~~~~//~~~

 

Mako hopped off the subway and walked out onto the brisk winter sidewalk. The snow had started on his walk off campus, and it wasn’t letting up. Winter was definitely here, which would mean that the end of the semester was fast approaching. Mako needed to know where he and Wu stood before then, he wasn’t sure he could do another semester of bitter cold silence between them and the small room they shared. 

   He sometimes forgot how nice this side of town was, but he was quickly reminded when a few people walking by him on the sidewalk gave him a dirty look for smoking while he headed towards the cafe. In his defense, he was nervous, it was cold, and he hadn't had one in about three days. Quitting completely was definitely…challenging. 

    Mako sighed, exhaling smoke as he stood across the street from the cafe. “You can do this,” He told himself, squinting through the snow. “Just walk across the street, go in and talk to him.” 

   His feet remained firmly on the sidewalk for a few more minutes, snowflakes landing on his clothes. Mako shook himself off, narrowly avoiding turning into a snowman, and headed across the street. 

  The cafe was pleasantly warm, the fantastic smells of warm coffee, sweets, and sandwiches filling the room. It was quite possibly one of the coziest places Mako had ever been in. He found Wu, behind the counter putting more cookies into the display case, and just seeing him added to the warm cozy feeling that Mako was experiencing. 

   It quickly evaporated as he saw who Wu was talking to. It was the guy from the bar that Wu had flirted with a while back. The same shaved head, the same arrogant face. 

   “What the fuck?” Mako asked dumbly, wondering what exactly he was looking at. 

Chapter 25: Chapter 25

“I already said I’m busy right now,” Wu said to the idiot from the bar, looking rather annoyed. Mako tried to ignore how happy he was to hear Wu saying that, but he was failing miserably, a small smirk on his face as he stepped into line behind the guy Wu was dismissing. 

   “Oh come on, I promise I’ll show you a good time,” The guy insisted. 

Mako rolled his eyes, getting impatient, shuffling his feet as he glanced up at the menu behind the counter. Which , of course, was when Wu saw him. 

  “Look Zaheer, we had some fun before but-” Wu’s eyes widened as he saw Mako, stopping mid sentence. 

  “What’s your problem?” The guy, Zaheer, grumbled, turning to see what Wu was looking at. He blinked in surprise when he met Mako’s glare. “You again!” 

  Mako grinned, “Yeah, me again. How’s your face? It looks like it needs some rearranging to me.” 

  Wu, for his part, looked panicked as soon as those words left Mako’s mouth. “Mako, don’t even think about it,” He whispered fiercely. 

  “You heard him,” Zaheer said, sounding victorious. 

Wu rolled his eyes behind Zaheer, “Zaheer. You got your food, I already said I’m not interested, please get out.” 

    “You heard him,” Mako told him mockingly, still smiling. Which only seemed to piss Zaheer off even more. 

   “You can’t kick me out! You’re not the owner or even the manager.” Zaheer protested, turning back to Wu. 

   Wu sighed, “Actually, idiot. My parents own every single Upper Ring Cafe in existence. So, yeah, I can just kick you out, and if you want me to get the manager she’ll gladly throw you out too. Your choice.” 

 Zaheer was lost for words, for the first time ever it seemed. “Fine,” He grumbled, grabbing his food and turning towards the door. “See you around,” He muttered darkly to Mako, giving him a glare. 

     Mako almost laughed, watching as Zaheer practically tucked his tail and fled the cafe. He looked back at the counter and took the few short steps forward. For the first time in what felt like forever, he was face to face with Wu, only the counter separated the two of them. “Fancy meeting you here,” Mako said. 

  Wu looked like he wanted to run, his face was filled with surprise and what looked like a couple smudges of flour. “What are you doing here?” 

   Mak shrugged. “I wanted some coffee.” 

“There’s coffee at school,” Wu responded stiffly. 

     Mako nodded, “That’s true, but I remember how good the coffee here was. The guy who introduced it to me was even better. At least, before he decided to avoid me.” 

   Wu at least had the decency to look a little ashamed after that comment. “I just think maybe it’s for the best if we go our separate ways, or at least back to just being roommates. We’re too…different Mako.” 

   Mako blinked, wondering if he heard him correctly. “Are you kidding? Wu, why would you want to do that?! We had one fight and your response is to run and hide and then get out while you can? What kind of person does that?!” 

    Wu looked nervous at Mako’s tone, and a few of the other workers looked over curiously at them. As well as the people that were in line behind Mako now. “Look, can we?” Wu gestured to a small table near the window. 

   Mako made a non-committal sound, but followed Wu over to the table, sitting across from him. Before Wu could continue his little break up speech that he had obviously prepared, Mako jumped in. 

   “Look, I know I was an ass. I am one most of the time. But Wu, I don’t care how different we are. It shouldn’t make sense how good we are together but we really are. I know asking to change your whole life with your parents was a lot for me to ask, especially when I hadn’t even met you halfway at that point. But, I told Bolin about us, and a few other people know. I want this. I want you, I don’t care who knows it and you shouldn’t either.” 

    Wu sat across from him, wide eyed. “Mako…that was…I don’t think you’ve ever said so much at once before.” 

   Mako snorted, a small laugh escaping him. “That was your take away from all of that?! Wu, I just poured my heart out over here.” 

   Wu smiled softly, “I know, sorry. I appreciate all of that, and I’m glad you’re getting more comfortable with your identity. I just can’t see myself ever not becoming what my parents want me to. It’s been laid out for as long as I can remember.” 

   Mako sighed. “I can’t even begin to imagine what that’s like, but Wu you should be allowed to do whatever you want, see whoever you want, and pick whatever career you want. Your parents aren’t the end all be all. Don’t you want to fight for this? For us? For yourself? I know I would. Hell, that’s what I’m doing right now. You can’t just…walk away and leave me behind.” 

    Wu raised an eyebrow. “I’m getting mixed signals here, I can’t do whatever my parents want, I can do what I want, but as long as I don’t leave you is that correct?” 

    Mako’s ears flushed, “Err, no, I didn’t mean-” Mako huffed, “You know what I mean! Let’s start simple. Do you really want to go back to just being friends with me?” 

  Wu hesitated. “Mako, I’m not going to lie, we said a lot of shitty things to each other. Is that what it’s going to be like all the time? The two of us fighting over things because of how we grew up? Because if it is, I don’t think I want that.” 

   Mako grimaced, “ Wu, people fight. Couples fight. It’s true we're really different but like I said, in the long run, I think we would be great together. You have to take the leap with me though. I’m not going to drag you kicking and screaming into this. If you really want to be friends, I’ll be your friend and nothing else.” 

   Wu nodded thoughtfully for a minute, his green eyes looking like he was seeing something miles away, lost in thought. “I think…I want to give us another chance. But, I want to take things slow, okay? It’s my turn to ask that now.” 

   Mako nodded, hopefully not too eagerly. “I totally get that.” 

Wu laughed, “I’m sure you do.” 

   “So, the second question. What would you want to do besides work for your parents?” 

Wu grinned, surprising Mako. “Easy, I can show you that.” 

Chapter 26: Chapter 26

Mako was led bewilderingly into the kitchen by Wu, who held his wrist firmly. Mako tried not to feel too disappointed when Wu dropped his hand, and headed to one of the ovens in the back that was beeping. 

  “You’re…making cookies?” Mako asked, standing awkwardly as Wu placed a tray of warm cookies on the counter. 

    Wu laughed, before grabbing a pastry bag and adding frosting to the cookies. “Yes, I’m making cookies. You asked me what I would want to do besides run my family’s business. Honestly? I’d love to be a baker, maybe even open my own shop. I love making things for people, getting creative with recipes, seeing how they react to the things I create.” 

   Mako was surprised by this, he’d never seen Wu make anything, come to think of it he wasn’t even in the culinary program. “I never realized you knew how to make things like this. When did you start? How come you’re not a culinary major?” 

  Wu sighed, and set the pastry bag down. “I spent a lot of my time growing up, in places exactly like this,” Wu gestured vaguely to The Upper Ring Cafe’s kitchen. “I was supposed to be learning the in’s and out’s of the family business, but I often ended up back here. I was always curious and surprised by how people could take ingredients and make them into something amazing. So, yeah, I learned a lot, but it definitely wasn’t what I was supposed to be learning.” 

   Mako listened carefully, watching Wu’s expression harden. 

“I guess it’s just another thing I haven’t stood up to my parents about. I want to run a business maybe, but not their business. Maybe…if  I could find a business partner I could just be the one who makes the treats, and you know, obviously does the interior design.” 

   Mako laughed, “Of course, so if that’s what you want to do just do it.” 

Wu smiled at him, almost like he was finally hearing those words. “I think I will.” 

  Mako ran over and wrapped Wu in a tight hug. “I think that sounds like the best idea you’ve had in a while.” 

  Wu laughed, against his chest. “Hey! I have lots of good ideas, it’s just time for me to act on them.” 

  Mako leaned down and kissed him gently on the lips, “Good…but are you doing anything right now?” 

   Wu laughed, “I’m working a little bit, remember?” 

Mako sighed, “Oh yeah, that. Any chance you could…stop? So we can go back to campus and study?” 

  Wu raised an eyebrow at him. “I can tell you have no intention of studying, you know that right?” 

   Mako groaned, “Maybe,” He said, pouting a little bit. 

Wu laughed, “We’re taking things slow, remember? Take me out on an actual date first and then we’ll talk.” 

 

~~~~//~~~

“So, why are we all here?” Bolin asked the assembled people in the library study room. 

    “Well we’re obviously not here to study apparently,” Asami said with a sigh, closing her notebook. 

   “To be fair, I did say I needed help, and to meet here, I never said anything about studying,” Mako said worriedly from where he stood. 

  “He does this a lot,” Korra said, rolling her eyes. 

      “Really? I never knew he could be so weird,” Bolin said. 

“Guys! Help, date ideas, now please!” Mako told them, beginning to pace the room. 

    “Dude, you need to chill, dates are no big deal, besides you guys already live with each other, you’ve already skipped a lot of steps.” Bolin said, hoping to reassure him. 

    Korra and Asami both looked at Bolin, aghast. “Not helping!” Korra told him. 

 Mako groaned, coming to sit down across from them. “I don’t know what to do.” 

   “And your first instinct was to ask us for help?” Korra asked with a laugh. “Why did that seem like a good idea?” 

    Mako looked up at her. “Well…you’re all in a successful relationship so who else am I going to ask?” 

   Asami shrugged, “He does sort of have a point.” 

Korra laughed, “Oh sure, because the two of us have been together for so long.” 

   Asami feigned being insulted. “Oh so you’re not planning on being with me for long?” 

     Korra laughed, “Of course I do!” 

 Mako glared at them for a moment. “You two are not helping.” 

   “Sure we are!” Korra said with a grin. 

        “Do something over the top! That’s what I try to do for Opal as often as I can,” Bolin said excitedly. 

    Mako made a face, “I don’t know if either of us would really like that.” 

“Well, what is your idea of a date then, Mako?” Asami asked, trying to be practical. 

    Mako thought about it, but it wasn’t like he and Tahno had gone on things that were considered dates. They had mostly done odd jobs for Amon’s gang and stole the moments they could together. Wu didn’t seem like the type to steal things and get drunk and fool around. Mako didn’t want to do that either, if he was being honest with himself. “Uh…I don’t think I’ve ever really been on one, if I’m being honest.” 

   Asami put her head in her hands, “Oh my god,” She muttered, before looking back up at him. “Okay, so you really do need help then. Haven’t you gone out for lunch with Wu before?” 

    “Yeah but that was different! It wasn’t so official, we didn’t call it a date,” Mako protested. 

“Mako, there doesn’t have to be so much pressure. Why are you stressing so much?” Korra asked, looking at him kindly. 

    Mako sighed, “I want to do this right. All of it. I’ve already messed up once, I can’t afford to do it again.” 

   “I hate to break it to you bro, but you’ll probably mess up again.” Bolin told him, “That’s just the way relationships work, it doesn’t have to be perfect all the time.” 

  The three of them stared at Bolin for a minute, surprised. 

“What? It’s true!” He protested. 

    “He does have a point. Mako, you just need to think of something that you both might want to do. Or do a little of both! It’s supposed to be fun, not stressful.” Korra told him. 

   Mako nodded, laying his head down on the table. “Thanks guys, this is definitely helping,” and he meant it. 

     A moment later he lifted his head back off the table, “That’s it!” 

 

Chapter 27: Chapter 27

“This is certainly an interesting first date,” Wu said, looking at the harness he had on skeptically. 

    Mako grinned, “I told you, this is only part one. I wanted us both to try something outside of the other's comfort zone. It’s not as hard as it looks, I swear!” 

   Wu rolled his eyes, “Don’t laugh if I embarrass myself, okay?” 

Mako smiled kindly at him, before stepping closer and planting a soft kiss on Wu’s lips. “I won’t laugh,” He said softly, “Just watch me first.” 

   Wu’s green eyes were wide with surprise, but he nodded. “Guess you’ll have to show me how it’s done.” 

  Varrick cleared his throat, “If you’re quite done kissing your boyfriend Mako…you’re free to climb.” 

