Mako lets out a groan as his face - which is currently redder than his old scarf which he gave his grandmother - is planted against his desk. Embarrassed would be an understatement to describe what he's feeling. It's taking everything in him not to throw himself into a pit full of molten lava just to put him out of his misery.

'What's up with you?' Jak asks staring at him confused. Mako lifts his head up, meeting his gaze. 'You've be groaning like a constipated man trying to take a shit for the past hour and it's pretty annoying.'

'Oh nothing. Just brooding over my own stupidity.' he replies.

Jak cocks an eyebrow, waiting for him to continue. 'You still remember the bartender we saw at The Boulder after my blind date, right?'

'You mean the hot white-haired lady who dissed my wingman skills? What about her?'

'Well, I asked her out -'

'On a date?!' Jak exclaims, grinning like a five year old who just saw an action figure.

'It wasn't a date. I simply asked for moment of her time to get to know her a little. Nothing more.'

'Dude, if you ask anyone for a moment of their time to meet anywhere for the purpose of getting to know the or spent some time with them, it's a date. Even if it's platonic.'

Mako rolls his eyes seeing how pointless it is arguing with him. 'My boi Mako finally grew a pair and asked a girl out. I never thought I'd see this day,' Jak teases him earning a groan from him. 'how did it go?'

'It went on okay. I genuinely had a great time with her. She's quite alright if I say so myself,' Mako smiles, recalling the date before frowning. 'that was until we got to her apartment when I offered to walk her back home.'

'What do you mean?' Jak asks furrowing his eyebrows.

'Well...'

•~*~•

'Thanks for walking me home. Even though I can manage on my own.' Remora said on their way to her apartment building.

They had to end their date and call it a night since they both had busy schedules within the following week that needed their attention and couldn't afford to lag. But nonetheless, they enjoyed their evening together talking and enjoying the view of the city late in the evening. And when it was time for them to call it a night, Mako offered - or rather insisted - he be a gentleman and accompany Remora to her apartment, despite her protests about her managing on her own until she eventually gave in.

'What kind of gentleman would I be if I let a pretty lady like you walk back home so late at night.' He responded with a smile.

'I may be a pretty lady but I'm not helpless. I'm tougher than you think, pretty boy.'

'I'm sure you are but since I asked you out, I'm personally responsible for your welfare and safety,' he told her. 'as beautiful Republic City is, it gets pretty dangerous at night and I wouldn't want anything bad happen to you. That and because I'm sure Korra would probably have my head for leaving you in harm's way.'

Remora rolled her eyes and lets out a scoff. 'Even though she's older than me by a year, she acts as if she's younger than me,' she answered. 'she only puts the "whole protective big sister" act whenever I do something wrong or when I don't do as she says.'

'You're making it seem like it's a bad thing.' Mako couldn't help but frown confused at how she sounded bitter about the matter. Sure, she told him that she and Korra have their differences on certain things, but she still loves her, nonetheless. However, from how he could assess from her response, he could tell that whatever differences they had (and probably still do) were far much deeper and there was more to what she explained to him.

'Maybe she's just looking out for you. I would know since I have a younger sibling myself.' He said.

'I know, but sometimes it's just...overbearing. I want to be able to take charge off my life,' she said, looking at the ground as they walked. 'I can make mistakes and learn from them, right?' she looked at him.

The look she gave him had a lot of meanings. So many he couldn't choose which was the truth behind her words.

Was it because Korra didn't want her sister to make mistakes and suffer the consequences like she did?

Could it have something to do with whatever unresolved dispute she has with Korra?

They didn't say anything until they reached Remora's apartment complex. 'This is my stop,' she said, shrugging off his jacket from her shoulders and returned it to him. 'thanks for the jacket. And the wonderful evening. I had a great time.' She smiled at him.

'I'd gladly make the experience more fun next time we meet.' He said.

'Next time?' she mused tilting her head to the side.

'Why not,' he shrugged smiling down at her. 'if you want to that is.'

'I would like that.' She replied.

They continued standing at the entrance, smiling at each other and not saying a word because there wasn't anything to say but relish the moment they had before they had to part ways. 'I guess I should go then,' Mako said, blushing at how they were making it awkward for the both of them. 'I'll hit you up when I get home.'

