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gladerwolfstarkimagines · 2 years ago

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The Mission Bolin x Reader Series: Part Four

You return to Republic City and don’t recieve the warmest welcome but manage to prove to everyone where your loyalties lie...but can you show this to Bolin?

Previous Parts: One, Two and Three.

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When you got back to Republic City you could’ve easily slunk away and buried your head in the sand but you didn’t. You went right to the council and shared with them everything you knew. You told them you’d accept any punishment they thought fair but asked you be allowed to help in the time being. Obviously they were all very wary of you but Varrick vouched for you. “She’s on our side now we promise! Kuvira was intimidating her as much as she was everyone else but Y/n stood up for us and is a very big part of why we're still here”. Varrick’s word didn’t seem to be doing much good though, which was understandable considering his past, so you stepped forwards ready to argue your case when Bolin beat you to it. “Varrick’s right. Y/n helped get us here and stood up to Kuvira for us...she can be trusted and she has invaluable knowledge. We’re going to need her to stop this”. Mako’s brother and the Avatar both nodded, convinced by Bolin’s world and that persuaded Tenzin and the others. “Fine!” Raiko nodded “you can help but we’ll be watching you like a hawk and the second you falter you’ll be locked away forever”. You nodded “I won’t let you down”.

You hoped to catch Bolin after the meeting but Raiko grilled you for hours to get information about Kuvira and when you left Bolin was nowhere to be seen. The next day you found Mako, Bolin’s brother and asked if he knew where Bolin was staying. He directed you to Air Temple Island and you made your way there a bundle of nerves. You found Bolin outside playing with Pabu and smiled to see he seemed back to normal...or he did until he looked up and saw you. Oblivious, Pabu ran over to say hello before Bolin could intercept him. You stroked Pabu happily and Bolin stood up, coming towards you hesitantly. “Hey” you said softly “I’m really sorry to drop in on you like this but with the war coming I figured sooner would be better. Can we please talk?" you asked. Bolin sighed "i guess I can’t avoid it forever...let's go this way" and he led you to a private part of the island overlooking the ocean. You nodded and followed him in silence. Once you were sat down Bolin frowned "so...do you want to take the lead?". You nodded and took a breath. “I just wanted to apologise again for everything I did to you and give you a chance to ask any questions...I’m so sorry for everything Bolin and I know the journey here hasn’t solved anything. Is there anything you want to say to me?”. "Was it all just a game?" Bolin asked and you had a feeling this had been on his mind for a while. "Being nice to be, laughing with me, flirting with me...the whole time you were only speaking to me because she told you to right? Would you even have given me the time of day if she hadn't commanded you to?" Bolin asked. You nodded "of course I would have! Initially I did it because she told me to but after our first meeting I realised I enjoyed being around you and it stopped being a secret mission but something I wanted to do. I liked being around you Bolin, I would’ve acted the same way I promise". Bolin sighed "well unsurprising I don’t believe you" and he looked away upset. "Of course I want to believe you. I want to think you did care for me and like me but how can I even begin to trust you?" he pointed out. It was a very good question and one you didn’t have the answer to. You sighed "I don’t know" you replied honestly "I've hurt you in an awful way and I don’t know how I can ever do enough to repair that. To make you feel safe around me again but I promise I'm not going to quit until I do it. I'm not going to stop trying even if you lose interest or hate me. I will never stop trying to repay the damage I did because you mean a lot to me Bolin. While it wasn’t genuine at first it didn’t take long before it started being and by the end I’d really fallen for you. I know that ship has probably sailed for us forever but all I want is to get your friendship back. No matter how much work it takes". Bolin nodded "okay. I can’t promise anything but I also won’t tell you it’s impossible". You nodded to him "that’s more than I could’ve hoped for, thank you". Bolin nodded and walked away.

You heard Opal was in town the following day and figured she deserved an apology as well. You made your way to Lin Beifong’s apartment where Opal was staying and knocked twice. You were sure this wasn’t going to be pleasant and that was before you told her what you’d done to her and Bolin’s relationship. But still you wanted to wash away everything you'd done for your sister and the first step was being honest. So you’d deal with this and then you could move on.

The door opened and Opal appeared. "What do you want?" she asked. Great start, she hated you already. You winced and tried to look non-threatening. "I was hoping we could talk?" you asked. "Funny you two even think alike now" she replied and you paused "me and who?". "Bolin” she said and Opal moved back to reveal the living room where Bolin was sat awkwardly. He met your eye and you looked away "sorry I didn’t realise he was here...i’ll come back later". "No why don’t you stay?" Opal asked her voice dripping with anger "Bolin was just explaining how he broke up with me for you and I'd love to hear your side of things". You winced but Opal held the door open very menacingly for an airbender. You walked inside and sat in the only available chair which was next to Bolin. "So" Opal said standing in front of you both "carry on Bolin". Bolin coughed "so after we broke up I went to Y/n and I...we kissed". "The same night I left, right?" Opal asked. Bolin nodded "yes". "And you thought that was okay because...?". Bolin sighed "I knew it wasn’t but I hadn't seen you in so long and every time we did it was so tense. Things with Y/n had been building for a while and I was so emotional after our breakup it all just kind of burst out". Opal raised an eyebrow "so you're blaming me?". Bolin immediately denied that and went to explain himself when you stepped in. "Haven’t you told her what I did?". Bolin shook his head "I was getting to that part". You turned to her "Opal none of this was Bolin’s fault. Kuvira calculated it. She made a plan to have Bolin fall for me and I...I helped her. I seduced him and encouraged him to break up with you. I made myself seem like the better alternative and helped orchestrate the whole thing so if you want to be angry at anyone it should be me". Opal shook her head "you're acting like you twisted his arm behind his back and forced him to fall for you. Whether you encouraged it or not you didn't force him to do anything. You didn’t make him separate from me or make him kiss you. From what I've heard you actually stopped that. Bolin fell for you because he liked you" she said "and for me that's the ultimate betrayal because if he’d really have liked me and had no feelings for you to begin with then this would have never happened". "Opal please" Bolin cried as you said "let me explain it better" but she’d had enough. "No I'm done. You both said you wanted to explain and you did so get out. Bolin it’s over, stop blaming Y/n for your own actions and take responsibility. Y/n...well all the apologies in the world won’t resolve what you've done but I think I have an idea of how you can start". You frowned "how?". "You're going to help me break my family out of Kuvira’s prison".

