tushanshu | First time

[Two whole months without knowing if she would ever even see Mako again was washed away by the hug, and Korra wrapped her arms around him. He didn't have to lean far since she rose up to the kiss. It was just like she was: passionate, strong, and full of the love the she held for her boyfriend.

After they managed to separate, which might have taken a while since Korra refused to acknowledge anything else, she smiled as she looked into his eyes.]

Nice to see you too.

Edited (WORDS.) 2013-07-14 19:44 (UTC)

[Mako grinned a bit once they parted]

I'm so glad to see you.

[but he wasn't one to forget what was going on-- they were in a city on a turtle and he wasn't sure what to make of anything at all.]

What did you want to tell me?

Edited (html o9") 2013-07-14 19:54 (UTC)

[Not smiling was impossible and Korra submitted to doing so without even an ounce of resistance.]

Oh, only everything. There are a lot of people here with some pretty crazy powers. [They were both firebenders, she didn't need to mention that crazier than bending. That was implied.] Some aren't as nice as others...

[More on that, Korra felt it was important to inform Mako about people they did know.]

We're not the only ones though. Lin is here.

[A beat.]

So is Toph. She's thirteen. [She'll let that sink in a little bit before continuing.] Toph doesn't know about Lin and doesn't want to know anything about what happens to her.

[A deep sigh and she looks at Mako with some amount of apprehension.] Amon's here too. He's been laying low and trying to put up some kind of act of being nice and helpful. Tarrlok too, but he's keeping to himself.

[She gave a half grin.]

You asked.

Edited (TOO EXCITED TO TYPE PROPERLY) 2013-07-14 20:04 (UTC)

[Well, that was a lot to take in all at once. Crazy powers, okay... it had to be something crazier than anything he knew. He could sort of imagine that. Sort of.

Lin Bei Fong was there, that was good... but so was Toph? As a kid...?]

What?

[and... Amon? There's a moment his blood runs cold before he snaps out of it]

What? You're-- [making perfect sense. Land between life and death and-- he didn't even want to think about it. Of all the bombs Korra had just dropped in rapid succession, that was the biggest]

Some act. That's all he's been doing? Are you sure?

Edited (OH MY GOD, forget one slash and it's over!) 2013-07-14 20:16 (UTC)

No, I'm not. He has to be doing something else, covering something up. But nothing anyone's been able to prove. Lin got here not that long ago and I've wanted to get together with her and see if we could find out something, but a lot of more important things got in the way.

[Like not having any bending for who knows how many weeks. This was day two of having her bending returned and her relief had grown exponentially with Mako's arrival.]

But now that you're here, maybe we could finally come up with something. After you get settled I mean. [The first day was, usually, never fun.] Which I have time to help with.

[She meant getting familiar with the city, but that might be hard to tell with the smile and elation in her tone.]

Edited (Phrasing, what?) 2013-07-14 20:28 (UTC)

Thanks...

[Getting settled was at the top of his to do list, but there was a brief moment where he thought of something else-- and then realized, no, Korra would never be that subtle. She probably literally meant getting settled into the city.

A misconception ruined by I know you too well.]

It's been awhile since I've been in a city I don't know.

[That would have been the first misunderstanding she would have enjoyed since arriving on the turtle.]

Well I'm no city girl, but I think I've been around long enough to show you the ropes.

[Korra held out her arm for him to take, to lead or be lead. All up to him.]

I know the Metal Sector best though, that's where my suite is.

[The day is still young, and there are plenty of misunderstandings (or maybe just plain understandings) to have.]

Where is that?

[because that is information that is important for him to know. For... well, the obvious reasons. He takes her arm, and leads them out of the suite, shutting the door behind him. It was weird, but kind of cozy. He could get used to it.]

How long have you been here, anyway? They told me that time isn't flowing back home... so... [it could have been awhile.]

Edited 2013-07-14 21:18 (UTC)

[Having him there, next to him, her arm in his really felt like a personal sanctuary from all the madness that this city had experienced. A satisfying sigh of content escaped her nose as she smiled and leaned on him a bit.]

