Invisible String | Mako

Chapter 20

It was raining outside. The droplets of water felt good on my skin. I felt as though the rain was a fair attempt to calm my pumping nerves. I grip the wall outside the restaurant, a pool of water at my feet reflecting the light above the door. Everyone was still inside enjoying their night. After overhearing Mako and Korra's conversation, I ran outside for some air.

I grip the collar of my dress, monitoring my breathing to try and calm myself down. I know I'm on the edge of a full-blown panic attack. Each little drop of rain that lands on my skin only makes it worse. They played a hurtful reminder that my family is most likely dead.

I inhale sharply, my eyes blurring with tears as I reach out into the night air, letting the rain collect in my palm. My mind replays the memories of my mother and Bo bending, their hands fluid as the water dances around them.

I frown, hiccuping as tears roll down my checks and drop my hand to my side.

I can't bend. I can't find my family. I am useless.

The echo of voices bounces around me, people running past me quickly with their umbrella clinging in their fingers. I envied them. I envied their happiness- their joy. I bet their family wasn't missing.

"Practicing your waterbending?"

I turn, pieces of hair sticking to my face. I squint to see Mako standing there, the stem of a black umbrella in his hand.

I scoff, "I'm not in the mood"

"You should come inside" Mako says, eyes wandering over me worriedly, "You'll catch a cold"

"Good" I say dramatically, "Perhaps the cold will kill me"

Mako frowns, his expression turning grim, "Elena, do not say things like that"

"Why?" I scoff, "Because you want me to sugar-coat things? Like you have been this entire time? You made me look like a fool, prancing around with this false sense of hope. Why didn't you tell me the truth? That my family is dead?"

"Elena" Mako says, inhaling quickly, "We don't know that for sure."

"Korra sure thinks so" I retort, "She's the Avatar"

"Korra is a lot of things" Mako replies, "She can be brutally candid sometimes. But she isn't always right, just like how she isn't right about your parents"

"Come on, Mako" I roll my eyes, tears mixing with the rain drops on my face. "I'm not a child. Please just be honest with me."

"I am" He pleads, "Elena, I promised you I would find them and I mean it"

I lick my lips, trying to find something to say. I'm mentally exhausted.

"I know you're scared, but I know in my heart that things are going to be okay. I have never been so sure of something my entire life" Mako confesses, "I just need you to trust me."

"Mako.." I sigh, reaching up to wipe my eyes.

"Really, Elena." He says, reaching up to grab my hand. "I will do anything on this planet to find them. If you want me to walk to every village and search under every rock, I will. That's how much I care about you"

I just look at him, overwhelmed with emotion. Another sob escapes my lips, Mako dropping the umbrella and using both arms to wrap me into his chest. The heat from his body feels warm against my chilled skin, my clothes soaked with water.

"I'm sorry you heard us talking" Mako mumbles, his face in my hair.

I hug him tighter in response, letting him nuzzle deeping into me.

"This is becoming too much" I confess, feeling my emotions boil over. "All of it. Tadashi, my family, Korra, you."

Mako frowns, his eyes falling to the soaked pavement. I could see the guilt in his face- he felt terrible.

"What can I do to make it up to you?" He says, voice pleading. "You mean the world to me, Elena. I want you to be happy. I want to be the guy that solves your problems and saves the day. I can't stand seeing you like this"

My fingers run through my hair, my nails scratching my scalp. I know I'm not in a good place. I could practically feel my anxiety in my veins.

"I don't know" I sigh, my hands dropping to my sides. "I care about you, Mako. But you have to be honest with me-"

"-and I need you to trust me, '' Mako interrupts. "I would never lie to you."

I nod, I held no more energy to talk about it anymore.

"We should go back inside" I say, reaching up to wipe my eyes with the back of my hand. Mako steps forward, wrapping me in his arms. I feel the heat from his body against mine, the warmth feeling nice from the cold rain.

I feel him place a kiss on top of my head, his voice a low murmur: "We will get through this"

Will we?

-Mako-

I slid back into the seat at the table, the rest of the group engrossed in a conversation. Elena sits down softly, her eyes still red from crying. I nervously glance at her, praying no one comments about it.

"Everything alright?" Iroh asks, a glass between his fingers.

"All good" I reply diplomatically, giving him a small nod. He blinks, the look on his face clearing saying he doesn't believe me.

"I think we picked out Elena's gown for the recital" Asami says, turning to smile at her. "She looks beautiful in it"

I grin, "I'm looking forward to seeing it"

I know she'll look stunning. She could make a brown bag look beautiful.

"Asami was so kind and let me raid her closet" Elena chuckles, "She has an entire department store in there"

"I believe it" Bolin says, "Ginger has a giant closet too. Pabu got lost in it once"

"Bolin" Iroh says, "Is it true you and Ginger are a thing?"

I roll my eyes, "No" I say, "Bolin just wants them to be"

"Now wait a second" Bolin defends, his hand raised. "Mako doesn't see the connection Ginger and I share. It's some pretty serious stuff"

"The only connection you have is with ramen" I tease, making the group laugh.

Bolin starts on a rant to defend himself while I sit back, zoning out.

I know in my heart Elena's family is safe. But maybe Korra is right. The damage done in the family's apartment was incredibly grim. Even the most optimistic people have to admit there is a fair chance they are dead.

I shouldn't think that way. I have to remain positive. For Elena.