All things considered risking your life to save Opal’s family who had been imprisoned by your sister, the one you helped takeover their home, seemed fair. So you agreed. Bolin had protested, claiming Opal shouldn’t just punish you but him too. That honestly hadn’t helped things and so you rode to the prison in a very stormy silence. Lin was smart enough not to get involved and stayed quiet.

Once you got there you were soon joined by Toph and broke into the prison. The Beifongs were literally tossed to freedom and only when you got outside of the cell undetected did they all turn to you. "Y/n?" Su yin asked the first chance she got. "You came back to us?" Wei asked a smile on his face and you felt like crying. "No" Opal’s voice rang out "she was working against us the whole time. She’s only here because Kuvira made her go against Bolin and that was too much for her. Not us". The Beifongs all frowned and you hung your head, aware there were no words in the world you could say to make up for what you’d done to your real family. "Still..." Huan said suddenly "she’s here rescuing us and where’s Bataar? Our actual flesh and blood". You looked up to see the others were slowly nodding. Suyin smiled and stepped towards you "regardless I'm happy you're here and you're safe" she said offering you a hand “if you’re willing to make this first step then so are we”. You took one look at her kind face and burst into tears. "I'm so sorry! For everything" you sobbed and Su cradled you in her arms. "It's okay" she soothed and you finally felt safe. Opal understandably wasn’t happy but the others all forgave you. You explained why Opal hated you and how it was justified. The others all just replied she’d forgive you eventually and you felt so happy to have your family back. You were always closest to the twins and found yourself staying with them on the way back to Republic City. "So..." Wei asked "where did you and Bolin leave things?". You swallowed "I told him that I'd always care for him as more but I'd never stop trying to win his friendship back". You expected the twins to judge you for saying that to their little sister’s ex-boyfriend but they just nodded. "That seems fair" Wing nodded and you stared "how are you all not yelling at me?". Wei smiled softly "Y/n you may not be a Beifong by blood but you do realise we grew up as together right? To us you're family. So is Kuvira too and anything you've done doesn’t really matter now you've said sorry and are trying to put it right. We love you and we support you. Opal and Bolin were on the outs before you even got involved but he’s a nice guy. If you have something with him then we say go for it". "Really?" You asked tears in your eyes and Wei nodded "yes". “You’re the best brothers ever” you replied and the twins grinned to hear you finally call them that.

When the final battle came you fought in it side by side with your earth bender family. You brought Kuvira’s giant mecha suit down and then Kuvira herself. Bolin got to the new spirit portal just in time to see Korra emerge with Kuvira. Bolin spotted you across the field and you were staring frozen as Lin and Su clamped handcuffs around your sister’s wrists and everyone celebrated. Bolin watched you warily and felt a pang of sadness. No matter what you’d done he still cared about you and seeing you upset made him sad. He went to step towards you when a twin appeared on either side of you. Wei touched your arm tentatively and you turned and buried your head against him crying. Wing joined the hug and Bolin was pleased to see atleast you’d reconnected with your family. Not wanting to ruin the moment Bolin walked away.

1 year later

After the battle you were pardoned by Raiko due to your help taking down Kuvira and so you didn’t serve any jail time. However you didn’t return to Zafou after the battle. Kuvira had done a lot of damage to Republic City, hundreds injured, thousands displaced and so many homes utterly destroyed. So, you decided to do something about it.

Bolin witnessed the whole thing and saw first hand the stroke of genius ran in Kuvira’s bloodline family. You became lead of the restoration efforts and everyone soon forgot who's sister you were once your intentions became clear. The Beifong’s were a golden support system and Bolin saw even you and Opal were friends again which was nice. Opal had also told him she’d forgiven him and they were friends again but he knew that was all it would be with her. With you however that was a different story. Bolin still liked you. He knew it was stupid, most people would never consider going back to someone who did what you’d done but he couldn’t deny how he felt. Not to mention everything you’d said turned out to be true and he saw the changes you’d made to become a better person. You weren’t the same person as before and neither was he. But that didn’t make telling you any less scary. Bolin finally decided to do it one day after he spent the whole week watching you help refugees get rehabilitated. He knew he had to tell you or move on and he chose the former. Bolin could always find you around city hall these days so he headed there and soon enough he spotted you walking down a hallway. "Y/n" he called and you stopped looking around. You smiled when you saw him and walked over "Bolin! How are you? Is everything okay?". Bolin nodded "I’m good thanks and everything is great. I was just wondering if I could talk to you? What time do you finish up here?". You seemed surprised but quickly recovered "I actually finish in an hour, there’s a great coffee shop around your corner if you’d like to go there?". Bolin nodded "sounds great! I'll meet you at the main entrance in an hour".