As he was about to turn and leave, Remora grabbed his wrist stopping him before he could even make a step. He looked down at her curiously as he saw a tint of pink brush across her cheeks. 'It's still a bit early so why not come in for a drink or something,' she offered. 'if you want to that is.'

'I barely even left and you're already missing me.' He teases her earning a nudge from her. 'You're lucky you're the third human being I tolerate.' She replied.

'Who's the first?'

'That would be my best friend. As much of an annoying crackhead she is, she's alright.'

Mako laughed. He really found her way of caring about people despite their faults and flaws cute. One of smalls things he started to like about her. 'So, are you up for the offer?' she asks.

'Sure! I don't mind sparing a few minutes or hours of my time with you.' He answered.

•~*~•

'Home sweet home.' She says as they enter her apartment.

It wasn't too big nor too small. There was only one sofa in the living room along with a few coffee tables, a small flat plasma tv and small cupboard where Mako assumed she keeps her movies. The kitchen, which wasn't too far from the living room, had a kitchen island, stove, a microwave, a sink, cupboards to shelves, a refrigerator, basically most of the necessities needed in the kitchen. The décor around the place was decent enough for a young lady like her to live in. Though her apartment wasn't too fancy, it was still cosy and welcoming, nonetheless.

'Want anything?' Remora said, catching his attention. 'I don't really have much, but I'll try to make it work.'

'Surprise me then.' He replied to which she responded with a smile. 'I guess you don't mind having a glass of wine with me then.' She answered, tilting her head to the side.

'Not at all.'

She smiled yet again. 'Lemme get changed. Make yourself at home.' With that, she exits the room to her bedroom.

Mako decided to look around and become familiar with the place as he waited for Remora. He stumbled upon a framed family photo that was standing on display on one of the tables in the living room. He picked it up and had a closer look. In the picture was Korra's parents. Korra who was probably around seven or eight years old standing at the left with a grin and her eyes glowing with happiness. A white haired boy (Korra's older brother he assumed), who was probably about a year older than Korra standing in the middle also smiling. Finally, Remora, probably around six years standing at the right. From the looks of it, it appeared like she was trying her best not to glare at camera. Not to forget how lifeless her eyes were in the picture.

She really wasn't that happy?

'Erthang okay over here?'

Mako turned around and saw Remora standing not far behind him with two wine glasses in one hand and a bottle of wine in the, already changed into an oversized black t-shirt that tilted to the right sight of her shoulder, exposing her bare tanned shoulder along with a pair of white shorts. Her hair was tied into a messy bun with a few strands hanging loose.

'Yeah,' he answered. 'I was just looking at this picture.' He shows her the picture.

'Ah,' she responds in a monotone. 'that was taken on the day Korra was going to start her Avatar training.'

'Who's this guy?' he points at the white haired boy in the photo.

'My older half-brother Micah. He's a child from my mom's previous marriage before she met my dad,' She explained. 'but I still consider him my brother just the way I consider Korra my sister.'

'I see...' he responded looking back at the photo. No wonder why Korra never talked much about her or her brother especially when the family history was so complicated. 'Still up for some wine?' she asked shaking the bottle of wine. 'Sure,' he smiled putting the frame where he found it.

They both made their way to the one of the sofas sat down. Remora set the wine glasses on the table and opened the wine bottle. 'Where is your brother?' he asked.

'Can't really say,' she replied pouring the wine into the glasses. 'he's a photographer so he's most travelling from point A to point B. We still talk of course but haven't seen in about seven years since he left the south to go to college.'

She took both glasses from the table and gave one of them to Mako. He accepted the glass. 'Cheers,' she lifts her glass. He clinks his with hers before the gulped the alcohol down their throats.

'What about you,' she asked, lifting her feet and put them on the sofa and rested her elbow on the head of sofa whilst resting her head against her fist. 'Since we spend most of the night talking about me, why not tell me a bit about yourself.'

He let out a nervous chuckle as he placed his glass on the table. 'There isn't much to talk about really,' he answered. 'just a detective who works hard and is not very outgoing.'

'A detective? Sounds interesting.' She quipped taking another sip of her wine.