  Zhu Li rolled her eyes, “Like you don’t spend plenty of time getting us distracted,” She teased her husband. 

  Mako laughed and headed for the climbing wall, Varrick held the line so that Mako could begin climbing, and then he was off! Mako scaled the wall easily, gripping the wall holds easily and finding his footing with little issues. He forgot how much fun it was, he hadn’t been to Varricks’ rock climbing gym in easily a year. It had been a good place to take his mind off things…or hide from Amon…or the cops. 

   Or both. 

But, thankfully, those days were over. Better days were here, Mako thought, as he scaled back down, and landed next to Wu. “Alright, your turn. I told you it was easy.” 

   Wu blinked at him, his mouth slightly open. “Maybe for you .” He grumbled, but there was a small smile on his face. 

  “You can do it!” Zhu Li encouraged him, leading him towards the wall. 

Mako grinned at Wu and raised a thumb in the air, “You’ll be fine, I swear!” 

    Wu stared up at the wall for a moment, before his expression turned to grim determination, and he started to climb. 

  Varrick and Mako stood next to each other, and watched Wu ascend up the wall. “So,” Varrick began, “How did you manage to end up with a guy as nice as that? Last time I saw you, you were always on the run with that other guy…I can’t remember his name. Pale, stupid looking hair?” 

   Mako laughed, “Tahno. Yeah…I was able to get out of the gang. I’m in college now, finishing my first semester soon, and Wu is my roommate.” 

   Varrick laughed, “Roommate,” He said, putting air quotes up with his fingers. 

Mako shoved him playfully, “It’s true! We share a dorm together. That's how we met.” 

   Varrick raised his hands in mock surrender. “Alright, alright! I believe you. So, you got out then? I’m surprised Amon let you go. I never got involved much with any of that but from what I’ve heard he’s…quite ruthless.” 

   Mako sighed, “I got out for a bit but…I broke the arrangement. It was stupid, but Amon said that the deal was void. I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop but..” 

   “Mako! I did it!” Wu called from the top of the wall. 

Mako and Varrick both turned to look, and Mako grinned up at him. “See? It’s easy!” 

   Wu laughed, and Mako couldn’t help but laugh along with him. Wu did make him ridiculously happy. 

 

~~~//~~~

 

“This is ridiculous,” Mako muttered, as he struggled to put the frosting on the cupcake neatly. 

    “Do you want me to do your half?” Wu asked, barely holding back his laughter. 

“No, we’re doing this together, remember? I can do it.” Mako told him firmly, trying to be more gentle with the next cupcake, and avoided looking at Wu’s perfectly looking ones. 

    “Just don’t get too frustrated with it. It takes a  lot of practice. I’ve had years of it. You’ve had what? This cooking class?” Wu squeezed his shoulder gently. “Just relax, it’ll be fine. The important part is we’re having fun. It doesn’t have to be perfect.” 

   Mako paused and looked up at Wu. “But I wanted it to be perfect,” he muttered. 

Wu dipped a finger into one of the frosted cupcakes and poked Mako in the nose. “It’s pretty perfect if you ask me,” Wu said before sticking his finger into his own mouth, raising his eyebrows suggestively. 

   Mako blinked, wiped his nose, and returned to his work. “That is definitely not helping me focus,” He muttered. 

   Wu laughed and nudged his side. “Here, like I said, you just have to be more careful.” Wu stood behind Mako and held his hands. “There? See? It’s not so hard.” Wu told him, as Mako finally made a cupcake look halfway decent. 

    “Thanks,” Mako told him, before stealing a kiss on the cheek. 

  “I’m having a great night,” Wu told him shyly, stepping away. “No one has ever done something like this for me.” 

     Mako grinned, “No one has ever done this for me either, so I guess the first date is full of firsts.” 

 

~~~//~~~ 

 

“I thought you were quitting,” Wu said, eyeing Mako as they walked back to the dorms. 

    Mako exhaled smoke, and looked at Wu guiltily, before shoveling a cupcake into his mouth. “I guess cupcakes would be a good substitute,” He replied through a mouthful of red velvet cupcake. 

  “Cute,” Wu said, scrolling on his phone. “Let me just find a picture of a smoker’s lung.” 

“Alright, alright. I will make more of an effort,” Mako told him hastily. 

    Wu eyed him curiously as they crossed onto campus. “Why do you smoke anyway? You’re not an idiot, you know it’s bad for you so…?” 

   Mako shrugged, “I know it’s a cliche but I needed something to do with my hands besides fidget and look like an obvious criminal when I was-” 

   “Sort of being a criminal?” Wu finished for him. 

       “You didn’t have to put it that way but yeah,” Mako replied. “It doesn’t help that they’re addicting.” 

   “It’s a good thing that life is over with then,” Wu told him cheerfully, leading them into their dorm building. 

  Mako didn’t reply, he had a nagging feeling in the back of his head that it wasn’t. What was Amon waiting for? 

     “Did you leave the window open?” Wu asked, shivering a bit. “We just came back inside from that wonderful winter wonderland. Why would I want to be back in it?” Wu asked teasingly. 

   “I didn’t leave the window open,” Mako said, hoping he sounded more calm than he felt. 

       “I’m going to go take a hopefully hot shower,” Wu said cheerily, gathering his clothes and heading back out of their room. 

   Mako immediately searched the room, looking for a sign that someone took something, or left anything suspicious. Finally, he headed for the window to close it, only to notice the piece of paper taped to the windowsill. 

   He opened it, and he was filled with dread once he saw the words scrawled there in familiar handwriting. 

     ‘Once the semester is over, you're Amon’s again, schoolboy. See you then.’ 

 

The night felt even colder, and Mako wanted nothing more than to curl up on the floor and lay there forever. But, Wu couldn’t know. He needed to keep Wu and everyone he loved in the dark. 

   “So much for getting out,” Mako said to himself weakly, before laughing to himself humorlessly. 

Chapter 28: Chapter 28

“Don’t you only have a couple of finals left? Why do you seem so stressed?” Wu asked, sitting on his bed with stacks of index cards laying around him haphazardly. 

      Mako shrugged, “I still have to work hard to make sure my grades stay up so I can actually stay here you know. Why aren’t you more stressed?” 

   Wu mimicked his shrug, “Maybe because after this semester I’ll be applying to the culinary campus so most of these classes I’m in don’t really matter?” 

   Mako looked up from his notes again, giving Wu his full attention. “You’re what?! You didn’t tell me that! That’s amazing!” He leapt off the bed and tackled Wu into a tight hug. 

     Wu laughed, and shoved him away playfully. “Relax, I’m only applying, and I haven’t even told my parents yet, which I’m sure will go over so well with them. It’s not like I’ve been accepted yet.” 

  “Still, it's amazing that you’re trying to do that, Wu. It’s really brave trying to go for what you’re passionate about instead of what your parents want you to do.” Mako sat back up and kissed his cheek, distracting himself from his own impending end of the semester plans for a second. 

     Wu looked at him nervously, “I also want to tell them…about us too. But, I did want to ask you about that first before I went ahead and did that. So is that okay? I’m tired of hiding everything from them. I think it’s time I really try to get out from under their shadow. I don’t want to be their good little soldier anymore, if that makes sense.” 

  Mako nodded, hating the words that were about to leave his mouth. “Yeah I totally get that, it’s how I felt when I was ready to leave my old life. I didn’t want to be a soldier anymore either.” 

    Mako’s own thoughts were laughing at him. ‘ Still not going to say anything then? That should work out well. You are a good liar, what could go wrong?’ 

  Wu noticed none of this of course, and nodded along. “Exactly, I want to focus on what I want to do and who I want to be, not who they want me to be.” 

   Mako pulled Wu down on top of him, “I like you just the way you are,” He said quietly, before kissing him again, his hands wandering over Wu’s body, trying to remember his lips and his face, and his body, knowing he wouldn’t be seeing Wu over break. 

   Wu pulled away with a frustrated groan, “As much as I love all of that, and trust me, I do. I really should get back to work. Besides, we’ll have lots of time over break for all of that.” Wu grinned at him and slid off Mako’s body and grabbed his index cards, mouthing the words he read on them. 

    Mako groaned inwardly. He supposed now was as good a time as any to tell Wu…well, not the truth exactly but the lie that was serving as the truth. He cleared his throat awkwardly, “About that…I know you were thinking about me coming home with you for the break but  I should really stay with Ghazan and Ming-Hua again. Get some extra shifts in, save some more money before next semester. I’ll need books again and everything. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to make you think I’d be there with you.” 

  Wu blinked at him slowly, his green eyes calculating. “Oh, okay, that makes sense. I didn’t even think about that, sorry. I’m trying to remember not everyone has the same er…privileges as I do. We can try to visit each other? I know we haven’t been together for too long but I’m definitely going to miss you.” Wu’s face turned a little darker at the end, a small blush appearing on his face as he admitted this. 

   Mako smiled, hoping it reached his eyes, as his stomach turned into a knot as another white lie left his lips. “I’d love to visit. That sounds like a good idea.” 

   ‘ Will it even be possible?’ His question remained unanswered inside his head. 

“I’ll miss you too,” He added, genuinely meaning it. 

   Wu groaned and pointed over to Mako’s bed. “You get back over there before you really start distracting me.” 

  Mako laughed, “Yes sir,” He said teasingly and rolled off Wu’s bed and back over to his. It had been Wu’s idea to push the beds back to their original spots. “I’ll never get any studying done with you that close to me twenty four seven,” He’d said. 

   Mako had teased him at first, but if he was being honest with himself, he agreed. It was making the lying easier too. 

 

~~~~//~~~~

 

“Something’s up with you,” Ghazan told him a few nights later. 

   Mako looked over at him while he got a drink ready for a customer. “What do you mean?” 

     Ghazan eyed him suspiciously, “I know you better than that, kid. What’s going on?” 

    Mako handed over the drink, looking out at the bar in search of his friends. Finals had gone well, Mako had surprised himself in getting an A in damn near every class he took, with the exception of a couple of B’s. Everyone was meeting here for one last night of celebratory drinks before they all went their separate ways. “Well, now that you mention it, I was sort of hoping  I could stay in the loft upstairs again, and pick up some shifts over break.” 

  Ghazan’s expression changed, now he looked surprised and confused. “I mean sure, we could use the help. But I thought you’d be off to fancy town with your boyfriend,” He teased him. 

  Mako rolled his eyes, “You know that’s not exactly my scene. I need the money and you need the help, right?” 

  Ghazan nodded, “Alright, well, if you want to work instead of having fun it doesn’t bother me!” 

     Mako laughed, “Thanks, I appreciate it.”  

“Mako! Come take a break with us!” Bolin’s voice boomed across the crowded bar, making Mako smile. He tried to ignore the pit in his stomach as he joined Bolin, Korra, Asami, Wu, and Opal, hoping that by lying to them it would keep them safe. He just had to make it through the month. 

  He hoped. 

     

Chapter 29: Chapter 29

“Text me as soon as you make it there, okay?” Mako reminded Wu, while they stood outside the train station. 

    “I will, don’t worry I’ll keep you heavily updated on how my parents react to, well,” Wu grinned. 

  “Everything?” Mako finished for him with a laugh. 

     “I’m going to miss you so much. Are you sure you can't come home with me?” Wu asked him again, giving his hands a squeeze. 

   Nerves tugged on Mako’s stomach, but only for a moment. Lying was becoming easy again and he wasn’t sure if that was a good or bad thing. “I wish I could, but I need the money for next semester. For important things, like drinks to numb my brain with my new roommate.” 

   Wu laughed, “Bolin can’t be that bad, can he?” 

     Mako rolled his eyes, “You’ve never shared a space with him before.” 

The announcement rang through the station. ‘ Now departing for Ba Sing Se.’ 

  Wu blinked in surprise. “Shit, I didn’t realize how close to the time it was!” He leaned up and kissed Mako quickly but fiercely. 

   “Hurry!” Mako said, but he was laughing at Wu’s haste. “Be careful!” 

“See you soon!” Wu called over his shoulder, as he ran towards the train. 

    Mako stood and watched the train depart, and once it left the station he let out a heavy sigh. He checked his phone, and he still had a few hours to go before he had to meet….well, whoever it was that he was meeting from the gang. Last night, he had found another note by the window, making his anxiety spike. Thankfully, Wu had been too busy haphazardly throwing things into his bag for the break to notice. 

      ‘Dai Li Park, 4pm.’ 

A dusting of flurries was beginning to descend on the city as Mako headed back to campus to gather a few things to bring with him to the bar. He tried to ignore the bare side of the room, but it was difficult. Wu’s side of the room looked like no one had ever lived there at all. But, on the other hand, Mako smiled, knowing Wu was excited to start at the culinary school next semester and get one step closer to his dream. 

   Mako felt more like he was stepping towards a nightmare than his dream, knowing he was returning to his criminal life tonight. As if that wasn’t enough, he was heading back off campus when he almost literally bumped into Professor Beifong. 

   “Sorry, professor! Didn’t see you there,” Mako told her hastily. 

      Beifong’s usually stern expression looked at him in surprise. “Mako! Off to go home for the break?” 

    “Off to work soon actually,” Mako replied, trying not to laugh at the irony of lying so easily to the former chief of police. 

  “Oh, well, I knew you were a hard worker but even I’m surprised. I just wanted to say, you did quite exceptional this semester, what is it you plan on doing for a career once you’re done here?” Beifong’s green eyes stared at Mako piercingly. 

     “I want to be a cop,” Mako replied easily, wondering at that moment if he’d end up on the other side of bars after tonight or not. 

   Beifong smiled, “I look forward to seeing you thrive, and hope to see you on the streets someday.” 

   Mako somehow managed to grin, “Thanks Professor, have a good break.” 