It's to south east, past the next sector: Water. I've been here for two months now. Or was it three? [She wasn't sure whether to count the first month or not anymore, it felt like too much of a blur.]

But yeah, time stops. Like for Toph, everything stopped before Aang fights Fire Lord Ozai at Wulong Forest. [Avatar history lessons, never did she think they'd actually turn out to be an important resource.]

A lot of things have happened since then. There was this thing called a satellite that fell from space in pieces like lava-rock. [Her mouth turned into a line.]

That was a day.

We were having a rationing situation before I even got here, but it's been getting better since everyone's been helping. They had to do that because the turtle, Tu Vishan, was getting sick. Made it hard to grow any crops.

[There was the part about the field mission she just finished only a day or so ago, but that was better told in a more personal location. Telling Toph had been hard enough as it is.]

Everyone's powers were gone for a few weeks because of how weak the turtle got. Bending included. I guess our abilities are tied to his life-force.

[Korra was pausing between outrageous claims like that to point out parts of the sector: shops, restaurants, and some foreigner run businesses.]

[He was making mental notes of all the places that she'd pointed out on their walk, while listening to everything that she'd explained to him. Sounds like he'd gotten there as things were starting to get better... He wasn't sure what he thought about that-- things were better, but there were 2 or 3 months he could have been helping.

But, not really his fault. So, he lets that pass.]

How did you lose an entire month? [teasing aside] Did all of that happen because of the satellite, or were these all different things that happened? [and if so... that was a lot that happened in a straight two months]

And what do you mean, how weak he got? What happened-- is it part of that sickness you mentioned earlier, or is it something else? And did he just get better...?

[sorry, respond? I meant ask more questions.]

[Familiar teasing, the kind she had been doling out, got a playfully irritated look. The humor was very welcome.]

All different. The only thing related to the satellite was the spectres, but those got wiped out I think.

[She knew she forgot to mention something about that satellite crash initially.]

The illness was caused by some kind of evil essence, it was sapping his life-force, his chi, and I think some of the foreigners managed to drive it away just recently? I know I was sent with a team to try and help, but that didn't turn out too well. He's been getting better since then. I've been wanting to go visit and talk to him.

[Another thing she forgot to mention. So much was slipping her mind from simply holding his arm. When they got to where there were canals instead of streets between the sidewalk, Korra tilted her hard so her cheek was on his arm.]

This is the Water Sector. It's not as classy as the Metal Sector or the Fire Sector, but it's usually quiet and peaceful.

[she'd just brought up at least ten more questions by answering his previous questions, and he was about to start up again when she'd pointed out the Water Sector. And he could see the huge difference in design-- it was almost as if it were the remnants of an entirely different country.]

Wow...

[marked difference between the traditional Fire Nation neighborhoods and the Earth Kingdom boroughs in Republic City. Even they had more in common.]

Are all of the Sectors this different from each other...? It's like they're not even part of the same city.

Yeah, they're pretty distinct. At least it makes it easy to know where you are. [Getting lost wasn't too hard once, especially once she learned the order the sectors were in clockwise and counter-clockwise. And if she could pick it up, she was sure a city-savvy guy like Mako could do that in double time.]

The biggest ones are Wood, Fire, and Earth.

[A thought crossed her mind, how Tarrlok hadn't known about helping both her and Mako in defeating Amon's revolution, not until he had his future shown to him. A worried look crossed over her face and her question is pensive, with a hint of concern.]

...What's the last thing you remember before being here?

[She was right-- he had plans to go out on his own a little bit later, but he was sure once he got the general layout, it really didn't matter.

He was already looking for the main streets.]

Yeah, you won't really have to worry about getting lost here.

[a pause, and he turns to look more fully at her. What was she talking about? What was the last thing he remembered? But he saw the look on her face, and perhaps there was some credence to taking the question seriously. His look softens a bit.]

We'd just gotten back to Republic City, after you got your bending back.

[Anxiety she was holding in while waiting for his answer melted and washed away. That had been when time stopped for her, so there was no need to explain about any time differences. For once, everything was perfect for her and her own personal world on Tu Vishan now that he was here.