It was raining when Bolin got to the coffee shop so he went inside and found a table. He sat facing the door, which turned out to be a bad thing as every time it opened his heart sped up and he panicked before realising it wasn’t you. Finally, after many false calls you arrived. Bolin froze as you stood there in the doorway and he felt his palms sweat and his cheeks flush at what he was about to do. He was excited but also terrified. You’d said you would always care for him as a friend and as more but what if that had changed in the year that had passed? What if he’d missed his chance and the two of you would never get your opportunity to be a couple? “Bolin?” you called having located him and Bolin jumped up “y/n hey! Thanks for coming”. You smiled sitting down “no problem, so...how can I help? If it’s about those building permits please tell President Zhu Li I’m getting the zoning board to work as fast as possible...”. “No it’s not work-related it’s about...us”. “Ow...” you said and your whole body language changed “okay, what do you want to discuss?”.

Bolin took a deep breath “well first of all I wanted to tell you I’ve noticed all the good things you’ve done this past year and how you’ve been trying to reduce the damage Kuvira caused and I truly believe you’re a good person. I’ve forgiven you for what happened between us”. Your face lit up in surprise and you smiled shocked “really? Bolin that’s amazing! Thank you so much”. Bolin smiled “it’s nothing, it felt right so thanks for not giving up I guess”. “Totally worth it” you grinned and Bolin blushed ”also one more thing...I wondered if things have changed at all for you? Before you mentioned you would always care for me as more than a friend but were happy just being friends, is that still true”. You paused looking down “yes my feelings haven’t changed. I think I’ll always like you but I respect your feelings and promise never to try anything with you...is that what you were worried about?”. Bolin shook his head “no more the opposite, Y/n I still like you too and all this time I was unsure if I could trust you but like I just said I know I can now and so I wondered if you’d maybe like to go on a date with me?”. Your face split into an even more surprised expression and Bolin had never seen your eyes so wide before. You spluttered in shock “I’m...of course I would! Sorry i’m just lost for words because I thought I’d royally screwed this up so to hear you say this, I can’t believe how lucky I am”. Bolin blushed, in all his relationships he was usually the one providing all the security and compliments and it was nice to have someone else share that. “Well I feel pretty lucky too, none of my past partners have gone to the amount of effort you have to show me they care. You make me feel wanted and I like that”. You blushed but didn’t look away “I do want you Bolin, so not to sound eager but when are you free for that date because I’d love to take you out and make you feel even more special”. Bolin was so flushed he felt several degrees warmer and he smiled “how’s Friday night?”. “It’s a date” you grinned and Bolin smiled “great...” and he tentatively reached across the table to take your hand. Your drinks arrived seconds later and you smiled holding yours up “a toast, may our future be a lot less complicated and happier than our past”. Bolin nodded “to our future” and clinked your glass. You had a good feeling about this and couldn’t wait to see what your future had in store.

You always used to fear the future but now, with Bolin back in your life you were ready for it.

Bring it on.

_________

Bolin is the bestest boy!

I never really warmed to him and Opal as a couple because it just felt forced to me, like they were both single and nice people so they got smushed together. I wish they’d given him a more romantic fun partnership like Korra x Asami and Mako x Wu (yes they’re together in my mind). Even the way they got together felt quite convenient and not really that special or fun. All I’m saying is Bolin and Opal both deserve better!

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gladerwolfstarkimagines · 2 years ago

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The Guardian of Republic City: Mako x Female Reader - Part Four

Previous Parts: One, Two and Three.

Mako was so shocked with what the officer was telling him he blanked “i’m sorry?”. "We just identified a motorcycle thought to be linked to the previous robberies. The so called guardian of Republic City". "And?" Mako asked finally grasping the situation and the voice took a while before replying. "We lost it but it disappeared in the east side of the city". "The east side?" Mako asked "where exactly". "It was last seen on river street heading towards Private Close". Mako froze, that was heading towards your house and you were the richest person in the area. "How long ago was that?" he asked already putting his coat on. "About five minutes ago". Mako couldn’t believe he’d been so close to the area, if he’d just stayed at the party an hour longer he might’ve seen the motorcycle himself. Mako nodded "I'm going to make sure Y/n is safe, I'll check back in with you once I've assured she's not their target" and he rushed from his house.

When Mako got there everything was quiet and there didn't seem to be anything going on...but there were no sightings of the motorbike anywhere else and that worried him. He approached your house and the lights were all of which he thought was weird. He tried the door but got no response which worried him even more. He worked his way around the back and knocked there but no response. Now he was really getting panicked so he managed to pick the lock on your door and enter your house. The inside was quiet too and his radio suddenly went off startling him "Mako there's been two more motorcycles spotted heading away from Ms L/n's location fast". Mako swore and rushed upstairs hoping to find you safe and unharmed. He burst into a room which was clearly your bedroom and was so relieved to find you asleep in bed. You shot up when he entered the room and flicked a light on clearly startled. "Y/n it's me! It's not safe here you need to leave!" Mako cried and then he gasped. You turned the light back off and quickly tried to make for the bathroom but Mako stopped you grabbing your wrist "who are you..." he started when he looked directly into your face and froze "...y/n?".