~~~~//~~~

 

Mako wandered the city, ignoring any and all text messages that weren’t Wu. Which it turned out, was every single text he was getting. 

    Korra: Hey! I’ll be on campus for one more night if you want to get dinner, maybe? 

   Bolin: Dude! Opal’s parents are crazy rich, you’re missing out on all this craziness! 

   Asami: The offer still stands to join me and Korra up at my father’s place outside the city if you want! Promise not to make you feel like a third wheel! 

Kai: Mako, hope your break is fun, if you’re not busy on the holiday Jinora’s family always welcomes strays! It’s how I fit in so well! 

 He still hadn’t heard from Wu, which was definitely worrying but he had to put that in the back of his mind as he entered Dai Li Park. 

  It was time. 

The lights in the park were just starting to turn on as dusk settled in, and Mako tried not to shiver, blinking snowflakes out of his eyes as the snow started to get heavier. “Come on, where are you,” Mako muttered to himself, wishing he was literally anywhere else right then. 

    “Mako, glad to see you showed up,” Shady Shin’s voice rang out. 

Mako turned, surprised to see Shady Shin walking through the snow. It was easier than he thought to slip back into his old self. “Shin? Amon must have something serious for me if he’s sending you.” 

   Shady Shin grinned, “You’re in a…unique position. That’s all, Mako. Speaking of, Amon would like you to keep tabs on that Professor of yours. Former Chief of Police. She’s not as retired as she lets on. She’s still doing the undercover cop thing and sniffing around our business. You trying to go straight has come at a convenient time for us. Check her office, tail her, do whatever you can. She may have some notes in her office. Take them. Bring us whatever you find.” 

   “And then I’ll be let go again?” Mako asked, hating the sound of desperation in his voice. 

Shady Shin laughed, “Oh Mako, he’s just getting started.” 

His heart sinking, Mako watched Shady Shin turn and walk away. “We want an update in a week. You’d better have an update then. Don’t forget, we have eyes everywhere.” 

   Mako felt even colder as he walked back to Ghazan and Ming-Hua’s. He was going to have to break into Professor Beifong’s office, while classes weren’t in session, with no help. His phone buzzed, and once he saw the message he started to run down the sidewalk towards home. 

    Wu: I need to talk to you. 

Chapter 30: Chapter 30

Mako paced the small space above the bar, waiting for Wu to pick up the video call. He shoved about three pieces of mint gum into his mouth and chewed furiously while he waited. 

  He couldn’t have picked a worse time to try and quit smoking. Between Wu being cryptic and not picking up his phone and now working for Amon again without letting anyone know…he was definitely stressed. 

     “Finally!” Mako exclaimed, instead of greeting Wu. “What’s wrong? What happened?” He pressed, noting Wu’s dazed expression. 

   “I told them,” Wu began, blinking like he was waking up in the morning. “They were surprisingly okay with it?” 

  Mako grinned, momentarily forgetting his own troubles. “Wu, that's great! So, they know about you switching to the culinary college and…and me?” 

   Wu nodded, still looking like he couldn’t believe it. “Yeah, they were really supportive…I keep waiting for something to happen. For them to change their mind.” 

    “Hey, don’t worry about it. I would say just take the win. I miss you,” Mako added, surprised by the ache he felt in his chest after seeing Wu’s face again. 

  Wu finally cracked a smile, but he still looked nervous. “I miss you too and speaking of that. They uhh want to meet you. Before the break is over.” 

   Mako stared at Wu for a moment, eyes wide. “They being…your parents? Why do they want to meet me?” 

   Wu laughed at Mako’s wary tone. “Maybe because you’re my boyfriend and they’re actually trying to be a part of my life for once?” 

   Mako felt guilty, but he thought Wu was accepting all of this a little too easily. He hadn’t even met his parents yet and he already didn’t like them just from what Wu had told him. “I don’t think I can get away Wu, I said I would work during the break, I need the money. Scholarships and loans don’t cover everything.” 

  Wu frowned, “It would just be for a day or two, you could do that right?” 

     Mako tried to calm the nerves swirling through him. “I can try but that’s all I can give you right now.” 

   Wu looked annoyed, an expression he hadn’t shown Mako for awhile now. “Fine. Then I guess when you know for sure just let me know.” 

   “Wu I-” Mako broke off as the call disconnected, leaving Mako staring at it in shock. 

He sighed, threw himself on the bed and decided to deal with the other messages on his phone. He wasn’t ready to think about how he was going to work, break into a former chief of police’s office, and survive meeting Wu’s parents. 

   It almost made him miss being shot at while he ran away from cops or other gangs. 

Almost. 

    He sent out replies to almost everyone wishing them a good break, and declining invitations from some who offered him to visit. He put his phone down, threw a blanket over himself, and planned to lay there for a few hours in his own misery. 

   Apparently, the universe had other plans. 

Someone walked through the door, didn’t even knock or say anything, instead choosing to rip the blanket off of him violently. “Get up,” Korra told him, tossing the blanket on the floor. 

   Mako groaned, “Why are you here?” 

“Aw, you’re so happy to see me,” Korra said sarcastically. “We’re going out to eat now, instead of you brooding up here alone. It’s my last night in town and you’re stuck with me.” 

   “Wow you really know how to make a guy feel special,” Mako grumbled, but he sat up anyway. 

Korra rolled her eyes. “Look, you can talk to me about whatever it is that’s bothering you over some good food. My treat. Let’s go.” She turned on her heel and headed back out the door, Mako having no choice but to follow her. 

~~~//~~

 

“So, what’s the deal then? Why are you acting like a big baby?” Korra asked, her mouth full of french fries. 

  “First of all, that is disgusting. Second, I am not acting like a baby,” Mako told her, taking a sip of his water. 

     Korra swallowed and pointed a finger at him. “Yes you are. Come on, spill.” 

Mako hesitated, wanting to tell her everything, but knowing he couldn’t. “Wu told his parents about us. About how he is switching programs and everything. Apparently, they want to meet me over the break but I don’t think I can go. Wu was…less than thrilled about it.” 

   Korra raised an eyebrow at him. “Why don’t you want to go? I’m sure you could spare a day or two off.” 

   Mako decided to stick with his half truth. “I’m not exactly the kind of guy someone brings home to meet the parents. I’ve got no money, I grew up running errands for a crime lord, and I don’t exactly have a glamorous future planned ahead.” 

   Korra’s eyes softened. “Hey, that’s not true. You’re working on getting yourself a better life, you’re out of the gang, and any parents would be happy to meet you. I highly doubt they’re that judgmental. Especially if they are being so accepting of you and Wu and want to meet you already.” 

   “That’s also what I’m worried about. From what Wu’s told me he wasn’t expecting them to be so accepting. I feel like they’re playing some sort of game.” Mako picked at his food, wondering if he was right. 

    Korra shrugged, “I guess there’s only one way to find out. You need to go and meet them and draw your own conclusions.” 

   Mako sighed, “I was hoping to avoid doing that. Any other ideas?” 

Korra grinned at him. “Nope!” 

  Mako sighed, “I’ll see what I can do.” 

Korra nodded, before taking a bite of her burger. “Always glad to help.” 

   Mako’s phone buzzed, he pulled it out of his pocket hoping it was Wu, but his heart sank when he read the message. 

    ‘Get the job done, or we start visiting your friends.’ There was a photo attached, and it was a picture of him and Korra eating from just a moment ago. 

  Mako looked out the window, scanning the street, looking for anyone suspicious, but the terrifying thing was…he didn’t see anybody. 

  Mako tried to shake the feeling of being watched, but it was difficult. He needed to get one thing done at a time. Steal documents first, meet the parents later. 

   When did this become his life? 

 

Chapter 31: Chapter 31

“Just like riding a bike,” Mako muttered as he easily entered the office building on the quiet snowy night. He had to get it done tonight, because the next day he was supposed to be going to Ba Sing Se to see Wu…and his parents. 

   Mako wondered if Amon’s goons would kidnap him…it would be a pretty valid excuse to skip meeting Wu’s parents. Although, he wasn’t sure how he’d come up with a lie to explain that one. Mako wandered down the dark hallways quietly, unsure if there would be a security guard, considering there wasn’t a security system in the building. He found Professor Beifong’s office near the end of the hallway and slipped inside. It was a simple office, functional and comfortable. A few bookshelves lined the space behind the desk near the lone window. Mako wondered what would happen if he didn’t find anything in here. He highly doubted Amon and the gang would believe him even if he was telling the truth. 

  Mako sighed, “Time to get this over with,” he grumbled to himself. 

Mako went to the shelves first flipping through pages, looking for notes or papers relating to the gangs movements and members. Mako was still skeptical that the former police chief was even doing her own little investigation. Maybe Amon was just being paranoid? 

    ‘Or cautious,’ his old instincts reminded him carefully. 

The silence that surrounded the building and the campus made the winter night even more eerie. It hadn’t helped that Mako had gotten back in the habit of looking over his shoulder again. He wistfully thought of the brief time when he hadn’t had to do that. It had been a nice few months. 

   Now, he was back at it again. 

   Mako moved on to the desk, rifling through drawers. He almost gave up on the last drawer, until he felt the wood. It wasn’t like the other drawers…in fact it wasn’t  a real drawer at all. 

   “Got it,” Mako said, hating the sick pride he felt at still being good at this. 

Moving the drawer aside he found what he was looking for. Notes, criminal profiles, small maps and scribbling from Professor Beifong. His stomach twisted with nerves as he removed the paperwork, and carefully made his way to the communal office space back down the hallway. He practically jumped out of his skin when he turned on the photocopier. It was like setting off fireworks in the silent building. Mako was still shocked at the lack of security, but then again, most professors wouldn’t be storing evidence in their offices. 

  It felt like an eternity, but once the files were copied, Mako slipped the copies into his bag and replaced the originals, covering the drawer back up and hoping Beifong wasn’t going to notice anything was touched. Mako hurried back outside into the still winter night, wandering back to the campus entrance. 

   “Hey! The campus is closed, what are you doing here?” A flashlight lit up Mako’s outline and a campus security guard trudged through the snow. 

  Mako blinked the light out of his eyes, and plastered a nervous smile on his face. “Sorry, I was trying to get to my dorm, I forgot a few things before I left for the break. I was hoping to get inside?” 

   The guard eyed Mako’s backpack suspiciously, lowering the light out of his eyes. “Look, the campus is closed, and you need to leave. I’m sorry but if we let every student sneak their way on here we’d be overrun.” 

   Mako smiled politely and nodded. “I totally understand, thanks for not throwing me in jail.” 

‘ Oh the irony ,’ He thought to himself, trying to control his racing heart. 

   The guard laughed, “Have a good break, and a good holiday.” 

“You too,” Mako returned, before walking back to the entrance to campus, hopefully not walking too fast. 

   Once stepped onto the sidewalk, he pulled out his phone and sent a message, alerting the gang that he got what they needed. 

   ‘ The old arena, get there now.’ Mako sighed, and ran to the subway station, blinking against the snowflakes. 

   The old sports center had been sitting on the other side of town falling apart for as long as Mako could remember. Amon often did his business there, and for a time Mako and Bolin had even lived there for a short period of time. He and Bolin had holed up there during the winter, Bolin going to school and Mako running errands and numbers for the gang, it was one of the nicer places they had stayed, Mako had to do what he had to do to survive. 

   Just like he was right now. 

Mako entered through the alley entryway, walking down the halls splattered with graffiti, and heading out to the main area. He felt the color drain from his face, but managed to keep his expression neutral. He had been expecting Tahno, maybe Shady Shin, but he definitely hadn’t been expecting to see- 

  “Amon,” Mako greeted the man with a nod, trying to keep his voice even, and ignoring the pounding in his heart. 

   “Mako, so good to see you again. Lots of memories here right? We had a good thing going for a while there.” Amon smiled coldly, and stood from his seat. 

   Mako nodded, his eyes darting around to see how many people surrounded them. He spotted Tahno, and Shady Shin, and even…was that the guy who was hitting on Wu at the bar? Mako suppressed a shiver that had nothing to do with the cold. How far did Amon’s influence reach? 

   The papers in his bag suddenly felt like bricks. What were they planning? Why was Professor Beifong looking into them? Mako’s investigative brain was running a mile a minute, but he couldn't ask or answer any of the questions he had. 

   “I have what you need, and tomorrow I’m out of town for a few days so I won’t be available.” Mako hoped he sounded braver than he felt. 

  Amon rolled his eyes, “Yes, yes, you’re a part timer now, I know. Hand me the papers and be on your way.” 

  Mako passed them over quickly, wanting to get out of here, away from all the eyes that were on him. The less people that knew his face the better. “Alright, I’ll be on my way then.” 

   Amon raised a hand. “Zaheer will see you out. I don’t want you sniffing around here too much. You understand that it has been awhile since I’ve worked with you.” 

   Mako smiled, “I wouldn’t expect anything less from you.” 

The guy from the bar, Zaheer, walked by him, not waiting for Mako to follow. He followed Zaheer out the way he had come in, and out into the alley. 

   “Guess your little boyfriend has a thing for dangerous guys,” Zaheer said with a smirk. 

Mako shoved him against the wall, pinning him there. “Stay the fuck away from him. Away from me. You never saw me here, got it?” 

    Zaheer, still smirking, nodded against the arm Mako had against his throat. “I can walk myself the rest of the way,” Mako spat at him, before turning and heading back out into the winter night. 

 

