"You've got to be kidding me. Mako is a dick," Iroh sighed. He had to give Korra credit though; at the same time, he can see Mako doing this to avoid his fangirls. Iroh has had his fair share of crazy women and publicity in years past due to his heritage. He learned that the best way to deal with them is to simply become their best friend or to play the good guy card. He's also seen how both Mako's and Korra's fan base grew over the last several years; one for being the Avatar, while the other was an accomplished Fire Ferret officer attempting to keep peace in the city.

"Yep. Even I was surprised when Korra told me this. I usually thought of Mako as someone who would keep to himself. Bolin is usually the one who flirts with everyone and basks in the paparazzi limelight," Asami said.

"Hey! You know the fans love me!" Bolin winked.

"I don't get it. Why would Mako do that? Also, did Korra not give him a chance to explain himself or was he stupid and chose to argue back?"

"I think Mako was stupid. They argued the following night. I think the whole city heard them."

"Asami, I know you want to base off of Korra, but you also need to take a look from Mako's perspective. You guys need to hear the truth," Bolin argued.

; 3

Mako couldn't believe it. Korra broke up with him AGAIN! Ugh, he was getting annoyed at this point. Usually their reasons for breakups range in stupidity. Even though he will never admit it out loud to Korra, he knew that he took part and initiated some of the stupid reasons.

For example, he broke up with her over sea noodles. He couldn't help it; he had to defend his favorite water tribe noodle stand because Korra did attack first. He knew she was proud of her Southern Water Tribe heritage and that the comment wasn't offensive, but it did bring back memories; memories of a ten-year-old red scarfed boy who would get free food to help feed himself and his brother. It was a touchy subject.

Of course, being the idiot that he was, he took the comment to an extreme and started a full out argument which led to him dumping her —only for the both of them to make up two days later.

Unfortunately, this wasn't one of those times. He didn't know why, but he felt as if he might have done some real damage. He tried to think back as to why she broke up with him this time.

Then, it hit him.

He couldn't believe how stupid he's been. Of course the girl had every right to be mad! At the same time, he had a small pride to protect. It wasn't huge... it was small, like really tiny, hardly noticeable.

Earlier in the week, he ran into an old flame at the marketplace (not that Korra knew). He was with Korra at the time, but Tamaki still managed to bump into them. Tamaki and he were still friends even after admitting their fire was gone. She, in all her green-eye glory, couldn't help but hug him.

It made sense. When you grew up as orphans in the streets, you form a bond that's unbreakable with the intent to survive together. All those nights spent stealing, swindling, and sharing was something that both of them will never forgot. Even if they were on different paths now, those memories linked them. So, obviously instead of pushing her back like any other normal fan girl, he hugged her back and smiled a smile only reserved for his fellow street mates. It just so happens that the annoying paparazzi had to take pictures and 'whisper' loudly about another topic that happened to follow the lines of cheating. He had no choice, but to be quiet and smile if he didn't want to cause a controversy.

His thoughts went back to Korra.

Korra must have felt jealous. He was pretty sure he saw steam coming out of her. She was a turning a beet red, and left right after the mini incident. It was like her not to admit what she was feeling, but she was easy to read like an open book. However, if she was uncomfortable with it, she should've told him straight up! Instead, Korra just broke up with him without giving himself a chance to explain right on the spot!

He knew that he would've reacted the same way, but he wouldn't have gone so far to break up at that instead. Not to mention, Tamaki was a special case. Either ways, Mako knew he had to get Korra back before he lost her forever.

This was probably the first real fight he ever had with her. They've been together for seven years (minus the on/off part). They've laughed, cried, fought, but most importantly, they've matured.

In other words, their mini breaks started to decrease, and their relationship was blossoming into something serious. In fact, he was picturing her on the same bed as him, waking up every morning for only him to admire. He started to imagine her with a round belly that protruded out. Just the other day, he couldn't stop looking at the jewelry store across the street.

That's when it hit him.

Mako propelled himself out of the apartment and ran to Karishma's jewelry store, the finest jewelry store in town. He dashed to the rings section and stared at the display cases.

Maybe, that's what he needed to do. He needed to stop the incessant arguments and learn to control his brashness. He knew that he needed to stop the unnecessary breakups, the uncertain relationship statuses, and the to finally stop beating around the bush. It's obvious that only Korra can fit it with his messed up life. He'll be more than happy to be beaten up by the Avatar if it meant that he got to wake up with her every morning.