Mako stared at your face and realised from your reaction it was indeed you but you were different. Your hair was lighter, more of a dark brown and was a lot shorter. Then there were your eyes...they were a beautiful blue. Similar to Korra's but lighter and narrower. "What is going on?" he asked before something dawned on him, you looked like someone from the water nation. He knew looks could be deceiving and just because someone looked like they were from one nation didn't mean they were actually from there but this was too suspicious, why had you concealed your appearance? You looked down "I promise I can explain everything" you started when another idea occurred to Mako. "Are you a water bender?" he asked a sinking suspicion coming over him "are you the one who's been leading these attacks the whole time?" he asked his voice rising. "Mako please let me explain!" you said but he shook his head "no way, you're coming with me to see the chief, you can explain it all to her". You winced "Mako I can't let you do that" and you knocked over the large canister of water you kept next to your bed. Mako leapt to the side but you kicked the door shut stopping him from leaving. You wrapped your water around his waist and began to freeze it, trapping him. He didn't try and firebend at you but he did try and melt the ice so you quickly covered his hands to stop him. "Let me go!" Mako cried and you shook your head "Mako I'm sorry but you have to at least let me explain! I won't hurt you and if you decided even after my story that you want to arrest me I'll let you but please just hear me out first". In any other circumstance, Mako would've obviously said no but he had feelings for you and he hadn't connected with anyone in a while. He sighed "fine but release me". You nodded and dropped the water from him immediately, believing him at his word. Mako appreciated that gesture and sat down "so do you want to start?". Mako was good at hiding his emotions but even he looked surprised when you explained you had grown up in the same city as him all your life. You told him about your parents struggling to survive and saw the understanding in his eyes. Then when you told the story of how they really died and you were left with nothing, you even saw him soften a little. "Then it all changed when I won a small fortune" you said and Mako sat up a little straighter. "It was more money than I'd ever seen and I had no clue what to do with it. My first thought was to set up a school or to somehow enact change in the city but I knew they'd never listen to a poor orphan who got lucky one day. So I invented a new identity. My mum had a friend in the Fire Nation, a high-class woman whom she'd served in her childhood. I moved to the Fire Nation and sought her out, I asked to be her apprentice and she accepted. She helped me craft a new identity and taught me everything. How to act like a rich lady, how to make people listen to you without you having to say a word, how to run a business and how to attract business partners. She taught me how to act, how to speak, how to dress...and I returned to Republic City anxious to make a start. Things went well at first, I opened my factories and hired those who needed a job the most but I had been naive. When I started asking about better living conditions and educating the poor I was met with a brick wall. Nobody cares, none of the elite who could actually do anything...not even the president. It wasn't even that they didn't care, they wanted the lower classes to remain poor and uneducated, they joked about it. But how will I find cheap labour if my workers are accountants one of them said to my face!" you cried getting angry and took a breath to calm yourself. "They weren't playing fair, they were actively using the system to trap those at the bottom and I decided if they weren't going to play fair then neither was I. My revenues were good but not enough to help those like I wanted so I started stealing from those who wouldn't even miss their wealth...the rich. I saw it as levelling the playing field, as taking the tax which they dodged and putting it into community resources. I know it is illegal but I don't think that necessarily makes it wrong. We never hurt anyone, only restrained them and no matter what you decide to do I don't regret my actions. Not once. I decided to use my money for good and I think I've done that". You finished your speech and looked at Mako. He looked down instead of meeting your gaze and cleared his throat "I have some questions". You nodded seeing it as a good sign that he didn't just arrest you straight away. "Ask anything you want". "Is Asami involved?". You shook your head "no, we are partners but she has no idea where some of my funds come from". Mako nodded "the person in the marketplace who rescued the child, that was you wasn't it?". You nodded "yes but I do not condone his actions. He was been temporarily excluded from my school and I had a serious talk with his parents. I do not encourage my workers or students to partake in a life of crime, I pay them fair wages so they don't have to". "So you do all of this alone?" he asked pointing to the maps and plans on your wall. You shook your head "I have a team of 10 who know. They are my most trusted advisors and friends. We steal so nobody else has to. None of the others even know...we're hypocrites I know... telling the children crime is wrong while we go and steal from the rich but it was the only morally ambivalent thing I could think to do, plus we've been phasing it out for months now". "You have? and that makes it okay?" Mako asked. "No of course not but now we're self-sustaining I don't need to steal to keep my school afloat or to pay my workers. I've managed to make a business that actually helps its workers and turns a profit. I've achieved what I set out to do". Mako frowned "but what if you hit a hard month or funds start to dry up? Do you just go back to stealing?". You shook your head "the Fire Nation has some of the best economists in the world. We're in a very stable position and I can even show you my plans but let me ask you something, do you really think what I did was wrong? That the financial loss of some rich bigots who had more money than they needed outweighs all the families who now have food and shelter and education and can provide for their children?". Mako paused torn. Of course he didn't care for the rich idiots, he'd felt so many frustrations with them over the years too but that didn't mean people could just choose to make things right. Atleast Mako didn’t think they could. "I need time to think" Mako said standing up quickly "to decide what I'm going to do". Mako half thought you'd make to restrain him again but you didn't. "I understand, I only ask if you decide to arrest me that you come and do it yourself. I will go with you willingly I'd just rather walk in there with you than be dragged out of my home in the middle of the night. I know you don't owe me anything but I...". Mako nodded "I agree". You nodded and as Mako went to leave you paused "Mako...I just wanted to add everything between us was real. I liked being your friend and I do care for you...a lot and I only stopped it from becoming something more to stop my secret from coming out. If things had been different, I think we might've had a good future". Mako didn't reply, he just stood there for a few seconds and walked out the door. Mako had no clue what to do. He couldn't condone your actions but he also couldn't say you were wrong. In a similar position, he might've done the same thing and he could hardly forget he had resorted to stealing and a life of crime before too. Only he stole from vendors and merchants, people who needed the money whereas you went for the giants who wouldn't even notice a few thousand less. If he wasn't an officer he would've applauded you but he couldn't...could he?. Utterly confused Mako went to see Asami. He knew he could trust her with anything so explained everything. She was quiet for a few seconds and Mako frowned "Aasmi...what do you think?". "I think she's amazing" Asami said and Mako's eyes widened "what? Asami she's a crime lord". Asami rolled her eyes "she has a team of 10 which rob the rich and scare the upper class into being better people, I'd hardly call that a crime lord. If there was ever a benevolent crime it's robbing the rich". "But it's still robbery! How can you act like this, what if she'd robbed you too?". "She didn't because she knew I wasn't corrupt. Y/n isn't stupid Mako, she's spent time with all the elite of this city and has clearly split the good from the bad or do you think it's a coincidence that Mr Choi who gave up half his fortune to help the people terrorised by Amon hasn't been touched? Or Ms Yun who is the only female POC CEO in the city and actively promotes minorities into positions of power also hasn't been attacked? She's only taking from those who don't help others". "But isn't it their money to decide what they do with it? Nobody can tell anyone else what they should or shouldn't spend money on". Asami tuned to Mako "and if a rich