~~~~//~~~~ 

 

Mako returned to the bar, cold and his feet aching. It was a busy night, the holiday giving people reasons to celebrate or be miserable in public. Mako was heading upstairs when his phone buzzed. 

    ‘Can’t wait to see you tomorrow! I’ll be at the station! Sorry I haven’t texted a lot, it's been crazy here!’ 

Mako smiled, Wu’s energy infecting him even through the phone. He was going to need all the happy energy he could get after tonight. 

   He pushed open the door to the small apartment, turned on the light and nearly had a heart attack. 

“Hello, Mako. Care to tell me what you were doing with my files?” Professor Beifong leaned against a chair, her green eyes glaring daggers at him. 

   Mako was well and truly fucked. 

Chapter 32: Chapter 32

Mako hoped he was dreaming, but it looked like he wasn’t going to be that lucky. Professor Beifong definitely was here, and he really was awake. 

  Yay for him. 

“I…how did you…there weren’t any cameras!” Mako’s usually smooth demeanor was shattered by the professor being here, in this tiny apartment, in his world. 

   Professor Beifong smirked. “There may be a lack of security in the building, but not in my personal office Mako. Did the gang you’re involved with not teach you any better?” 

   Mako bristled at the bold accusation, despite it being true. But, was he truly back with the gang? He thought it was a temporary arrangement. “I’m a little rusty,” Mako grumbled, crossing his arms. 

   “So, who is it you’re working for? I take it since you’re studying criminal law that they want to infiltrate the police force more than they already have.” Professor Beifong was being extremely blunt. 

   Mako gaped at her. “They’re in the police force?! Why haven’t you done something about this already?!” 

  Professor Beifong showed the slightest sign of confusion before she returned to her usual stern glare. “How about we sit down, and answer all of each other’s questions?” 

   Mako glared back at her, “Fine.” 

“I’ll ask again, what were you doing with the files, and who are you working for?” 

Mako sighed, “Trust me, I wasn’t planning on working for Amon again. I’m trying to get back out of that life, so he’s having me do some…favors for him. He knows you’re investigating him I guess. I swear I’m not usually a part of this. I used to be but I broke a deal with him. So, now I’m stuck working for him again, or else he’ll come after the people I care about.” 

   Professor Beifong looked at him sympathetically. “I’m sorry you’re going through that, Mako. But, this is huge news. I didn’t realize I would end up talking to someone working for Amon of all people. Tell you what, I won’t report you for the files, and you keep me in the loop on what you know of Amon’s whereabouts and plans.” 

    Mako blinked, surprised. “I’m not sure I can pull that off. Amon is smart, cunning, and scary when he needs to be.” 

  Professor Beifong smirked, “I can be too. Besides, he can’t have too many eyes on the campus. He’s going higher up than higher education.” 

   Mako hesitated. “There’s a guy that’s on campus working for Amon, his name’s Zaheer, but  I have no clue what he’s been doing for Amon.” 

  Professor Beifong’s eyes narrowed, “Tell me everything you know.” 

    Mako sighed, got a little more comfortable in his seat, and did just that. 