(With perhaps a little firebender and waterbender here and there.)

A young lady, with pretty blue eyes, stopped by the case and brought the firebender out of his thoughts.

"Can I help you with anything sir?" she asked.

"Karishma, right? Do you think you can show me any some rings?"

"I'll be more than happy to sir! Right this way."

Of goes the lovesick man, with the passion to proclaim and declare his desire and love to one equally bold and brunet woman.

.

.

.

Korra took a deep breath and wiped her tears. Hell, she wiped her entire face. She knew she looked like hot mess, but she couldn't help it.

Love hurts.

Love may bring forth a wonderful set of feelings, but it also brought a shadow of unwanted gloom. Love is strength, but it's also weakness. After all, an object is only as strong as its weak point.

Korra continued to mull over the facts of being in love. She took another huff of breath. She brought herself out of meditation once again and trudged out of the airbending practice room.

She found that she hasn't been able to airbend the last couple of days due to the stress. She found her mind lost and decided to allow her legs to wander wherever it pleases to be. Suddenly, she was brought out of her thoughts and was once again surprised to find herself at the spirit post.

The spirit post was a little itty thing that allowed Korra to travel to the spirit world occasionally. She pulled her pants up a little with a huff, and sat herself down, indian-style.

She closed her eyes, took another gulp of air, and let air form out of her nose. From the outside, Meelo secretly watched his favorite female. He stared as he saw her eyes open with a glow. She immediately collapsed right after.

"KORRA!" Meelo yelled. He ran after her collapsed body and felt for her pulse. He sat there relieved once he found one. He looked up and saw the totem pole. This was the spirit post. Meelo always heard about Korra going into the spirit world, but he himself never saw the phenomenon that take place.

To say that he was scared shitless was an understatement.

He watched in awe as he saw her breath in sync with the leaves blowing around her.

"It looks like she finally learned to be the leaf," Meelo smirked.

.

.

.

"Would you like to take a look at the pink diamond collection? It features the rare pink diamond encrusted with the typical gemstones of your choice. I feel the Avatar deserves the very best from us."

"Thank you, but I don't think she would like to wear pink. If there's one thing I know about Korra, it's that she's not your typical girl. I want something that symbolizes who she is. Although, diamonds would be nice to look at."

"I know exactly what to get her then!" and so the store clerk wandered of into the backroom to take something special. The store specialized in wedding jewelry due to the various cultures clashing in Republic City. While its common to see everyone wear a ring, some people who are proud of their heritage tend to prefer the older method. That is why Karishma came back with three beautiful diamond-encrusted Water Tribe wedding necklaces.

Mako gasped at the sight of them. Each one had its own unique design, but only one stood out to him. He could make out a guess why.

"I've seen the middle one before. Is it suppose to be a replication of Katara's?" he asked.

"Actually, you are right in one aspect," she lifted up the breathtaking jewelry. "It belonged to Kya at one point in her life. She was set to marry an old friend of hers. Her suitor was said to be deeply in love with her, but knew she was only marrying him because she was running out of time. A young water tribe girl is supposed to be married by a certain age. While that's old tradition, Kya took pride in them. So, she moved out of her way to follow the old ways. The suitor, on the other hand, took what he could get. He carved out this necklace combining the Air and Water Tribe symbols into one, and had it specifically encrusted to match the waves of her hair on a full moon glisten. People believed that the Moon Spirit always blessed Kya. Unfortunately, the young man died in a sailing accident. Young Kya mourned for days and nights for the loss of her childhood friend. She believed that it was her fault. She prayed to the moon spirit to let his soul rest in peace and meet someone who he truly loved in the afterlife."

"Wow, that's such an amazing tale. What happened with the necklace? How did it end up here?" Mako asked with interest.

"As a sign of retribution and a tribute to her dear friend, Kya abstained herself from her suitors. She wore the necklace for months until she had a vision of her friend forgiving her and urging her to move on with her life. That's what prompted her to free herself from the past by letting the necklace go. Now, an old timer like me happens to appreciate objects with stories behind them. Kya was one of my good friends back in the day. She gave this to me to sell, but I never bothered to put it on display. I believe that an exquisite piece of jewelry like this can only be given to a couple with an extraordinary love story."

"So, you're showing me this because Korra is the Avatar and deserves something like this right!" Mako said in anger. He knew Korra hated it when people sully important events in her life because of her spiritual status. "You just want to sell this necklace to Korra because she's the Avatar and I'm an ex Fire Ferret!"