person refused to buy you or Bolin food when you were on the street because it was their disposable income and they wanted to keep it, would you have just nodded and said that was fair? That their greed was worth more than your hunger?" Asami asked. Mako sighed "no but how can we judge who is good or bad? Is it really that clear cut?". Asami paused "well I guess not". "What if y/n made a mistake? Plenty of rich people donate in secret". "And you think the people she robbed from are secretly helping the poor and hungry?" Asami asked. "Well no but still we don't know for sure. Y/n isn't the god of Republic City who gets to decide everyone's fates. Not even Korra can do that". Asami nodded "I understand what you're saying but didn't she mention she's phasing it out? That now her companies can sustain themselves that it's over?". Mako nodded "that's what she said but what if we hit a recession or some rich person angers her? How do we know she won't just do it again?". "We don't" Asami said "the same way nobody knew if I'd side with you over my father or if Korra could be trusted to support both the North and South Water Tribes' best interests...it's all about trust. So the question is, do you trust y/n?". Mako frowned looking down "I don't know...it's hard when the person you thought you knew turns out to be someone different, that they've been keeping so many secrets from you, that they even look different to the person you know". Asami smiled "I get that, believe me I do" referencing her father who did a similar thing to her. "Do you think you'll ever be able to forgive him...your father? I know you've been visiting him recently..." Mako asked tentatively. Asami sighed "for so long I had these two images of my father. The dad I saw growing up and this cruel violent man who wanted to rid the world of benders but when I actually started speaking to him again I realised he was both and one identity didn't erase the other. He was still the dad who cared for me for all those years and a man so blinded by hate he turned to inexcusable violence. It's hard when someone close to us hurts us or betrays our trust but that doesn't mean all the memories we shared with them were fake. However, you get to decide what you want to do. Try and move past the hurt or to cut it off then and there and nobody can tell you which one is wrong or right. Only you can do that". Mako sighed "so you're not going to give me a simple yes or no answer". Asami smiled "if I did you'd probably just disagree with it". Mako went to argue he wouldn't and then stopped, making Asami smile. "Thanks Asami, this really helped" Mako said. "Anytime" Asami smiled "but for what it's worth, I do think y/n cares for you and that was never an act". Mako bit his lip and nodded "thank you" and left. You of course didn't get any sleep that night. You contacted Shara and her family and told them to lay low and to be ready to leave for the Fire Nation the next day. If you were going down there was no way you were bringing the people kind enough to help you down with you. You continued with things as if they were normal pretending this heavy cloud wasn't hanging over you. You had no idea what decision Mako would make and figured he wouldn't rush into anything so you had a while to wait. Asami appeared at your door the following day and confessed she knew everything...and that she’d supported you. "Honestly I just wish you would've told me about it so I could've helped" she told you and you laughed. "Thank you but I don't want to endanger any more of my friends...and I do consider you one of my friends Asami. All of this" you said gesturing to yourself "might've been fake but our friendship wasn't". Asami smiled "I know but there is one thing you can do to prove it to me". "Anything" you swore and her smile grew "I want to see the real you! Mako mentioned you looked different and I've been driving myself crazy trying to think what he meant so can you show me you without the disguise?". You nodded "of course". You took Asami to your home because it was more private but also because you had to wash off all the products you put on your skin. When you looked in the mirror you felt oddly vulnerable. Asami was waiting just outside and she was about to see the real you. It was exposing and nerve-wracking but you owed it to her so you opened the door and stepped out. Asami's eyes scanned over you before she smiled "wow you look so nice! Now I'm seeing you like this I wonder how I never noticed it before, this totally looked more natural". You chuckled "that's because it is" and Asami nodded inspecting your hair and eyes and everything. "So you’re from the water tribe?" she asked and you nodded "the southern water tribe originally but I was born here". "And you can waterbend?" she asked and you nodded twirling some from a nearby vase "yep, neither of my parents could but my grandmother was a bender so we think it skips a generation in our family". Asami smiled sadly "Mako told me you lost your parents, do you have any photos of them?". You shook your head "no I don't but they're not buried too far away and I've been trying to work up the courage to go all this time". Asami paused "well I can go with you if you like? It might be a good idea to go while..." and she trailed off but you knew what she meant. While you still had the freedom to go where you wanted. "Plus you don't look like the rich heiress y/n so nobody will recognise you". You nodded feeling like the time is right "let's go". You walked and bought flowers on the way. Even though you hadn't been in years you knew the way through the graveyard effortlessly and stopped right in front of them. Asami read your parents' names and then looked at you "would you like to give me some privacy?". You shook your head "no...now I'm here I don't want to be alone". Asami nodded and linked her arm through yours. You cried softly and spoke to your parents as if they were listening to you. You told them how much you'd missed them and about the things you'd done. "I know I didn't do it all honestly but I hope you'd be proud of me" you finished and Asami rubbed your back "I bet they would be" and you smiled at her "thanks for coming with me Asami". "No problem" she said "how about we go for a walk? The graveyard is oddly beautiful right now". You nodded and walked before stopping at a bench where you sat down with a sigh. "I feel like I've ruined everything with Mako" you admitted "even if he doesn't turn me in he's never going to trust me again and I don't blame him". Asami frowned "don't be so hard on yourself, Mako might be more understanding than you think". "But he's a detective who I not only lied to but also beat up!" you cried "and then ask him how he was the next day". Asami winced "well yeah that's gonna take some work but Mako is really hard on the interior and gets angry quickly but he's a lot softer on the inside. Once he calms down he tends to think more rationally and I think with time, you might be able to repair this". "You do?" you asked and Asami nodded "I do" and she took your hand "now about we head back inside where it's nice and warm?". Finally that evening Mako showed up on your doorstep. You weren't wearing your disguise because after your outing with Asami it felt nice to be yourself. When you opened the door Mako froze noticing and then looked down "I've come to talk to you". You nodded "would you like something to drink?". Mako shook his head so you led him to the living room and waited for him to begin. "I've decided not to go to the chief" Mako told you and you exploded in gratitude but Mako held up a hand "but please let me finish". You nodded "of course" and sat down. Mako continued "I won't tell Chief Beifong but that is only if you suspend all criminal operations right away and if I for whatever reason suspect you were running more I will hand you in straight away, okay?". You nodded "that's more than fair, thank you Mako". He nodded and stood up to leave surprising you, you'd hoped there would be more. "That's it?" you asked and Mako froze "what more is there? I told you the most important thing that I'm not turning you in". You frowned "but that's not the most important thing, I mean of course it's important but I also want to know...where this leaves us". "Us?" Mako asked and you nodded "I know you're hurt Mako so please just talk to me about it". Mako shook his head "well to be honest after all this I'm not even sure if there is an us" he admitted "I cannot trust you y/n, not anymore and just because I'm not handing you in doesn't mean I'm opening my life to you. Not anymore". You nodded "okay I understand. Do you think, and this is just so I can understand how to act, that we can ever be friends again if I restore that trust you had in me or do you think the damage is irreparable?". Mako sighed "at the moment I'd say no but I know time changes things so I won't say never. We will have to see each and I will be polite and courteous but I think it's a good idea if I stop teaching at the academy". You nodded "of course, thank you once again Mako” and with a bow he left.