Without any warning, she put her hand on his neck and brought her face to his, simply to show Mako how much that answer meant to her. Once there, she pressed her lips upon his and eagerly moved them from end of his mouth to the other.

When they finally parted, Korra kept her face close to his and her hand slid down his neck to rest on his red scarf.]

That’s what I remember too. Sometimes people don’t remember the same things when they get here, I just needed to make sure.

[After all, she was ready to just barrage herself with guilt if time had stopped for Mako while he had still been with Asami.]

[Actions Mako wasn't entirely expecting, but was definitely not opposed to: that. He didn't know that he'd been gone, but listening to her explanation and that reaction, he could see that she'd been there for 2 months without him.

He wrapped his arms around her, both protective and gentle. She didn't have to worry about him not remembering everything they'd been through together, awkward love confessions and all.]

Trust me, I wouldn't forget everything that's happened over the past few months if I could help it.

[he kissed the top of her brow, don't worry we're on the same page here... for the most part]

Just get me caught up on the stuff I've missed while you were here. [even getting to know the city-- something he'd figure out no matter what. But he liked her showing him, too]

[Closing her eyes as he kissed her, Korra smiled and nodded.]

Okay. There’s a lot, but now that Tu Vishan is getting better there’s less to worry about. I think I covered the basics of the big things though. Everyone who wound up here like we did have different views on those, so it might be best to ask them later when you’re settled in.

[When they reached one of the canals, Korra looked down where the crossing bridge was and just pushed her arms outwards, forming an ice bridge.]

So, the other things. I’m working for this guy named Finnick, he pays me to catch some fish and any extra ones I catch I get to keep. There’s also Bean, he’s eight, I’m teaching him how to fight and defend himself because there’s a lot of gangs around the city, Keeliai. But he’s also teaching me to read and write English, it’s the language most the others write with.

[As they continued their trek through the sector, which looked generally run down and poor, it did have it’s own charm. Then suddenly Korra pointed out one of the units with a grin.]

That’s where some the turtle brothers live! They’re really cool, but you’ll probably meet them later. They usually keep to themselves and are pretty secretive. [A pause, then she adopts a blank smile while she nods almost stupidly.] And I’m pretty sure I wasn’t supposed to tell anyone that.

But I think I know you can be trusted. [Said playfully as she continued on while holding his arm.]

Oh! And there’s two dragons here! [Her face lights up and her hold tightens a bit from talking about them.] Temeraire and Iskierka. They’re both from the same world and know each other. Iskierka is the only one that breathe fire though, but they’re great! I know Iskierka a little bit better though. Temeraire is a friend of Amon.

[Which still made no sense to her. When they got to the border between the Metal Sector, Korra gave a sly smile.]

And this is the Metal Sector where I live. Prepare to be blown away.

... Don't worry, I'll keep it close to my chest.

[as she went through all the information she'd picked up, Mako realized he was just going to have to take it as she told him, and dig into it later. The names he would have to ask for again-- there were so many weird ones but they're placed on the back burner as he digs into something else]

-- Did you say dragons?

[dragons were rare... and he'd heard some stories that the Fire Nation had hunted them to extinction a long time ago, so they may not even be alive anymore. Which made them a Big Deal. He didn't even care that one of them was friends with Amon, it was still amazing to hear.

Languages? Eh, not even close to his strong suit. Jobs? Worth listening to. But DRAGONS... Now that was news]

You're kidding me. I'll keep an eye out for them. [firebender-- he had a vested interest.]

[he could immediately tell they were in the Metal Sector-- before she even actively pointed it out. It was so polar opposite to where he was living, he'd be blind not to notice it.

It vaguely reminded him of Republic City. Vaguely.]

Wow. [if there were a lot more technology in Republic City than there already was.]

[She had a similar reaction to finding out actual dragons were here when she first met one. A feeling of amusement rose in her at picturing Mako's reaction to seeing either of them on the console, or better, in person.]

Yeah, that was kind of what I said when I first got here.