 

~~~~//~~~

 

“We’ll talk soon after you get back, enjoy your trip…and Mako? Be careful, I know I’m asking a  lot of you and it isn’t going to be easy.” Professor Beifong told him as she paused at the door to the hallway. 

   “I’ll be alright, don’t worry about me.” Mako told her, hoping he sounded more confident than he felt. 

  Once Professor Beifong left, Mako collapsed onto his bed. So, now he was a double agent, or a triple agent? He couldn’t keep up anymore. He remembered the beginning of the semester wistfully, when he didn’t have to deal with any of this. His most stressful problems were classes and Wu. 

  Mako sat up. Wu! He almost forgot he had a train to catch tomorrow morning, he hadn’t even packed or thought about what in the hell he was going to say when he met Wu’s parents. With a groan, Mako stuck a piece of gum in his mouth and started chewing furiously. On the other hand, it would be nice to see Wu, and forget about his problems for a couple of days. 

   Mako pulled out his phone and sent off a quick message to Wu with a small smile. 

  ‘Can’t wait to see you.’ 

Mako sighed, and grabbed his duffel bag and began the process of packing what little belongings and clothes he had. Once that was done, he fell into a fitful sleep, his anxiety making it hard to rest comfortably. 

    Mako trudged down the stairs the next morning with his bag in hand, firing off messages to Korra, Bolin, Ming-Hua, and Ghazan, letting everyone know he would be in Ba Sing Se for a couple of days, despite his own thoughts telling him that leaving Republic City right now was a bad idea. If Amon needed a favor while he was gone…nope! Mako wasn’t going to think about that, he had enough to worry about with going to Ba Sing Se alone. 

  Mako was startled awake by the train’s automated voice. 

     ‘Now arriving at Ba Sing Se Upper Ring Station’ 

Mako blinked blearily around and shifted subconsciously in his seat. Every other passenger was…well, for a lack of a better term, better than him. He stuck out like a sore thumb with his well worn jeans, black sweatshirt, and dusty winter hat on his head. He looked out the window at the new city, which was much larger than Republic City, so much so that it was even making Mako feel nervous, despite growing up in a city his whole life. There was a lazy dusting of flurries descending upon the city, and Mako stood up, grabbed his bag, and braced himself for the winter air just outside the train doors. 

  Mako walked off the platform, checking his phone for any messages, cryptic gang ones or otherwise. There weren’t any messages, even from Wu, which was starting to worry Mako. What if he wasn’t supposed to be here so soon? Did he have the right day? What if Wu’s parents hated him? 

   “It’s fine, just text Wu for the address and get a cab,” Mako told himself, trying to calm down. But, thinking about the price of a cab wasn’t helping either. 

  “Mako!” Wu’s familiar joy filled voice called across the station. 

Mako looked up and saw Wu waving from the sidewalk, instantly making him more relaxed. He hurried towards him, his anxiety already ebbing away. Mako wrapped Wu in his arms, dropping his bag, and kissed him firmly on the lips, not caring what rich snobs were nearby to be bothered by it. 

   “Glad to see you too,” Wu said with a grin, after they broke apart. “Let’s go, the car is waiting for us.” 

  “The car…?” Mako asked dumbly, and he looked past Wu and saw a long black car waiting to take them to Wu’s parents house…or to hell, whichever thought made you more comfortable. 

   It was going to be a long couple of days. 

Chapter 33: Chapter 33

Mako sat nervously in the back seat of the limo. He couldn’t believe he was sitting in a limo for god’s sake. He gripped Wu’s hand tightly, hoping that he wasn’t getting Wu’s hand covered in nervous sweat. He should’ve felt more relaxed being out of Republic City, away from all the problems he’d left there. 

  Instead he jumped from one mess to another. Ba Sing Se was a city very much like Republic City, just larger, and more intimidating. Mako didn’t know these streets like he knew the ones back home. It was…unsettling to say the least. 

  “Was the trip okay?” Wu asked, breaking the silence. 

Mako jumped a little, surprising both of them. “Yeah, yeah it was fine. Nothing crazy happened. How have things been since you’ve been home? I know your parents are supporting your decision but…have they changed their minds at all about any of that?” 

   Wu shook his head. “So far they haven’t. I’m keeping my fingers crossed. They’ve been pretty busy though too so I’ve been wandering the estate by myself mostly. Getting prepped for the transfer to the culinary school, waiting to see you.” Wu gave Mako’s hand a happy squeeze and kissed his cheek. 

   “The estate?!” Mako asked, trying not to sound too incredulous. Wu wasn’t making it easy. His old resentment was boiling to the forefront of his mind. Yes, he was sure it was so difficult to have all that space to yourself, with a full staff of people to wait on you hand and foot. How terrible. Mako kept his sarcastic thoughts to himself, but only just. 

   “Oh hey, we’re here,” Wu said brightly, as the car came to a slow stop. 

Mako was basically internally screaming as soon as he stepped out of the car. The place was huge . It was ridiculous. “You grew up here?” He managed to choke out to Wu. 

   “Yup, come on I’ll show you around,” Wu started to head for the front door but Mako could just stand and stare for a minute. He was tore from his reverie by the sound of the trunk popping open, and the driver reaching for his bag. 

   “I got it, thanks,” Mako told him briskly. He was not going to have other people take care of his every need while he was here. No thank you. 

    Mako reluctantly followed Wu through the front door, and was led blindly through the first floor. Kitchen (huge), dining room (insane), a den (the size of his apartment and then some), up the stairs, down about three exact looking hallways, five bathrooms, and finally…. 

   “Here we are! This is my room!” Wu smiled as he let Mako through into his own space. 

It was certainly very much somewhere Mako could see Wu inhabiting all the time. There was a large king sized bed that was unmade, a large tv, a PlayStation 5, a few bookshelves filled with books, mostly pastry and cookbooks funnily enough, wouldn’t those be in the kitchen? Finally, an en suite bathroom, and a glass door that led out onto a balcony. 

     “Glad to see you’re just as messy here as you are back at school,” Mako said with amusement. 

  Wu rolled his eyes, “I hope your new roommate is even worse than I am. You’ll be begging to share a room with me again.” 

   “Well I certainly have missed being so close to you,” Mako murmured, wrapping his arms around Wu’s waist and kissing his neck slowly. 

   Wu hummed appreciatively before turning around and capturing Mako’s mouth with his own. This was fine, if this is all Mako had to do for the next couple of days, then it was great. He could forget about all the issues back home, and maybe Wu’s parents will even be too busy to meet him. 

   There was a knock on the door, and Mako and Wu hastily broke apart regrettably. “Who is it?” Wu called, clearing his throat while Mako stifled a laugh. 

   “Just me sir, I wanted to tell you that your parents made it home and were looking for you. They’re in the den.” A calm male voice called through the doorway. 

    “Which one?” Mako muttered, ignoring the glare Wu shot him. Mood officially ruined. 

“Okay, we’ll be down in a minute!” Wu called back through the door. 

    The man on the other side cleared his throat awkwardly. “They…only requested you I’m afraid.” 

    Wu’s eyebrows shot up, and Mako was grateful that his annoyance was now focused at his parents and not him. “Oh really? Tell them I’ll be right down,” Wu replied, his voice sickly sweet and laced with venom. 

   Mako wrapped an arm around his shoulder and pulled Wu in close. “Hey, if they don’t want to meet me that’s fine with me. It’s honestly preferred. I’ve done okay all these years without the whole ‘meet the parents’ thing. Why start now?” 

  Wu huffed, pulling away from him. “It is important. To me, and don’t think we aren’t going to circle back to your ex’s at some point. Who are all these parents you didn’t meet?” Wu kissed his cheek before walking towards the bedroom door, but he paused. “Just…hang out here for a few minutes while I talk to them okay?” Wu asked with a smile, before leaving without hearing Mako’s reply. 

     Mako immediately pulled out his phone, stepped out onto the balcony, ignoring the chill, and called Korra. 

   “Hello?” She answered, voice tinged with confusion and worry. 

“You’ll never guess where I am,” Mako replied, not bothering with a greeting. 

    “You’re going to have to just tell me, because if you’re not in Republic City I’m already shocked,” Korra said with a laugh. 

   “I’m in Ba Sing Se with Wu. At his house, if you can even call it that, Korra, this place is insane .” Mako paced the balcony, pulled out a piece of gum, and started chewing furiously. 

    Korra laughed, “Trust me you should see Asami’s place. I’m not sure her dad likes me all that much though.” 

   “At least you’ve met him,” Mako grumbled. “I just got here and it seems like Wu’s parents already don’t want anything to do with me.” 

    He could practically hear the shrug in Korra’s voice. “So? You guys don’t have to be best buds. You like Wu right? A lot? If this is important to him then just do it for him. Be polite, and don’t take anything too personal if it gets to that. Enjoy yourself.” 

   Mako sighed, hating that she was right. “Thanks, Korra. Sorry for bothering you.” 

       “We’re friends Mako, you never bother me.” 

Mako was speechless for a moment, before he heard the bedroom door open and close again. “I gotta go, thank you again.” 

    “Tell me how it goes!” Korra replied, before Mako hung up on her. 

Mako put his phone away just as Wu came onto the balcony. “Hey, what are you doing out here, it’s freezing!” 

   “Just needed some air, what did your parents want?” Mako asked calmly. 

Wu smiled tensely. “They’re ready to meet you if you are.” 

   Mako thought wistfully of being shot at, running from cops, all of that seemed easier than this. “Sure, lead the way.” He followed Wu out of the room and back downstairs, wondering if he would survive this. 

Chapter 34: Chapter 34

Mako followed Wu, trying to ignore the feeling of being led to his execution. ‘ Pull it together, you’ve met with literal gang bosses before. These are just two insanely rich people.’ Mako thought to himself, squaring his shoulders and taking a deep breath as they got closer to the den. 

  Wu held Mako’s hand tightly, and gave it a squeeze before entering the den. “Mom, dad, this is Mako, my boyfriend. He’ll be staying here for a couple of days.” 

   Mako and Wu’s parents regarded each other for a moment. Almost taking stock of the respective parties. Wu’ father shared his darker complexion and dark hair, but instead of Wu’s bright green eyes he had brown ones. His mother had a pale complexion, light brown hair, and the same green eyes as Wu. Mako cleared his throat and took a step forward, “It’s nice to meet you both,” Mako held his hand out for a handshake to Wu’s parents, waiting for one of them to take it. 

   After an awkward thirty seconds that felt like thirty years, Wu’s mother stepped forward and shook his hand, smiling kindly at him. “It’s nice to meet you too Mako, I’m June and this is my husband Will. Did you have a safe trip?” 

  Mako relaxed a little, glad to see that at least one of Wu’s parents was attempting to play this game with him. “It was good, no complaints here. You have a lovely home.” 

   Wu’s father, Will, made a non-committal grunt that Mako assumed was a response to that statement. 

   The four of them stood there silently for a few moments, making Mako feel more and more like he was under a microscope. Finally, Wu’s mother broke the spell. “Well, your father and I have a lot of things to get done, but we will see the two of you at dinner?” 

   Wu thankfully, replied. “That sounds great, I want to finish showing Mako the house and then maybe go into the city. We’ll see you guys later!” 

   Mako knew they were being dismissed, despite the introductions being brief and bizarre. He let Wu lead him out of the den and waited until they were down the hallway before saying “Well, I think they really like me,” his voice heavy with sarcasm. 

   Wu sighed, his shoulders sagging a little. “I’m sorry, I surprised them a lot this week and bringing you home with me probably didn’t help.” 

   Mako blinked, unsure if he had heard Wu correctly. “Are you…defending them? After they were so standoffish with me?” 

   Wu pulled Mako through his bedroom door, closing it softly behind them. “I’m not defending them. I’m saying it was probably my fault. It doesn’t have anything to do with you as a person Mako.” 

   Mako crossed his arms and rolled his eyes. “Oh, yeah, I’m sure they're exactly who they want dating their son. Clearly they have an issue with me.”  

   Wu glared back at him. “I think you have an issue with them, and they have an issue with you. If all of you would make more of an effort maybe it would be less awkward for all of us.” 

  Mako laughed, “You want me to do what? Suck up to them? Make them think I’m something I’m not? No thanks.” 

   Wu’s gaze softened and he took a step closer to Mako. “I want you to show them why I fell in love with you.” 

  Mako’s eyes widened at that. He responded like any emotionally grounded person would of course. “You…do you really mean that?” 

   The walls in Wu’s large bedroom seemed closer than ever before, making him feel like a caged animal. No one had ever told him that before. 

   Wu reached for Mako’s hand and tugged him a step closer. “Of course I do, Mako. I love you. I don’t care what anyone thinks of that.” 

  Mako’s feeling of panic evaporated, Wu’s grip on his hand and his words grounding him. Mako grinned, picked Wu up in a tight hug and replied happily, “I love you too!” 

   Wu laughed, “Put me down! I’m glad I make you this happy but please release me so I can kiss you!” 

    Mako let Wu down, kissing him firmly on the lips, ignoring the small twist of guilt he felt in his stomach. He did love Wu, that wasn’t the problem. The problem was that he was keeping it a secret still that he was working for the gang again. Or was he working for Professor Beifong now? Or both? It didn’t matter, he would have to tell Wu soon. That may be the safer option over keeping him in the dark. 

  ‘ After the holidays, once I know more about what I’m even doing,’ Mako promised himself internally. 

  Wu looked more excited than Mako had ever seen him. “Come on, I really do want to show you some of the city. Let’s get out of here. After dinner I can make you some of the best desserts you’ve ever had.” 

  “Don’t you still need to get through culinary school before you get all this confidence?” Mako teased him, following Wu back to the entryway. 

   “Wow, I tell you I love you and in return you sass me?!” Wu asked, acting offended. 

Mako laughed, “I love you so I can tease you as much as I want, so yes.” 

   Wu rolled his eyes and shoved Mako playfully, before opening the limo for Mako. “Come on, I’ll show you some good stores and we can look for Christmas present ideas.” 

  Fighting down a grimace at riding in the limo again, Mako decided to let Wu take the reins and enjoy the day. He only had a couple of days with Wu and he intended to enjoy them. 

   They wandered around the city, poking around in shops, grabbed lunch at a restaurant that sold food for way more than anything Mako would ever likely afford, and walked hand in hand down the snowy streets of Ba Sing Se. It would have been perfect, and it was, until Mako was seized by two cops in uniform, ripped away from Wu’s grasp. 

   “What are you doing?!” Wu demanded, anger and panic in his voice. 

Mako, knowing it would be easier to comply, didn’t even struggle in the cops grasp. “Wu, it’s fine, I’m alright,” he had no idea why he felt so calm. He wanted to know what was going on too. 

   “He’s under arrest,” One of the officers told Wu bluntly. 

“For what?!” Wu asked, sounding more upset than a moment ago. 

   The other cop shrugged, “Not allowed to tell you. You can come bail him out at the station. We’re taking him in.” 

   Mako looked at Wu, who looked ready to argue. “Wu, it’s fine. You know where to find me, okay?” 

   Wu nodded, and Mako let himself be dragged away towards the cop car, his brain running a mile a minute. Why had they arrested him? He hadn’t done anything. Hell, Mako didn't even have a lawyer, but he figured he was going to need one soon. His suspicions grew, and he wondered if Amon had anything to do with this. Maybe his reach extended beyond Republic City. 

   That dark thought followed Mako as the cops handcuffed him and shoved him into the police cruiser, taking him away from Wu. 

Chapter 35: Chapter 35

Mako watched the city buildings go by as he sat in the back seat of the cop car silently. Neither officer tried to talk to him, and Mako didn’t think he would get any answers from them, so he remained silent. Between his criminal justice classes and his life on the streets he knew it was best to stay silent until he knew what he was up against. 

   He tried closing his eyes to think, but every time he did all he could see was Wu’s outraged and confused face watching as he was cuffed and led into the car. 

   ‘It’ll be fine, everything is fine. I’ll get a phone call right?’ 

That thought should have comforted him, but all it did was set his brain more work. Who exactly was he supposed to call? Wu? Bolin? Korra? Hell, Professor Beifong? 

    Actually, that last one wasn’t an entirely terrible idea. How much leverage would she have here, he wondered. Ba Sing Se wasn’t even her city, but it might be worth a shot. 

   Mako hardly registered being pulled out of the car and led into the back of the police station. He did notice however, that instead of a cell, he was led straight into a questioning room. Shit, what is it that they think he did? Or was Amon himself going to walk through those doors? Were these guys even actual cops? 

   “Wait here,” tall, dark and ugly told him, before leaving the room. 

Mustache cop stayed behind, keeping an eye on Mako. He wondered why; they had him handcuffed to the table. He was good, but not that good. He sat as still as possible, his fingers were the only things moving, twitching and flicking ash off an invisible cigarette. 

   Habits were hard to kick, as he was quickly learning. Back working for the gang, then being a double agent for a not so retired chief of police, and back at a police station. Not as a cop. 

   But as a criminal. 

Finally, after what was only a few minutes but felt like an eternity the door opened and tall, dark and ugly returned and a few steps behind him was- 

   “You?” Mako asked, not bothering to keep his confusion out of his tone. 

Wu’s father entered the room, looking eerily calm, and quirked an eyebrow at Mako as he assessed him coolly. “Yes, me, were you expecting someone else?” 

   Mako relaxed his face, his old mask slipping on while his brain ran mental jumping jacks as to why in the hell Wu’s father was here. It definitely didn’t seem like he was heere to bail him out, that much was certain. “No, I wasn’t expecting anyone in particular. I’m guessing you’re the reason I’m in this room?” Mako pulled his gaze away from Wu’s father and looked around the room in mock interest. 

   Wu’s father smiled coldly, “No Mako, you are the reason you are in this room. You, and your poor life choices.” Wu’s father lifted his hand, and tall, dark and ugly handed him a manila folder, which he casually opened and read like it was the morning news. 

     Mako’s chest constricted slightly. How the hell did he have a file? He’d only been arrested a couple of times, and it was always for stupid shit, never anything directly related to the gang. “Why are you doing this?” 

  Wu’s father spoke, not acknowledging his question. “You’ve been on the streets since you were a kid, refusing to go to an orphanage, taking odd jobs, the oddest being a gang member of one of the largest gangs in the Republic City underbelly. Yet now you expect everyone to believe that you’re going to be a cop of all things.” Wu’s father chuckled humorlessly. “As you can see, cops can be hired, just like a grunt can be for any odd job that a crime boss would want done. It’s not all that different.” 

   At that, Mako noticed that both of the cops looked upset, but kept silent, which solidified Wu’s father’s comments. 

   “I did what I had to do to survive and take care of my brother. By the sounds of it, I’m guessing you’ve had to do some things you weren’t proud of either to support your growing business. Am I right, sir?” 

   Wu’s father scowled at him, causing Mako to smirk, not caring how stupid of a move that was in his current predicament. “See the difference is, I got out of my bad habits. Tell me, are you a completely straight shooter when it comes to your business now? Does your family know? Everything that I can see so far is making me lean towards…no. Wu knows all about my life, I told him, and he loves me even despite that. Can you say the same?” 

    Mako felt a wave of pride and confidence for about thirty seconds, until Wu’s father smiled again. “Does Wu know that you’re not really out?” 

   Mako’s blood ran cold. How could he possibly know that? No one knew that. “You…I am really out.” 

   Wu’s father chuckled, “They taught you how to lie fairly well, I’ll give you that. I have eyes everywhere Mako. As you yourself pointed out….I have certain connections.” 

    Mako glared back at him, opening his mouth to argue, but the door behind Wu’s father swung open, and Mako could only stare in surprise as Wu marched in, another cop behind him. 

   Wu’s father, for his part, looked absolutely stunned as well. “How-” 

       “Oh it’s easy to get bail money with the right connections. It’s even easier when you get here and you’re told there is no need for bail because they have no reason to even be holding Mako here.” Wu cut his father off briskly, giving neither him or Mako a chance to speak. 

   “So, if you don’t mind, uncuff him and I’ll be taking him home.” 

Mako was stunned, even more so when the cops actually listened to Wu . 

   Wu’s father sputtered at his son, “If you think I’m letting this lying, street trash back into my home you-” 

  Wu laughed coldly and it  was scarily similar to his father’s, and Mako realized he had never seen this side of Wu before. This was just as scary as when he was on his medicine. “Oh I’m sorry, I didn’t mean your home.” Wu turned to Mako as he said this, reaching for one of Mako’s now cuff free hands. “We will be going back to our home, and I want nothing to do with you again.” 

  Mako walked, trance like behind Wu as he let himself be led out of the police station, Wu’s father’s shouts fading behind them, and it wasn’t until they were outside again, that Mako smiled, not knowing that his smile would soon be fading. 

Chapter 36: Chapter 36

The train ride back to Republic City was long, awkward, and silent. Mako, with his subnormal social skills, decided that it was the perfect time to come clean about everything. 

    “Wu, I really need to talk to you-” Mako tried to start, but Wu had clearly been in his head for the majority of the train ride. 

    “What am I going to do?! I can’t believe I really just did that! I need to get a job, and I’m not even sure about school. How am I going to pay for everything?!” Wu’s words rushed out one after the other like a roaring river. 

   Mako wrapped his arm around Wu protectively, “Hey…it’s okay. We’ll figure it out together. You can get a job, there’s no way your parents can take away money for school can they? They don’t control every aspect of your life right?” 

      Wu took a deep breath, sounding a little shaky. “Good point, I think the money for school is in my name, it should pay for it and they can’t touch it. That should cover the living situation too in my new dorm on the culinary campus. But…maybe I should get a job. I think I should get some more hands-on experience with baking. Maybe go work for the competition,” Wu laughed, some of his panic already fading. 

   Mako smiled at him, “See there’s the Wu I’m used to. Only one of us is allowed to be doom and gloom all the time.” 

    Wu laughed, nudging him playfully. “Sorry about the freak out, you wanted to talk to me about something?” 

  Mako’s smile faded, which did not go unnoticed by Wu. “Hey, what is it? It can’t be much worse than what happened already right?” Wu asked, trying for a joke. 

     “Oh you’d be surprised,” Mako said grimly, wishing he could lead the conversation a little lighter in tone. “You know I used to work for a gang most of my life. What you didn’t know was that it was the worst gang in Republic City, run by a ruthless man named Amon. What you also don’t know is that I’ve sort of been working for them again.” 

  Wu’s green eyes were wide, his mouth hanging open a little in shock. “Before you say anything, there’s more,” Mako told him, grimacing slightly. 

    “I sort of got caught, taking some files from Professor Beifong’s office to Amon. So, Professor Beifong wanted me to keep tabs on them for her because she’s sort of doing a solo cop thing I think. Also, you cannot tell anyone this, and my involvement with the gang seems to be the main reason your parents didn’t want anything to do with me, or you dating me.” Mako took a deep breath, the weight that had been on his chest finally leaving him now that at least one person knew. 

    ‘Now arriving at Republic City Station.’ The automated voice was the only one that greeted Mako’s words. 

   Wu didn’t respond, instead he stood up as soon as the train doors opened, grabbed his bags, and bolted out onto the station. “Wu!” Mako hastily grabbed his own bag, and ran out after him, but there was no sign of Wu on the surprisingly crowded platform. “Shit,” Mako cursed, earning him several glares from the people leaving and boarding the train. 

   Mako pulled out his phone, sending Wu a flurry of texts that, of course, went unread. Where was Wu planning on going anyway? The campus was still closed for break, and he wasn’t even sure that Wu had anyone in town he could stay with. Looking back down at his phone Mako was hit with an idea, but he should probably get out of the train station first. 

 