1 year later

A year later and Republic City and the world was a very different place. Kuvira had turned into the Great Uniter and was marching on Republic City which was now being guarded by Avatar Korra. Asami had introduced you and right away you got on immediately. She quickly worked out you were from the Water Tribe and Asami explained you wore the disguise to protect your past life but you were slowly fazing it out over time so one day you’d be able to go outside without one. You also met Mako’s brother Bolin and found him adorable immediately. He was so kind and warm, so different to Mako, but you could see the resemblance. With Mako things were still...awkward. They had improved since he initially found out about your vigilante life and now he wasn’t as cagey around you but there was still some distance. The only good thing about Kuvira’s arrival as it forced you all together and through fighting a war Mako learned to trust you again.

Korra asked if you’d join her strike team in taking out Kuvira as you’d sparred and she liked your water bending style. While she had the strength you had the speed and she thought that would be very useful for tonight. You went with Mako and Bolin and managed to disable the machine before getting everyone out. Mako injured himself in the process, being knocked unconscious, and you were healing him when there was suddenly there was a large boom and you looked up to see a huge wave coming towards you.

You, Bolin and Mako were fine hidden in an alcove but you saw across the street a group of refugees had emerged from the underground tunnels and were right in the open. There’s no way they’d make it to cover in time and Bolin told you as much. There was only one solution and so as quickly as you could you gathered all the water in the nearby river and rushed in front of them. You threw the water up into the air before turning it into ice, creating a barrier for them. The blast hit and you curved it around the group the best you could. It crackled and splintered and you worried you’d just created another problem of raining icicles when Bolin created a earth shield and supported your wall until it passed. When the dust had cleared you swept the water back into the river and everyone thanked you, smiling...well not everyone because you’d been seen. Lin Beifong was stood with the other earth benders watching you and she frowned “since when are you a water bender?”.

