Book 2 of Legend of korra: Eclipse

Chapter 8: Echoes of Regret

(THIS CHAPTER IS LONGER THAN USUAL)

Mako had been eager for this moment all day. As he made his way to Asami's office, his mind raced with excitement. Upon reaching her door, he took a moment to compose himself before knocking. "Hey, Asami, are you still busy?" Mako called out as he tapped lightly on the door. From inside, Asami's voice floated out, "Almost done! Just give me five minutes."

Mako settled into a chair outside her office, his anticipation growing with each passing moment.

Finally, the door opened, Asami feeling guilty to hang out with her ex-lover.

Mako's brow furrowed with concern as he gazed at Asami, his voice filled with worry, "Are you sure you're okay with this?" Asami met his gaze, her expression resolute as she replied, "We have to find closure somehow, and I think this might be a good thing." Mako nodded slowly, understanding the weight of their decision. "I just want to make sure you're comfortable with everything," he added, his tone gentle and reassuring. Asami offered him a small smile, her eyes reflecting a mix of determination and vulnerability, "I am. Let's do this." "Ok," Mako replied, a smile playing on his lips. "Whose car are we taking?" Asami shot him a playful glance before answering, "Yours. I'm not using my gas for you." Mako let out a quick chuckle, nodding in agreement. "Yes ma'am," he said with a teasing tone, already heading towards his car. As they got in and drove off, the easy banter between them filled the air, setting a lighthearted tone for the adventure ahead.

As they entered the cafe, Mako and Asami found a table and settled in. Asami's eyes widened when she spotted Korra walking in with her friend Opal. Quickly, she ducked her head, hoping to avoid being noticed. To her relief, Korra walked past without seeing her, heading straight towards Kaito. Yet, jealousy still stirred within Asami, causing her to tense up.

Noticing Asami's reaction, Mako couldn't help but smirk. He glanced back at her with a concerned expression, "Are you okay?" Asami shook off her jealousy, focusing back on Mako. With a forced smile, she replied, "I'm fine." Deep down, however, the green-eyed monster still lingered in the corners of her mind.

"Why does that bother you so much?" Mako inquired, trying to understand the source of Asami's distress. Asami sighed, her frustration evident in her voice as she explained, "It's not just about talking to her. Korra promised me she wouldn't engage with Kaito, and now she's breaking that promise." Mako's confusion deepened, "Who is Kaito? I thought Opal was her friend." Asami shook her head, her tone tinged with exasperation, "Kaito is someone Korra met recently. The girl is obviously flirting with Korra but Korra doesn't see it. I just wish she would keep her word." Mako nodded, realizing the complexity of the situation.

As Mako voiced his concern, a tense silence fell between them. "Asami, I don't think you should be with Korra if she goes against her word," Mako stated, his words filled with a hint of protectiveness. Asami's eyes flashed with anger at his comment. "And who are you to judge? You're the one who laid hands on me," she retorted sharply, her voice tinged with hurt and bitterness. Realizing the hurtful nature of her words, Asami quickly softened, her tone apologetic. "I'm sorry, Mako. I promised myself I wouldn't dwell on the past," she added, her gaze filled with regret.

"It's okay," Mako chuckled softly, a hint of self-deprecation in his tone. "I deserved it. I was being an ass. I shouldn't have reacted that way when I found out about the kiss. It was stupid of me," he admitted, his voice tinged with regret. Asami offered a small, understanding smile, her eyes softening. "I'm sorry for kissing Korra while we were together," she apologized, her voice sincere. Mako shook his head, a serious expression on his face. "That doesn't excuse my actions. I shouldn't have put my hands on you, no matter what," he acknowledged, his gaze meeting hers in a moment of shared understanding.

They then stared in each other's eyes. Mako's heart flooded with excitement. He missed those beautiful Emerald eyes. Asami stared back and smiled softly.

Korra's heart shattered as she caught sight of Asami talking to Mako, her mind swirling with a mix of hurt and confusion. Why would Asami be speaking to her ex, especially when he had been involved in the tragedy of her parents' death? And why would Asami lie about it? Though torn by conflicting emotions, Korra chose not to approach them, opting instead to leave the cafe with Opal and Kaito. Sensing Korra's distress, Opal wrapped an arm around her friend, offering silent support. "Do you want a ride home?" Opal asked gently. Korra nodded sadly, her eyes downcast, before saying goodbye to Kaito as they climbed into Opal's car and drove away into the night.

Mako reached out and gently took Asami's hands in his, his voice filled with longing. "I miss you," he confessed, his words breaking through the tension between them. Asami's gaze snapped back to him, a mix of emotions flickering in her eyes as she realized the gravity of the moment. "I'm sorry, Mako," she murmured softly, her voice tinged with regret. With a quick, apologetic smile, she excused herself and swiftly paid for her coffee, making her way outside. As she hailed a taxi and gave the driver directions to Future Industries, she couldn't shake the lingering weight of their conversation.

After stepping out of the taxi, Asami handed the driver a generous tip before making her way to her car, which stood alone in the parking lot. A wave of self-criticism washed over her as she walked, her footsteps echoing in the empty space. "Asami, you're a fucking idiot," she muttered under her breath, berating herself for the choices she had made and the emotions that had clouded her judgment. With a heavy sigh, she unlocked her car and slid into the driver's seat, the weight of her thoughts lingering as she started the engine and drove off into the night.