~~~~~//~~~~ 

 

Mako made it back to the bar, and ignoring Ming-Hua and Ghazan’s surprised shouts, he fled immediately to the apartment upstairs and called Korra. 

   “Hey Mako, how are things going with the family?” Korra greeted him with a laugh. 

“Korra, I need to know if Asami would be willing to let Wu stay with her. It’s important. We got back to the city and he just disappeared. He’s upset and I don’t know if he has anyone to stay with and-” 

   “Mako, hey, we’re on it. We’ll find him, okay? Of course he can stay here but why are you back already? How come he can’t stay with you?” Korra asked, after passing along the message to Asami hastily. 

   “Trouble in paradise?” Tahno’s sneer startled Mako, and he turned slowly to face the doorway of the apartment. 

  “Mako? Hello?” Korra’s concerned voice rang into his ear from the phone. 

“I gotta go,” Mako told her quickly, trying to keep his voice even. “What do you want?” He asked Tahno, once he had hung up his phone. 

    Tahno rolled his eyes, “It’s not about what I want it’s about what Amon wants. He is requesting your presence later tonight. Apparently the papers you gave were quite useful.” 

   “I don’t have time for that,” Mako grumbled at Tahno. 

Tahno looked behind him, and then back to Mako. “Oh I’m sorry, did you think you were negotiating with someone? It’s just me here Mako, on behalf of Amon . You can’t say no to him anymore.” 

   Mako pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration. “Fine, where am I meeting him?” 

Tahno smiled victoriously, “The usual place, underneath Kyoshi bridge, eight tonight, don’t be late.” 

   Mako nodded, barely hearing him, his thoughts filled with worry for Wu. “Great, now get the hell out of here.” 

   Tahno left without another word, and he decided not to bother trying to sneak by Ming-Hua and Ghazan, because a few minutes later, the pair of them stood in the doorway. 

   “Mako…” Ming-Hua began softly, taking a step forward, but Ghazan finished the thought for the two of them. 

    “I think you’ve got a lot of explaining to do Mako,” He said gruffly. “Let’s go downstairs, okay?” 

Mako nodded, but before he descended the stairs he sighed. “I need to get the others here too, Korra and Asami. I’ll have to fill in later but can everyone else come too? Oh, and possibly Professor Beifong.” 

   Ghazan and Ming-Hua exchanged a look at the last part, being nervous about cops, even retired ones, was a hard habit to shake. “Sure,” Ming-Hua said eventually, “I have a feeling everyone’s going to need a drink for this.” 

   Mako cracked a smile at her, the first almost real one he had since the train station. “You have no idea.” 

  

Chapter 37: Chapter 37

Mako stood nervously as the assembled group sat at the bar downstairs, looking at him expectantly. 

  Mako cleared his throat, and decided to stall a little further, “Is…is he not coming then?” 

Asami and Korra exchanged a glance, and Asami cleared her throat before giving Mako the update. “He said he’ll be staying with us until the new semester starts, I don’t think he uh…wants to see you right now.” 

  Mako nodded, trying to ignore the feeling of being stabbed in the chest. Before he could respond, Professor Beifong walked in, taking a seat of her own, ignoring the stares she received from Korra, Asami, Bolin, Ming-Hua and Ghazan. “Well? Get on with it, from what I understand we don’t have all night,” she said briskly. 

Mako nodded, “She’s right…I have to meet Amon under Kyoshi Bridge tonight.” 

   Bolin stood up, looking a mix of shock, confusion and anger. “What! You told me you were done!” 

   Mako sighed, “I was done…for a while but I messed up. It was the only way to make sure no one got hurt, okay? I didn’t want to be back in Bo, I swear.” 

  Korra and Asami were silent, as if they were watching a tennis match. Ghazan however, heaved a sigh. “Alright kid, so instead of you he’s going to get me to do his dirty work for him, that’ll be the new deal.” 

   Ming-Hua opened her mouth to protest but Mako beat her to it. “He won't go for that, we both know it, but I appreciate the sentiment.” 

   “We can go with you,” Korra offered, not looking the least bit frightened. 

Mako shook his head, “No, I can’t risk anyone getting hurt.” 

   Bolin stood up, his body practically shaking with anger. “Stop being the hero! You’ve done enough of that! I’m going with you!” 

   Before Mako could argue, Professor Beifong interrupted him. “Mako, it may not be a bad idea to bring some back up with you. I could find out more about what Amon is planning, and I do not trust the police force as I once did.” 

   “Why not?” Korra asked her, looking worried. 

Ming-Hua answered, surprising everyone, “The police force has people on it that are deep in Amon’s pockets, they have been for years.” 

   Professor Beifong nodded, “She is right unfortunately.” 

Asami still looked shocked, causing Professor Beifong to laugh. “Yes, the public rarely knows what happens in this city.” 

  Mako looked at the time, and his nerves made a mess of his stomach. “Asami, I need you to go and keep an eye on Wu, please.” 

  She looked like she wanted to argue, but she must have seen the worried look in his eyes and she nodded back at him. Turning to Korra she hugged her tightly and whispered “Be careful, please.” 

    “We need to go,” Mako began, but upon seeing Ghazan and Ming-Hua begin to move he stopped them. “No, they know you two too well, hell they know Bolin and maybe Korra too well now too. Stay here, keep your phones on in case we need help, okay?” 

    The two of them nodded and Professor Beifong looked impressed. “What?” Mako asked her, trying not to sound too stressed out. 

  “Nothing just, I can see why you want to be a cop. You’d make a good one,” Professor Beifong told him calmly.

   Mako wished he could hear that praise under better circumstances. The person he loved was a mess, he was risking his friends lives by meeting with Amon, and at this point who knew if he could safely go back to school. 

   Things could not get any worse, he hoped. 

Mako arrived alone beneath the bridge, where a small gathering had formed, and at the center of it all stood Amon, ever eerily calm, looking expressionless.  “Mako, welcome. You’ve done well so far. The documents you provided me were very helpful. We now know who we can and cannot trust on the police force. It will make taking over the city even easier.” 

   Mako blinked, wondering if he was hearing Amon correctly. “You’re…trying to take over the city? How do you plan on doing that?” 

  Amon laughed, as did most of the people assembled near him, Zaheer and Tahno included. There were several others Mako did not know as well. How far did Amon’s influence reach? “Why would I tell you of my plans, Mako? You abandoned me, remember? The only reason you’re here is because you messed up. You’ll have to earn your way into my trust again. 

  Mako sighed, “What else do you need from me then Amon?” 

If Amon was surprised by Mako’s willingness to help, he did not show it. “I will need you here in one week, to help with a shipment I am getting. Same time, same place. Your old partner will assist you,” Amon nodded towards Tahno, who grinned at Mako. 

   “What is coming in on this shipment?” Mako asked, wondering if he would get a response. 

Amon sighed, “I suppose you should know that it will be a shipment of arms, for a future endeavor. Now, you will be here in a week or we will find you and take care of you, understand?” 

     Mako nodded dismissively, trying to show that he did not care or believe the threat. “Yes, yes, I understand, now if that’s all?” 

  Amon nodded, allowing Mako to turn his back on him and return to the alleyway. Once Mako was securely in the shadows, the rest of the group emerged from them, shouts of ‘hands up’ and ‘freeze’ filled the quiet shore of the docks. 

   “Mako!” Amon bellowed, before shots rang out all around as the shootout began. 

Mako ignored the yell, and ran into the darkness, meeting up with Korra and Bolin and trying not to feel too much like a coward. 

  “We need to get out of here,” Korra said roughly as they ran for the street. 

“What about Beifong?!” Bolin asked worriedly as the sounds of gunfire faded behind them. 

Mako ignored them both, continuing to run through the city, ignoring the startled shouts as they ran by people on the sidewalk. 

   He should’ve felt relief or hope. 

Instead, the sense of dread and worry still gnawed at him. His phone buzzed, and he came to a halt while he read the message, thinking it was from Beifong.

   It was Asami. 

   ‘I need help with Wu.’ 

Chapter 38: Chapter 38

Mako didn’t stop running, ignoring Korra and Bolin’s suggestions to get a cab to take him to Asami’s. His lungs were burning, and his legs screamed in agony once he finally arrived at her…house? Mansion? He really needed more friends that weren’t insanely rich, it was never not going to be daunting. 

   “Look, I get this is probably romantic,” Korra wheezed behind him, “but we would’ve gotten here so much sooner if you had just taken a car or something.” 

    Bolin was laying on the ground, holding up a finger. “Agreed, but I have to say this is the most insane thing I’ve seen you do for someone you care about.” 

     Mako knocked on the door, trying not to pound on it. “Thanks, you guys could’ve just grabbed a cab for yourselves.” 

  “And miss this?!” Bolin gasped out, “You’re joking!” 

Mako restrained himself from rushing past Asami as she opened the door. “Where is he?” 

    “He’s in the guest room…I’m not sure if I should call someone else or-” 

“I’m all he’s got now,” Mako told her not unkindly, and Asami led him inside, casting curious glances at Korra and Bolin as they followed too. 

      “Up the stairs and the third door down. Do you want us to come with you?” Asami asked him. 

  “No thank you guys, I need to do this alone.” 

Bolin and Korra looked like they wanted to argue, but Asami nodded and led the others into a sort of sitting room downstairs. 

      Mako made his way slowly up the stairs, wondering what he was going to find once he got up there. Asami seemed worried, but not to the point that it seemed like medical attention would be needed, which was good…right? Only one way to find out, Mako thought with a grimace. He had pushed the events of the evening to the back of his mind, where they would firmly stay until he made sure Wu was feeling better. He could still hear the gunshots if he closed his eyes, but he shook those thoughts away as he pushed open the guest room door. 

    Inside, Wu lay on the bed, staring numbly at the ceiling. He was awake and breathing but his eyes weren’t focused on the plain ceiling, they weren’t focused on anything. Mako made a noise, sounding almost like a wounded animal. He looked over on the nightstand by the bed and saw the pill bottles there. Wu had resorted to taking his medication, the ones he only needed when everything was too much, when he was spinning out of control. 

    And it was Mako’s fault this time. 

“Wu, hey it’s me, I’m here, I’m safe, and I am so so sorry,” Mako lifted Wu into a sitting position and wrapped his arms around him. 

  Wu made a choked sound, and Mako looked down at his face, surprised to find that he was crying, “Wu don’t cry it’s alright. It’s not your fault…it’s mine. I should’ve told you about everything sooner. It was a lot to take in, especially after everything with your parents and with changing schools and-” 

   “Listing off all of the problems isn’t helping,” Wu said numbly, but he did wipe his face and manage a small smile. 

  Mako leaned down and kissed his forehead, sighing. “That’s a good point, I’m sorry. I’m sorry you needed to take your medication, I’m sorry I’m such a screw up, I’m hoping after tonight…maybe I can finally be done with the gang.” 

   Wu turned, extracting himself from Mako’s grip. “Don’t apologize, you’re not the one who has to pop pills when the world gets to be too much. I get why you didn’t want to tell me but Mako…contrary to the current situation, I don’t always need protecting or saving. I’m going to have to learn how to live without mommy and daddy’s money, and honestly? It’s terrifying, but I’m also excited to do it. It’s kind of the wake up call I needed. So…I think I’m going to be done with those,” Wu nodded towards the pill bottle, “I’ll definitely need your help if you still want to be with a mess of a person like me.” 

   Mako stared at him for a moment, before huffing out a small laugh, “You’re definitely not a mess Wu. Between the two of us I think I am, but let’s settle and say that we’ll get through this crazy life thing together, the two biggest messes there are. Are…are you sure you want to stop taking the pills? I know you don’t always need them but-” 

    “Yes,” Wu interrupted firmly, “I want to find better ways of dealing with things. I think I need to. I’m tired of having them there like a crutch.” 