"Wrong my child! I can see that you hold Korra close to your heart. You don't hesitate to declare your love with her. You guys have an extraordinary love that can't be match by any other (other than Katara and Avatar Aang of course). You went through hell and back to protect her. You are willing to die for her! I've seen many who just take relationships for the namesake. It's really rare to see pure, innocent love these days."

"Pure? Innocent?"

"Dear Mako child! While the paparazzi like to make glamourize your relationship, they fail to see the love you two share. Love requires work and can be explosive. It varies with everyone…all that matters is the meaning behind it."

"Thank you…I think I'll take it. How much do you want for it?" Mako shoved his hand into his pocket.

"Nothing. Like I said, I value objects for the meaning behind them. Kya will be pleased to know where this necklace is going," Karishma replied. Mako couldn't help, but smile at the old lady. She wrapped the necklace in some tissue paper and gave it to him. He hugged the little thing to his heart and gave her a hug.

He realized that this necklace represented growth and rebirth. Something that is very true to his love.

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.

.

"Aang, thank you so much. I think I know what to do now," Korra said in her ethereal form.

"Are you sure about this? Remember to think hard on this."

"I'm more than sure."

"Then I leave you with this advice. Sometimes it's best to think with the heart and mind as one entity; not as two separate things. I can only wish you the best of luck from here," Aang smiled sadly.

"Thank you…for everything," Korra replied. She stood up and dusted herself off. She took one last look into Aang's handsome features. She hopped onto Appa, and let him fly back onto her body with a swish.

"KORRA! YOU'RE ALIVE AND YOU BECAME THE LEAF!" Meelo shouted at the top of his longs. He couldn't stop laughing at his joke. Korra woke up with a jolt from his loud voice. At first, she looked alarmed, but then managed to relax a little bit. Eventually, she started to laugh with him.

"Hahah, nice to see you too Meelo! Say, I have a favor to ask you. Do you mind?"

"Depends. What's in it for me?" he asked mischievously.

"I'll help you mess up Jinora's date with Skoochy."

"Deal! What do I have to do?"

"Could you get a ride for me with Oogi to Asami's place. Naga is sick so I can't take her anywhere and the docks are closed for the night. Feel free to inform Tenzin. I won't be back until tomorrow," Korra replied.

Meelo nodded his little bald head and lead Korra away.

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"Why are you so happy today?" Bolin asked. He couldn't help but notice how much chipper Mako was. Normally, he would be a little more uptight about everything. Not only that, he heard that Korra broke up with him once again. Usually Mako would be bitter until he made up, but this was new. He didn't know if he should be worried or happy.

"Oh nothing particular. I think I just made one of the best decisions of my life," Mako announced. He took out the necklace from his inside pocket and tossed it to Bolin.

"Bro! You're going to ask her to marry you! I'm so happy for you. When do you plan on asking her?" Bolin jumped up with excitement.

"I want to ask her on the solstice."

"That's in two weeks! Why the wait? Is it an avatar thing?"

"That time was when she and I got intimate. It marked our beginning. We have little time as is. I want to make every thing perfect. I know exactly what we're going to do, but I'm going to need your help, so listen carefully Bo."

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Korra ran into Asami's estate. She asked a servant to direct her to Asami. Once she settled herself on the sofa, she began to hug herself once more. She needed to shake of the uncertainty. This is the right decision for everyone.

"Korra, what are you doing here?"

"Asami, I need you to find me a guy… I want an arranged marriage."

;3

Iroh and Asami couldn't stop staring at Bolin.

"No way! That could've saved us a whole lot of trouble"

"I couldn't agree more," Iroh replied.

"Actually, it wasn't that bad. You guys wouldn't be together now would you?" Bolin countered. Iroh and Asami looked at each other lovingly.

Some things are just better said with Bolin.

Hey again guys! I hope you enjoy this chapter and thanking for the support. This fic is officially one year old! Thanks to everyone who favorited, followed, and reviewed. Thank you for sticking with me for so long. I know I don't update frequently and this chapter took forever, but writer's block isn't the best thing ever. Anyway, the usual applies.

Let me know what you think in the reviews, because they make me happy. Let me know on any mistakes you see in grammar, fluency, syntax, etc. Also, I'm excited for Book 2. Can you believe the sneak peeks Michael Dante DiMartino showed for Book 2? I'm so excited.

Happy Reading and Review!

~Desifruit out