You and Mako had always been close. Even when he was with Asami, your friendship had stayed strong, unshaken. You knew how Korra sometimes got jealous—not of you, exactly, but of the attention Mako gave to anyone else. You respected it, of course, and you backed off whenever it bothered her.

Still, Mako and you had your own little moments. Little gifts—flowers, snacks, a new necklace—just for you. Little things he knew would make you smile. You didn’t mind. Honestly, it was nice. He treated you like you were special.

even if it sometimes made Korra roll her eyes.

Right now, you two were leaning against the railing, the ocean stretching endlessly below.

The waves lapped softly against the shore, the wind carrying a salty tang. In your hands, melting ice cream, his treat. And as the two of you stood in quiet contentment, you noticed a dollop of ice cream perched comically on his nose. You giggled, unable to stop yourself.

“What? Why are you laughing?” Mako asked, turning toward you, a lopsided smile spreading across his face as he leaned just slightly closer.

The ice cream on his nose made him look ridiculous, and yet, somehow, utterly endearing.