   “So…are we okay? I just….I can’t lose you, Wu. Tonight…tonight reminded me of how terrible and scary the world is and I don’t want to do it alone.” 

Wu smiled at him, “I wouldn’t want to do it with anyone else. We’re just going to have to take this crazy world one day at a time, okay?” 

   Mako grinned, “Okay.” 

“Great…now you should see if you can shower here or something because no offense but you’re sweaty and gross,” Wu said teasingly. 

  “Oh yeah? Is that so?” Mako said mischievously, before tackling Wu back onto the bed. 

       “Gross!” Wu exclaimed, trying to shove Mako off of him but it was difficult when he was laughing and Mako was stronger than him. 

   “Mako! You better come down here and see this!” Bolin’s voice rang out from the sitting room downstairs. 

    Mako groaned, “I bet I definitely do not want to see whatever it is he’s talking about.” 

Wu wiggled out from underneath him, before grabbing his hand and dragging Mako towards the door, “Then I guess we should go get it over with.” 

   They held hands the whole way down, and Mako was surprised to see that their three friends were watching the news. Once he looked up at the television he could see why. 

    ‘Several members of one of Republic City’s most notorious gangs were apprehended tonight shockingly by former police Chief Beifong, and several other officers tonight.’ 

   “So it’s over?!” Bolin asked excitedly. 

Mako shook his head, “No, I don’t think so bro. That would be too easy. If they had actually caught Amon himself they would’ve said so. But, I suppose getting most of his gang is still a win.” 

   “So you don’t think it’s over?” Korra asked, raising an eyebrow at him. 

“No, I think if anything, they’ll lay low for a while for sure, but this is probably just the beginning.” Mako said grimly. 

   Wu cleared his throat, “Well on that happy note, Asami can Mako please use a shower? His stench might kill me.” 

   Mako cracked a smile, as did everyone else in the room, their troubles momentarily forgotten. One day at a time, right? 

Chapter 39: Chapter 39

Things over the next couple of weeks were quiet, too quiet. Mako would have noticed this had things for himself and his friends not been so busy. The next semester was looming, and Wu was scrambling to apply for assistance from the college. Ming-Hua and Ghazan surprised everyone when they offered the apartment above the bar to Wu and in lieu of rent he would just need to work for them for free on the weekends. Mako himself was wondering who he would end up with for a roommate when Bolin surprised him. 

   “Guess what?! I talked to housing and they’re letting us be roommates! It’ll be just like when we were kids!” Bolin threw his arm around Mako’s shoulders happily. 

   Mako laughed, “You do realize I’ll probably barely be there right?” 

Bolin gave him a puppy dog face, until his eyes lit up with a different thought. “Actually, that means I basically won’t have a roommate, even better! Don’t worry bro Opal and I will make good use of the room!” 

   Mako groaned, “I did not need that mental image thank you.” 

Wu looked up from his laptop, the three of them were currently in the apartment above the bar and eyed Mako curiously. “What do you mean you won’t really be there? Where are you going to be living?” 

   Bolin, probably sensing the mood in the room, quickly squeezed himself by the boxes of Wu’s belongings and back downstairs to join the rest of their friends. Mako shifted nervously, “Oh, I just uh…I was going to surprise you but I figured it would be good if I stayed here with you mostly you know?” 

  Wu’s green eyes widened for a moment, and then narrowed. “As much as I appreciate that and I love you, I do, but Mako I don’t need you here like…protecting me or whatever it is you think you’d be doing. Hell, I don’t even think I’m going to be here that much. I’ll be up at the crack of dawn working, then going to class all day, then studying or sleeping, and then on the weekends I’ll be downstairs, and in between all of that I’ll be unpacking and-” 

   “Then let me help you Wu. I want to help you…adjust to all of that,” Mako finished lamely. 

Wu rolled his eyes, “Or you just want to keep an eye on me. You haven’t heard anything from the gang since the arrests Mako, maybe you’re finally out. I doubt I’m super high up on their list anyway.” 

      Mako disagreed, but the two of them had had the same argument over the last week. Everyone around him, Ghazan and Ming-Hua included, kept telling him to relax, let it go, move forward, but Mako couldn't do that. He would not do that until Amon, Tahno, and everyone else was behind bars…or dead. He knew that Chief Beifong, newly reinstated Chief Beifong, agreed with him, and she was eager for Mako to finish his degree and join the force. 

   “I just…want to help you and I’ll honestly really miss seeing you every day.” Mako told him, crossing his arms. 

  Wu’s gaze softened, “Alright, then we can try having you here with me but if it gets to be too much then we both need to respect that okay? Like I said, I’ll be really busy so I don’t want to put a strain on our relationship.” 

   “I completely understand,” Mako replied, smiling despite himself. “I’ll keep most of my stuff at my dorm don’t worry I’m not like…completely moving in.” 

  Wu laughed, “That was hard for you to admit wasn’t it?” 

“Shut up,” Mako grumbled as Wu teased him. 

     Wu, well, no one really understood that if Mako could, he'd have everyone living together in some sort of underground bunker, away from Amon’ hold on the city. Just because their illegal activity was in the full spotlight of Republic City and not just the shadows didn’t mean they were just going to go quietly. So, instead of worrying about the next semester, Mako was worrying about his friends and the gang. Why was no one else concerned? There had been radio silence from Tahno and Amon and Mako wished they would just send him something instead of playing this mind game. 

   “Earth to Mako? Can you help me unpack some of this? I’m just finishing up this  form to see if the school will give me this grant.” 

   Mako blinked, clearing his thoughts for the time being, “Sure thing,” he started tearing into a box, keeping one eye on Wu while he did. 

     Wu had seemed…surprisingly good since being cut off from his parents and his medications. He’d even managed to get a job at Platypus Bear Pastries as an opener and early morning baker. He was excited about that, but Mako worried that the long hours would eventually catch up to him and he was waiting patiently here on the side to help him if he needed. Korra kept teasing Mako, saying that he needed to find a new hobby besides worrying. 

      But worrying was what Mako did. He worried about his brother, then surviving, then his brother again, then once out of the gang he worried about school and his friends, and then full circle he was back to worrying about the gang again. 

   “You’ve got a busy schedule this semester too right?” Wu asked absently as he typed on his laptop. 

    Mako sighed, “Yeah I’ve got more classes relating to my major which is daunting but exciting too, sort of like how all of yours pertain to baking and food, you know, classes that I’ll be actually interested in” 

    “See? We’ll both be busy. Especially if,” Wu coughed, “the gang decides to keep you around too on top of classes.” 

   Mako and Wu, as well as Chief Beifong had discussed his precarious position with the gang at length. It was a topic he and Wu had been avoiding up until now. Amon wasn’t stupid, he had been ambushed by cops at the spot that Mako was supposed to meet him at. He would easily put two and two together considering Chief Beifong had been the one to ambush them and she was Mako’s professor at the time. 

    “You should really think about her offer,” Wu said, practically reading his thoughts. 

“I’m not leaving the city, for better or for worse it’s my home and I want to help,” Mako replied firmly. “I’m going to go see what everyone is up to okay?” 

   Without waiting for a response, Mako turned and headed down to the bar. His brow furrowed in confusion once he got closer, he could hear shouting. 

   Mako opened the door and was stunned to be face to face with Tahno…who’s usual confident smirk was lacking. “What the fuck?!” 

Chapter 40: Chapter 40

“You really need to get a new bar, clearly too many people know about this place,” Bolin said only half jokingly, to Ghazan. 

  Ghazan, meanwhile, held a gun up and was not taking his eyes off Tahno. “I’ll keep that in mind Bolin,” He grumbled sarcastically. 

     “Can’t a guy just come by and talk?” Tahno asked with a sigh, his hands in the air. 

  “No, not when they’re an asshole like you,” Mako replied, rooted to his spot and blocking the way to the upstairs apartment. He silently begged Wu to stay upstairs. 

   Tahno finally smirked, but he didn’t look good. There were dark circles under his eyes and he looked like he had missed a meal or two. “Look Mako, this asshole here has come by to warn you.” 

  Mako snorted, “I’m supposed to believe that?” 

    “Mako…” Ming-Hua said, her eyes conveying the message more than anything. She was good at reading people, and to Mako it looked like she had noticed Tahno’s rough shape too. 

   Mako sighed, “Alright, say what you need to say then get out of here.” 

“So hospitable,” Tahno rolled his eyes. “Look, Amon knows you helped those cops, and he’s not happy. He’s been taking it out on…well everybody but you, trust me. Just be careful out there alright? I’m not sure what he has planned for you but seriously Mako, it’s been bad.” Tahno looked scared, which was a rare emotion from him. 

      Mako took a deep breath, “I appreciate you coming to find me to tell me that, I really do. But, I’m not an idiot, I know he’s looking for me but I’m not going to let it worry me. He’s going to be lying low after everything that just happened. He should be more worried that I don’t find him first.” 

  Tahno looked shocked, and Ming-Hua and Ghazan both shot him sharp looks. “If that’s all…you can go now, and don’t come back.” 

    Tahno nodded and turned to leave the bar back the way he came, leaving the three of them in stunned silence. 

   Or, the four of them apparently. “What does that mean?” Wu’s voice filled the room and he sounded pissed. 

  Mako closed his eyes for a moment. He hadn’t heard Wu come down. Clearly, Mako needed to get his skills back up to par if he was going to be looking over his shoulder constantly now. “It doesn’t mean anything, it was just a warning or a bluff of a warning.” 

    “Kid, I don’t think Amon is going to see it that way,” Ghazan said, storing the gun back under the bar. 

   “You know better than to bullshit me too, you’re not bluffing. Which, I’m not sure if I’m impressed or terrified, or both,” Ming-Hua added. 

   “Well I think it's the craziest idea I’ve ever heard,” Wu added, taking a few steps forward so that he was right in front of Mako. “You’re not going to do anything stupid, got it?” 

  Mako glared back at him, wondering when he had gotten this many people to care about him. “You’re going to stop me? How?” 

    Ghazan and Ming-Hua began to turn away to start opening the bar, Ghazan grabbing Bolin and practically dragging him away. “Oh come on I wanna see what happens,” Bolin whispered none too quietly. 

   Wu glared at him. “You need to realize that you’re not the only person with people to protect. I need you to be safe, and alive, and so does everyone else. I know you’ve shouldered a lot on your own over the years, but you don’t need to do that anymore.” 

   Mako huffed out a laugh, “I can’t just turn that off Wu, it’s not that easy, especially when there’s a psycho looking for me and maybe everyone I care about too!” 

    “Then listen to me when I tell you not to do anything stupid! Jesus it’s like you want to get killed, and do you have any idea how that makes me and your brother and your friends feel? Why do you need to do this?! Why is it so important?!” Wu yelled, his green eyes ablaze with frustration. 

   “Because I need to stop him! Me! He’s out there making life a living hell for who knows how many people?! And it's all my fault so I need to deal with him! That’s why!” Mao roared back at him. 

    Wu blinked his eyes rapidly at him, his shoulders losing their tension as realization dawned on him. “Mako…” he began softly, “it’s not your responsibility. I know you feel that way but trust me, the cops will get him, they’ll stop him, it is not all your fault or your responsibility. You’re just one person.” Wu closed the distance between them and wrapped his arms around Mako in a tight hug. 

     Mako rested his face on the top of Wu’s head, breathing in his familiar smell. He always smelled like cookies somehow. “I’m sorry for yelling at you,” he grumbled. “I’ll try to stay as safe as I can, okay? I really will try but that’s all I can promise.” 

   Wu sighed, and looked up at him, “I guess I’ll have to accept that. Just…please don’t go looking for trouble. Okay?” 

   Mako sighed back at him before leaning down and kissing him softly, “Okay.” 

“Don’t think we aren’t going to have a longer discussion about this insane savior complex you have either,” Wu grumbled back at him. 

   Mako rolled his eyes, “You took Intro to Psychology and suddenly you’re going to fix me and all my problems?” 

   Wu stuck his tongue out teasingly, “I’m certainly going to try.” 

There was a loud scrape of a bar stool as Bolin stumbled back towards them, “Good luck with that Wu! I’ve been trying to make him into a normal human being for years now!” 

  Wu laughed and Mako rolled his eyes. “It’s going to be a long couple of years isn’t it?” 

     Wu grinned, “As if you’d want it any other way.” 

Mako smiled back, not wanting to give Wu that satisfaction of being right, so instead he kissed him again, and tried to ignore the feeling of being watched that chilled down his spine. 

Chapter 41: Chapter 41

“Cheers to the new graduates!” Ming-Hua yelled happily, as the small group of people held up their own glasses and echoed her. 

  Mako took a swig of his own drink, smiling around the room at his friends…his family, really. It had been a long couple of years but they made it. All of them had made it through school and Mako was going to be Republic City’s newest rookie cop in a few days. It was perfect, but it had been a journey getting here. Tahno didn’t make it, he was found dead in an alley last year, Amon was still in the wind somehow, eluding the cops, frustrating Chief Beifong. 