When Mako came round he heard you’d been arrested and he couldn’t believe it. “It’s all my fault” Korra said “I asked her to help me when doing so would jeopardise her identity”. Bolin shook his head “no it’s my fault, if I’d have acted quicker I could’ve protected everyone but I didn’t think of it”. “It doesn’t matter whose fault it is, we need to work out how we’re going to help” Asami said and their eyes all drifted to Mako”. He nodded “I’ll get her out”.

Mako wasn’t sure why he was so certain of his decision but he was. The past year had been an odd one but you’d kept your word and there had been no more robberies. Meanwhile your schools had expanded and you got so much demand you now had a two, one for children and another for adults. You’d transformed the city for the better and just kept re-investing the money into the community taking nothing for yourself. You hadn’t tried to push Mako but were always friendly and polite when you saw him, definitely leaving the ball in his court. Mako admitted to Asami he was no longer mad at you and she’d been telling him for months now to act on his feelings and he was finally ready.

Mako rushed to the police headquarters and marched straight into Lin’s office. “Chief you have to let her go”. “I assume you mean Y/n and not Kuvira?” she asked and Mako nodded “of course”. “Well while that’s reassuring perhaps you’ve forgotten all the crimes she committed? All the people she robbed?”. “There’s no proof that was her!” Mako said “they were so long ago” and Lin nodded “yeah but we both know it was her. The circumstance is too convenient”. “Even if it is her she’s been living innocently for a year! She made mistakes but who hasn’t”. Lin sighed “kid I get it but it doesn’t change the charges against her or what she’s done. The second the rich find out it was her they will demand justice”. “Then don’t tell them” Mako said and Lin paused “you want me to sweep this under a rug? An officer of the law?”. Mako sighed “all I am saying is she’s done more good than harm to this city. Those rich people are still stinking rich! She hasn’t damaged them in any long-term way but look how many other lives she’s improved. She’s given this city something we couldn’t, she saved them in a way we failed them”. “Watch it” Lin said but Mako shook his head “we’d be hypocrites to arrest her and we’d be doing this city an injustice. She risked her life today to save the people of this city and I say that enough for a clean slate”. Lin paused “I assume the Avatar and Miss Sato are also in the same frame of mind?”. Mako nodded “they are and are probably on their way here right now”. Lin sighed “how do we know she won’t do it again?”. Mako paused “off the record?” and Lin nodded. Mako explained how he found out last year and how you hadn’t committed a crime since. “She’s good now chief, not that I think she was ever bad but what I mean is we can trust her. She’s no threat to the city”. Lin paused “I’ll think it over, she hasn’t even technically been arrested so you can take her out of here but she can’t leave the city okay? Give me time to think this through and I’ll get back to you tomorrow morning”. Mako nodded “thank you so much chief” and he rushed to the holding cell.

The place was pretty much deserted and he got the key to your cell with no problem. When you saw him you jumped up “Mako? I didn’t say anything to Lin but she saw me water bend so I figured I’m screwed anyway”. Mako shook his head “not yet you’re not, come on” and gestured for you to follow him. “You’re not breaking me out are you? Because I don’t want you to get roped into this, just pretend you didn’t know and then when I go down I won’t drag you with me”. “No Lin told me to release you and don’t worry I'm not letting you go down. I’ve pleaded your case with Lin and we’re going to work on getting you pardoned”. Your eyes widened “you spoke to Lin for me? Wow...thank you”. Mako blushed as you stared at him but shook his head “it’s fine, come on” and you followed him.

Outside everyone was celebrating and it was an odd environment to come from jail to. “So what did Lin say?” you asked and Mako looked down “she’s considering her options as nobody knows yet what you did. So if she decides not to press charges then you’ll be in the clear”. “And you think she won’t press charges against me? She’s lady justice”. Mako nodded “yes but I also told her that I’d known for a year and the second I told you to stop you did. I pointed out how many people you helped and how the people you robbed are absolutely fine”. You nodded “thanks again for doing that, it means a lot”. Mako shrugged “I know you’re not a bad person y/n and I don’t want to see you go to prison for doing something that helped a lot of people”. You smiled “thanks Mako, that means so much coming from you” and he blushed “no problem”. Asami and Korra came into view and they both flew to you. “Y/n You’re here! Lin let her out?” Asami asked and Mako nodded “while she’s deciding what to do”. “That's good right?” Korra asked “if she thought y/n was irredeemable she’d never have let her go”. Mako nodded “it is a good sign but the chief can be hard to read, she’s giving me her decision tomorrow morning”. Asami took your hand “we’ll all come with you and if she tries to prosecute you we’ll get the best lawyer money can buy and get you off. We’re not letting you go to prison”. Korra nodded “no way!” and you felt very touched your friends were so supportive.

The celebrations began in the early evening and lasted well into the night but you didn’t have much stomach for them. This could be your last night of freedom and rather than liberating you that thought just depressed you. So you sat on the edge of the party watching anything and smiling anytime your friends waved to you. You found Shara and told her what had happened and spent some time with her family but didn’t want to associate with them too much in case Lin figured they were your team. You danced once for Bolin but other than that didn’t join in much with the partying.

You walked down the pier beside the ocean, far enough that you could still hear the buzz of the party but not close enough that anyone would bother you. You sat near your element and thought about how beautiful your city was and if you had to be arrested forever for something, you were glad it was for trying to make this place better for everyone.

