•Fire of the Heart• (Mako x Reader)

Chapter 13

A/n: Omg guys thank you sooo much for over 40k! I can't believe I've gotten so much support for this story! I remember re-watching Korra when I was 13 and deciding to start this book, not knowing it would get so many reads! I am now 17 and the fact that the avatar fandom is revived makes me so happy :). ON TO THE STORY!

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(Y/N)'S POV:

Korra is honestly something else. Instead of being graceful and "being like the leaf" as Jinora, Meelo, and Ikki are telling her to be like, she's acting more like a bull in a china shop. "Patience, Korra!" Tenzin says to her, clearly concerned of her actions. "This doesn't look good..." I shake my head. Korra is a very strong woman who is capable of many things. Being patient is definitely not on her list of strengths. As I expected, she got frustrated and burned/ broke most of the gates. As everyone stared wide eyed, I looked at her with clear annoyance. She had a crazy look in her eyes and panted loudly. "That was a two-thousand-year-old historical treasure! What... What is wrong with you?!" Tenzin was clearly furious. "There's nothing wrong with m​e! I've been practicing just like you taught me, but it isn't sinking in, okay? It hasn't clicked like you said it would!" Korra said defensively.

Tenzin softened his expression, and closed his eyes. "Korra, this isn't something you can force. If you would only listen to me ..." This comment just made Korra more angry. " I have been! But you know what I think? Maybe the problem isn't me! Maybe the reason I haven't learned airbending yet is because you're a terrible teacher!" I had enough and I stepped in. "That's enough, Korra. Come with me." I grab her arm. After a little bit of tugging and arguing, I finally convinced her to come with me. "Yeah! You're a terrible teacher, Daddy!" I look at Tenzin and give him an apologetic smile, which sadly he returns.

I take her outside to a bench that faces the ocean. Flying bison surround the temple as we look off into the sunset. There was a slight breeze and a faint sound of the waves crashing. After a few moments of silence to calm Korra down, I put my hand on her shoulder. "Korra, what was that back there?" I say in a calming voice, trying not to set her off again. "I don't know... I just got so frustrated with it. Jinora made it look so easy, but I just couldn't do it." She brings her knees up and folds her arms, resting her face on top. "I'm the Avatar, I should be able to do something as easy as getting past a few moving gates." Korra mumbles as she buries her head in her arms. I soften my eyes. "Every Avatar has an element the struggle with. For Aang it was Earth. For you it's Air. It's the opposite of you. It's going to take a lot of work, but I know you can do it." I say and smile at her as she lifts her head. "Thanks (Y/N), I really needed that." She returns a smile. "Hey, I know what will cheer you up!" I say and jump off of the bench. "What's up?" She looks at me with anticipation. "Lets go to the pro-bending match tonight!"

*At the arena*

We walk into the waiting room and see Bolin and Mako. Mako was leaning on the wall while Bolin was sitting on the edge of the bench. They both have solemn expressions. "We didn't miss your match, did We? You guys look like you lost already." Mako's expression softens a little when he sees me. "What's wrong with you guys?" I give them a concerned look. "A lot at the moment, We might as well have." Bolin's gaze doesn't move from the floor. "Hasook's a no-good no-show!" Mako says bitterly. I walk up to him and put my hand on his shoulder, which seems to calm him down. "Everything is going to be okay." Knowing that there's two extra benders in their presence that can fight, I'm confident that there can be some sort of arrangement. I look over and see that Bolin is mouthing something to Mako, but I missed the first part. "Now?" Mako says with a hint of annoyance. Bolin nods his head. Mako sighs and then turns back to me. I look at him, clearly confused about the interaction that the pair just had. Mako scratches his neck, clearly nervous about something. "Hey, I was wondering if-" He was cut off by the referee slamming the door open. "You got two minutes to come out ready to play, or you're disqualified." Mako steps away and looks at the door as it slams. "Well, there goes our shot at the tournament ... and the winnings." Korra points to the other team next to us. "Can't you ask one of those guys to fill in?" Korra asks.

"Nah. The rules say you can only compete on one team." Bolin looks back down in defeat. "How about me? I'm a top-notch waterbender, if I do say so myself." She says in a cocky manner. "Are you sure you can handle it after the ordeal that happened today?" I say with a smirk and cock my head, trying not to laugh. "You be quiet about that!" She says and pushes me as abrupt in laughter. Mako catches me before I fall. I feel sparks as he holds me for a few seconds. We make eye-contact and I swear he had a bit of a red tint on his cheeks. I also felt my cheeks heat up. 'That's strange, It's probably cause we're both embarrassed by what just happened.' I thought to myself. We both quickly avert eye contact. He then puts me back on my feet. Korra looks at me with a smirk. As she is about to make a comment, I give her a 'Don't you even think about it' look. She just rolls her eyes in return. As I turn to the brothers, Mako is in the same situation. Before Mako goes to beat up Bolin, he changes the subject.

"Anyways, But, you're the Avatar. Isn't that cheating?" Korra smiles. "It isn't cheating if I only do waterbending." I look at her. "I mean, she has a point." I shrug my shoulders. "No way. I'd rather forfeit than look like a fool out there." Korra's expression changes. "Wow, thanks for the vote of confidence." She says in a sarcastic tone. "Mako, just give her a chance, it's better than no chance at all." I say with pleading eyes. His expression changes, as if he's reconsidering it. He opens his mouth to reply, but referee interrupts him again as he enters. "Time's up. You in or out?"

"We're in!"

"We are?"

"Yes!" Bolin cheered. Mako points at Korra. "Hey, I didn't agree to this!" Mako argued. "Your little girlfriend over there was about to convince you anyways. Come on Mako, lets go!" Bolin says. "She's not my girlfrie- whatever there's no reason to argue at this point." Mako says and rolls his eyes. I just laugh and roll my eyes as well. Mako smiles at me. "You can thank me later!" His expression changes to annoyance as he stares at Korra. "This girl is crazy." Mako makes a face.

"Oh I am well aware."