[Here Korra was much more knowledgeable and happily pointed out places like the cafe she stopped at almost every day and got free hot chocolate from, the store that had the little tiny console like devices that played music and the blue one she was saving up for, the mechanic shop where Dinah worked at, and the main manufacturer of motorcycles and cars.]

I don't think I could ever get tired of this sector. I mean it has a couple of gangs, but that's nothing new.

[When they got to the units, Korra motioned her head to a one story building.]

Bean lives there, it's pretty easy to get to since that's my suite. [Korra pointed to one of the two story units a few blocks down.]

[he was still looking around, clearly not use to the level of development around him. He could keep track of Korra's directions, but it was a lot easier in the Water and Wood sectors. But, he was also a city boy. One that could focus when he needed to.

Gangs were a part of his every day life, so he couldn't really find much on that to comment on. Good to see that it wasn't just Republic City, though. Cities on Turtles have greedy people on them too. Who knew.]

You're not too far from where I am, though.

[mentally, their boroughs were about half the size of the ones in Republic City, probably a little bit less than that. It'd be pretty easy to find the vein streets that connected them, even if Korra hadn't shown him. Something to keep in mind as he learned the city]

Edited 2013-07-20 18:28 (UTC)

No, not really. Hope you're not disappointed. [Teasingly of course.] Fire and Earth are really just that. You can't mistake the two. But the Earth Sector has-

[A beat.]

It has two clinics. One is Amon's and the other is the Green Lantern's...

[Considering how recently that had just happened, Korra thought it best just to inform Mako herself. She took her arm out of his and wheeled around on her heel to face him.]

Amon was teaching chi-blocking at the Green Lantern's clinic recently. I found out while I was there, and I had a fight with one of the green rings there.

[A deep breath.]

The first floor of the clinic was damaged by my firebending, so; I'd understand if you didn't want to mention me.

To anyone.

[Since it was apparently becoming an issue on the network, one she was avoiding looking into.]

[his attention turned to focus on her, once she mentioned Amon. If it had to do with him-- it probably wasn't anything good for them. It was a safe bet that his anti-bending crusade would only be stopped by the fact that... well, there were already too few of them there.

But it was the second part, the part about burning the clinic that really caught his attention. His eyes widened a little bit]

You did what? Korra... Those people don't know anything about Amon or his conflict with us. And if they do, they don't understand it the way you and I do. You can't get mad at them.

[it was a bit stern-- Mako, himself, was prone to it. But he couldn't ignore the other part of her statement. She already knew that she'd messed up. And he knew about her penchant for accidental destruction. He'd seen it first hand too many times to really be phased by it.

He put a hand on her shoulder, and squeezed gently. His expression softened]

And don't be stupid, I'm not gonna pretend you're not my girlfriend.

[That one squeeze meant more to her than all the lectures and scoldings she had received since then. Squeezing his hand with her own was the only way she could think of to truly convey the meaning.]

Thanks Mako. [A deep sigh.] That was part of what caused it. Tarrlok made it known who Amon was and what he had done back home, but his warning was just tossed on the roadside. It just felt like they didn't care what he had done to us.

[To her since she was the only one aside from Tarrlok at the time who really knew Amon's terrorist background. Someone not taking the Avatar's word just felt so out of place to her, something new and unwelcome.]

No one got hurt. Just me. If you can call being suffocated hurt I guess...

... That's expecting a lot of someone who isn't even from our world. [there was a part of him that felt that there were even benders that weren't in Republic City who probably didn't care what had happened. But he didn't really think it was worth sharing that cynicism with her.] And whether it's right or not, you've still gotta maintain control.

You've gotta be the bigger person.

[he steps closer and rests his forehead on hers.]

You're fine, now. And no one got hurt, but I don't think hiding's going to help, Korra.

I just didn't like being trapped like that again. [After the escape she made from Tarrlok and the recovery that followed, Korra wasn't fond of confined spaces.]

But yeah, I guess so, huh?

[She couldn't help but give a small smile when their foreheads touched, and she leaned forward so her nose was touching Mako's.]

Already making a difference on your first day. Not bad Mr. Hat-Trick.

[After all, he had got the message others have tried to get across since the clinic happened.]

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