Mako spotted you from the party and came and sat next to you “you okay?” he asked and you nodded “yeah I just can’t imagine I’m going to get much sleep tonight so figured I might as well stay up. Maybe watch the sunrise one more time?”. Mako nodded “Well you’ll get to watch many more sunrises but want some company?” and you nodded. “How’s your arm?” you asked gesturing to Mako’s heavily bandaged one. He patted it “eh it’s fine, I’ve had worse. Apparently the healing you did immediately after really helped stop the damage” making you smile “I’m glad”. “So I never asked” Mako said “did we ever meet back when you lived here with your parents?”. You shook your head “no I would’ve remembered you. My house was in the eighth quarter down Shire Lane. I was in Red Monsoon Triad territory so you probably didn’t come to my side of town much and I left right before you became a bender”. Mako nodded his head “it’s so weird because our paths must’ve nearly crossed so many times” and you nodded “I wonder how many close calls there’ve been”. Mako nodded thinking and you watched the city before deciding you didn’t have anything to lose.

“Do you think we would’ve been friends if we met?” you asked. Mako looked at you and nodded “yeah I think we would’ve” and you smiled “yeah?”. Mako nodded “of course, I like to think had you stayed in Republic City you’d have been a fan of the Fire Ferrets” and you laughed. “Hey maybe you could’ve been our waterbender player!” he said and you raised an eyebrow “I’m not skilled enough for that”. “Bolin told me how you created that wave effortlessly plus you remember I got to see your bending up close right? I know you’re a skilled bender”. You paled as Mako referenced the time you beat him and looked down. “I’m sorry” but Mako laughed “it’s okay, now it’s actually quite funny”. “It is?” you asked and Mako nodded “yeah it all seemed so serious at the time but now, it just seems like another close encounter before we actually met. It’s odd, like our fates were entwined or something”. You nodded “thank you for forgiving me” and Mako nodded “it’s okay” before he turned serious. “no matter what happens Y/n you won’t be alone. I will fight for you every step of the way and I’m going to get you out of this okay?”. “Why?” you asked “you’re under no obligation to. This might be my justice”. Mako shook his head “I know but I can’t see you put away. Not just because you’re a good person or my friend but because I like you”. You blushed “I like you too Mako” and Mako smiled. You both meant more with those words than just the baseline and you both felt this, Mako shifted closer to you and you gently rested your head on his good arm.

You must’ve dozed off like that because when you woke up it was bright and Mako told you it was time. You started off for the precinct and Mako walked right beside you making you feel less scared. True to their word Korra, Asami and Bolin all joined you and even Tenzin was there. “Master Tenzin?” you said and he nodded to you “Korra explained what happened and Pema was there when you saved all the refugees. I know you’ve made some mistakes but everyone deserves a second chance and I’m here to tell Lin that”. You smiled “thank you so much” and he nodded and Mako led you forwards.

Lin was waiting for you and raised an eyebrow at your procession. “Brought a party?” she asked and Korra stepped forwards “we’re here to show our support for Y/n and to say she’s made some mistakes but jail is not a fair punishment”. Korra went to go on but Lin stopped her with two words. “I agree”. Everyone froze and Korra frowned “you do?”. Lin nodded “I do, I think what Mako said is true, Y/n is no threat to society and her contribution to this city is immense”. Everyone began cheering but Lin held up a hand “however she has broken the law and so something needs to be done. I propose 300 hours of community service and want you working with our schools across the city to show them how they can better serve the community. Does that all sound fair?”. “Fair?” you asked “that’s more than fair! Yes!”. “Then we have a deal” and she shook your hand.

After that you really could start celebrating the end of the war and you did. You rushed to Shara and her family, without your disguise and spent time with them your chosen family. You, Asami and Korra had a spa day together and you kept teasing them both at the not-so-subtle glances they were giving one another. You hung out with Mako alone and with Bolin quite a few times and although neither you nor Mako commented on the energy between you it was there and it was exciting. You also threw yourself into the repair of the city determined to show your desire to make things right. You’d been working pretty much none stop when Zhu Li and Zarrick got married bringing everyone together again. You sat next to Mako and Asami in the ceremony and smiled at how beautiful it was to be here, surrounded by your friends as your true self.

At the after party you were watching the dancers on the dancefloor when Mako appeared. “Hey” he called and you smiled back “hey, it was a nice ceremony wasn’t it? Bolin did a great job officiating” and Mako smiled “yeah maybe that’s his next calling” and you chuckled. You chatted about the usual things, the rebuilding of the city, the school etc before Mako stood up taller “can I ask you something?”. You nodded “of course, what’s on your mind?”. Mako took a deep breath before saying “I was just wondering if when you’re not busy with your school or factories or the...you know...”. “Community service?” you offered and Mako nodded “yeah that, if you’d maybe like to get dinner with me sometime? I’d love to learn all about you and just spend time with you” he finished awkwardly and you smiled. “I’d love to have dinner with you Mako” making him blush anymore “great! That’s really great” and he smiled at you. The beautiful moment was ruined by Avatar Korra “hey lovebirds are you just going to stand there all night or join in?”. Mako went bright red but you remained a little more composed “sure, when you ask Asami to dance”. Korra went bright red, instantly shutting up and Mako laughed. “Fancy a walk instead of a dance?” you asked him gesturing to the pier overlooking the ocean and Mako nodded “ with you? Any time” and you set off together, Mako took your hand shooting you a shy look and you squeezed it back telling him it was okay and things were better than okay.

For the first time in a while...things were good.

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