     Mako glanced over at Asami and Korra, the two of them huddled together at a table, planning their backpacking trip over in Europe before they finally settled into their new jobs.    Bolin and Opal were looking into apartments in the city near the hospital where Opal would be starting as an ER nurse, and hopefully not too far away from Republic City’s Fire Ferrets Hockey Area where Bolin was going to be the team’s new physical therapist. 

        Then there was Wu, smiling happily as he talked with Kai and Jinora. He and Kai had both graduated from the culinary school, while Jinora was finishing up her master’s in library science. The three of them were currently looking for a building to buy and turn into their own bakery and bookshop combination, the first of a future chain if all things went well. 

   “Hey kid, stop being a creep and join your friends and boyfriend in the party,” Ghazan nudged him playfully. 

   Mako rolled his eyes, “I’m having a good time right here, I promise.” 

        Ghazan sighed, “You need to relax kid, Amon hasn’t shown his face in a couple of years, Tahno the damn fool ended up dead…maybe they really are giving up.” 

   Mako shrugged, “I’m not too convinced. Zaheer easily replaced Tahno and I’ll bet they’re still up to their old tricks down at the docks they’ve just…gotten good at hiding.” 

   Ghazan nodded thoughtfully, “Or…they have given up. You never want to think positively.” 

Mako snorted, “Someone has to be realistic.” 

   He knew he wasn’t the only one who wasn’t convinced. Mako and Beifong kept a board hidden away in her office closet. Anything that they had found in the last few years about Amon and his gang’s movements, any little scrap they could find to connect, and hopefully take them down. 

   “Mako!” Wu called, waving him over. 

 Mako smiled and made his way over to his boyfriend, kissing him happily. “We did it!” Wu whispered excitedly, almost like he couldn’t believe it. 

   Mako always knew they’d be okay, it hadn’t been easy, especially with Wu losing his connections to his parents, but their friends had been there to help, and the two of them would be living above the bar until they found a place of their own. 

   “We’re going to be looking at a few places this week, I’ll let you know if we find something.” Wu told him excitedly. 

   “Be careful please, but I do hope you find something soon.” Mako was really excited for all of his and his friends future adventures. They all deserved it. 

   “You’ll be okay without me there to help?” He asked Wu, brow furrowed in concern. 

Wu nodded, “I’m good, I promise. Thanks for checking in.” 

   It hadn’t always been easy over the last couple of years, trying to help Wu while he dealt with his emotional ups and downs. Wu would get annoyed with Mako’s constant check-ins, and Mako would try to balance it out but eventually, they found that balance. It was a lot of hard work but they loved each other even more afterwards. 

 

    A few months later… 

 

“You can’t be serious!” Mako yelled for the third time in the last few minutes. 

    Wu sighed, losing his patience a little finally. “Look, like I said, it has the space we need, it needs a lot of work, but we all think it’ll be great in the long run. I know the location isn’t ideal…but I need you to trust me on this.” 

      Mako groaned and glared at the building. “I can’t exactly argue with you about it now,” he replied, while glaring at the new Sold! sign in the front window, wishing he could set it on fire. 

  “Exactly!” Wu said with a nervous but excited smile. 

     “Did it have to be on this side of town?” Mako groaned again. 

“We’ll be safe I promise, besides we need to start somewhere.” 

   Mako sighed, “You’re lucky I love you,” he grumbled, before kissing Wu. “I’m going to make sure Beifong has me covering this area though just to be safe.” 

   “Oh how terrible you mean you might be able to come and see me every day? That sounds awful,” Wu replied sarcastically. 

   “Don’t make me arrest you,” Mako said, pretending to threaten him. 

Wu smirked at him, “I’m sorry officer I’ll behave, I promise.” 

   Mako laughed, kissed him again, and returned his glare to the building. “I mean it Wu, be careful, all three of you okay?” 

    “Yes Mako, I understand.” Wu grabbed his hand and led him inside, “Come on! Let me show you our ideas!” 

 

One year later… 

 

“You think we really got him this time?” Mako asked Beifong. 

    “There’s no way we don’t, we’ve worked too hard at this to be wrong now,” She told him firmly as their patrol headed towards the warehouse. 

   Mako believed her, this was the literal last place left for him to be, they had cleared out all the other hideouts and stopped a lot of his schemes in the past year. 

   Today was the day Amon would finally go down, the day Mako could finally stop worrying about him, the gang, and his old life entirely. 

   This was it. 

Mako wandered quietly through the warehouse, knowing that the rest of the patrol was doing the same in different areas. Thankfully, they had weeded out a lot of the cops that were on AMon’s payroll since Beifong came back and Mako joined. Everyone here was either on his side or the enemy today, no blurred lines. 

  Mako paused, pulling out his phone one last time before entering the final area of his sector. So far, it had been clear. ‘I love you,’ he had sent to Wu a couple hours ago, but he hadn’t seen it yet. 

    The Flying Lemur Bakery and Books had really taken off once it was up and running. Wu and Kai were amazing bakers and Jinora kept a wide variety of books in stock. They might even be able to open up a second location in the next couple of years. They had been so busy that Wu often didn’t get a chance to check his phone. Mako was immensely proud of his boyfriend. If everything went well today then hopefully he and Wu would be more than just boyfriends…he smiled to himself as he remembered the pair of rings hidden in a box on his nightstand. 

   “Mako, we’re heading in, ready?” Beifong’s voice over the radio startled Mako back to reality. 

      “All clear here,” he replied and after counting to three, he rushed through the door to the final room, where finally, there he was. 

   Amon was in the center of the room, a wall of his cronies surrounding him as Mako and the rest of his patrol entered. Zaheer was closest to him, protecting him like some kind of guard dog. 

   “You’re all under arrest!” Beifong called to him, keeping her gun aimed at the group of men. 

Amon glared at her and then turned to Mako. “You've both been a pain in my ass,” He said, his cold voice echoing in the room. “I will not be going quietly.” 

   Zaheer threw something onto the ground, a bomb? Mako wondered, beginning to panic. But, instead of an explosion it released a thick gas making the room fill with a fog. 

   That’s when the gunfire began. 

Mako dropped to the floor wondering why these idiots thought shooting at cops blindly was a good idea. He heard the door behind him slam shut, and he shuffled his way as fast as he could towards it, hoping that none of the bodies hitting the floor were his fellow cops. 

   The hallways was dark, he could barely see in front of him, and immediately he knew it was a trap. “Fuck,” he grumbled, before he felt the pressure of a gun on his back, and an arm wrapped around his neck. 

   “Shut up,” Amon’s cold voice spoke angrily in his ear. “If you thought I’d just tuck tail and leave without dealing with you then you’re stupider than I thought. This is my city, Mako.” 

   Mako couldn’t speak, Amon was slowly strangling the air out of him, he couldn’t turn around, or angle his own gun to do anything at all. 

  “Actually, it’s mine,” Beifong’s voice said, before the gunfire rang out. 

    Mako turned around in surprise, shocked that his Chief would shoot Amon with Mako standing right in front of him, but wait why was Amon still standing there? 

  Another shot fired, and Amon dropped to the floor the same time Mako’s own knees hit the ground. 

  “What…?” He managed to get out, before he realized that the blood on the front of his shirt wasn’t just Amon’s. 

  It was his. 

“Mako! Shit, shit, shit!” Beifong crouched in front of him, “I need immediate medical attention! Officer down!” She called urgently into her radio. 

   “I was….supposed to kill him Chief,” Mako muttered, still in shock. 

“He shot first, Mako, I’m so sorry I had to put him down but he…he got you before I could even blink.” She was above him, staring at him in shock. 

    “If I don’t…make it I need you to….tell Wu and Bolin and everyone that I….I love them. Tell Wu to check the drawer on my side of….the bed.” Mako was getting so cold now, it was getting hard to keep things in focus. 

  “Don’t talk like that you’re going to be fine, I’m trying to get eh bleeding under control Mako! I can get you out it’ll be-” 

  “Lin,” Mako interrupted her, the use of her first name surprising her into silence. “Please, do it for me. Promise?” Mako needed to hear her say it. He needed to get the message to everyone. To Wu. 

  “I…I promise,” She said urgently, her eyes swimming with tears. 

     Mako smiled, his eyes starting to close, as he thought of green eyes glaring at him, dancing with laughter, a laugh that sounded like pure music, the smell of flour, and a smaller warm body hugging him close in a cozy bed at night. He had loved and been loved, and righted the wrongs of his past, he could rest easy now… 

 

Chapter 42: Chapter 42

Wu closed up the shop, making sure all the lights and ovens were off, and that the tables were clear of  any stray plates or cups. He flipped the sign on the door to closed, and locked the door behind him, before taking the short walk home alone. 

   Alone, that was the way he had been for the last three years. 

Wu played absentmindedly with the ring around his neck, the chain a comfort against his neck. The titanium band was colored red in the middle, the almost twin to the green band on his own finger. 

   He sighed as he entered his studio apartment, the sting of the quietness mocking him. He still remembered waiting in their old apartment that night, the unanswered calls and texts, pacing back and forth, until finally there was a knock at the door. He was so relieved in that moment that his body didn’t recognize the wrongness of it. Knocking? Mako wouldn’t have knocked it was their apartment after all. 

   He only registered that something was wrong when Lin Beifong began speaking. Even then, he was in denial. Mako was just late, or he was in the hospital, they had saved him, he was fine. Right? 

   Wrong. 

After Beifong left, Mako found the rings in Mako’s nightstand drawer, just like he had said, or rather, Beifong said. That was where Bolin had found him, curled up on the floor, clutching the box and crying. 

   Wu still didn’t know how long he had been there, but Bolin had joined him, sitting on the floor and his own tears joined Wu’s.

 

    For the first year, Wu was silent. Not quiet, not talking only a little bit, but silent. It drove everyone around him crazy with worry. He still worked, opening the shop and baking in the back, always silent, before leaving for the day. 

   What they didn’t know was that he did talk, just only to Mako. After he left work, Wu would often head to the quiet cemetery, always bringing new flowers, and sit in front of the large stone that bore Mako’s name, and talk with him. About his day, his plans, how much he missed him, how angry he was that he wasn’t here. 

    Wu spent the first year silent and angry. Angry at Mako, Angry at Beifong, Angry at the still lingering gang violence and homelessness in the city. How could they go on like this? 

 

      The second year, Wu began talking again and taking action. With Asami and Korra’s help, Wu was able to help start a non-profit to help with the homelessness crisis in Republic City. Bolin and many of the Fire Ferrets Hockey Team helped sponsor events for fundraising and provided many donations. The idea was to help get young kids off the street and into programs that would help them go to school ,get meals, and eventually jobs and colleges. Instead of the many people that fell through the cracks and joined gangs. 

   “I hope I’m making you proud,” Wu said to Mako as he replaced the flowers at his grave. 

“He would be very proud of the work you’re doing,” Beifong’s voice spoke behind Wu. 

   Wu tensed, as he always did, even though he knew it wasn’t fair to her. He was mostly done blaming her for Mako’s death but seeing her still reminded him of that day. 

   “It’s been a team effort,” Wu responded, his usual reflex response. 

Beifong smiled knowingly at him. “It always was wasn’t it? How often do you come here?” She asked quizzically. 

   “Everyday,” Wu responded firmly. 

Beifong nodded in understanding. “Don’t you think he would want you to move on?” 

  Wu glared at her. “I’m doing the best I can, and I think he would understand that.” 

 

The third year, Wu was calmer, more at peace, and dare he say? Happy? He was as happy as he could be, he mused. He still visited Mako every day, he, Kai, and Jinora were finally ready to expand their business to a new location, and the non profit was actually working. Violence in the city had decreased dramatically, and gangs were rarely heard of anymore. Life goes on, as always and Wu had learned to try to stop clinging to the past. 

    They had dinner all together every couple of weeks. Bolin, Opal, Korra, Asami, Kai, Jinora, Ming-Hua, Ghazan, and himself. It was a good way to keep in touch, reminisce, and in general enjoy each other’s company. 

  At the end of the night Bolin and Opal grabbed him for a moment. “We have an announcement but wanted you to know first. I’m pregnant!” Opal told him excitedly. 

   Wu blinked in surprise, “That’s…wow! Congratulations! Why me first?” 

       Bolin cleared his throat.”Well, that means you’re going to be an uncle. And…and if it's okay with you, if it’s a boy we want to name him Mako.” 

   Wu’s gaze softened. “Bo, he was your brother. If you want to name your kid after him you don’t have to ask my permission.” 

   Bolin’s smile was a little sad. “I do though, Wu. He loved you and you loved him, I didn’t want to surprise you is all, Uncle Wu,” he nudged Wu playfully. 

  Wu hugged them both tightly. “Thank you, for letting me know, and I’m going to love that kid so much they’re not going to know what hit them!” 

    “So, if you didn’t already know, I’m going to be an uncle. I still miss you and wish you were here to be an uncle with me. I love you Mako, and I’ll make sure to give that kid love from both of us okay?” Wu was at the cemetery again, giving life updates to the man he loved. 

   “It might get busy soon. I don't think I can come every day but I’ll try. I’m always thinking of you Mako. All the time. Everyday. I’ll see you soon, okay?” 

  Wu walked out of the cemetery and back into the city. 

  His home. 

No, his and Mako’s home.