'It really isn't. At least from what my partner says.'

Remora chuckled. 'But I prefer it that way really,' he replied. 'with how demanding and busy the live of a detective is, with cases that need to be solved, making sure there's order in the streets, I don't really have time for leisure. Let alone relationships?'

'You were a detective since you were around nineteen, right? Around the time when you and Korra were dating.'

'I was just a rookie at the time. Catching triads and doing patrols. It was only after we broke up that I became a detective...' he trailed off avoid her gaze. 'and I never dated anyone since.'

'Why not?'

'It's like I said. My job doesn't really allow me to make time for relationships.'

'You won't really know unless you try.'

Mako looked at her. 'Look,' she placed her glass on the table and leaned towards him, but not close enough to invade his person, and stared deep into his amber eyes. 'I respect that your job comes first before your needs and technically you swore an oath to the United Republic but,' she paused. 'that doesn't mean you should deny yourself happiness.

'You're still in your early thirties, practically young enough to enjoy life and have fine. You're still at that stage where you're trying to figure out what you really want in life before you really get into adulthood,' she told him. 'I mean take me for instance. I didn't move here from the South just for a change of scenery and leave the bullshit behind. I moved her because I feel like there's more for me out in the world rather than spending the rest of my life at home and I want to see what life has to offer me.'

The eagerness and passion in her eyes as she spoke surprised him and he could help but to admire her more and more as he got to know her. And it was because of that he could help but want to know more about her. Know what goes on in her head, her perspective on things, how she acts around other people besides him and her family. She truly was captivating.

'Besides,' she said, bringing out of his thoughts. 'I'm pretty sure a lot of girls would kill to date a pretty boy like yourself.'

'You really think so?' he asked, smirking.

'I know so.' She replied, returning the smirk.

They didn't say a word afterward. They just stared at each other in silence. Mako decided to take advantage of this moment to admire her features. Her hair that was as white as snow. Her skin that had a mesmerising bronze tan. The freckles that nested across her face and her bare shoulder. Her aquamarine eyes that told a million stories. Her beauty was truly ethereal and breath taking.

Without thinking, or even realising it, Mako found himself leaning towards her and before he knew it his face was a few inches closer to her. Remora didn't pull away. It was almost as if she was curious to see how far he was going to go.

They both closed their eyes and just like that, their lips met. Their lips fitted perfectly. Moving against each other in perfect sync, feeling each other. Mako's hand found its way to her neck, pulling her closer and deepening the kiss. He could taste the wine on her lips, but he was too lost into the kiss to even care.

The kiss grew hotter and more desperate by the second. Every part of him was burning. He felt a little lightheaded. His heart was pounding hard against his chest. His mind had completely shut down. The world around them disappeared. All he could focus on was her. Her lips. Her taste. Her touch. Her smell.

By the time he pulled away for air, he found himself on top her, and her underneath him. He continued looking down at her, still lost in her eyes and still hypnotised by the kiss they had just shared.

Moment passed until he was broken out of his trance, realising what had just happened. 'I should go,' he said, getting off of her complete flustered.

He quickly exited her apartment without letting her say a word.

•~*~•

'So, you took off just because y'all kissed?' Jak asks.

'Pretty much.' Mako confirms.

'I don't see where the problem is,' Jak says. 'I mean sure, y'all weren't on a date, date. But it's pretty common for most people to kiss after the first date. Niki and I kissed at the end of our first date. As long as you don't make it awkward for the both of y'all, you should be fine.'

'It's bound to be awkward since I practically made out with my ex-girlfriend's sister.'

Jak chokes on his coffee before throwing an incredulous look at him. 'You're telling me that bartender lady is your ex-babe's sister?!'

'Yep.' Mako answers rubbing the nape of his neck whilst his cheeks turn crimson. 'Do you realise what you did,' Jak exclaims. 'You violated the ultimate taboo!'

'Yeah, I know. I feel bad enough. No need to remind me.' He shoots him a disapproving look.

'And worse of all you just left her without saying shit?!'

'What was I supposed to say. "Sorry for making out with you since you're my ex's sister. My mistake"? That would have ended badly and I'm sure she'd never want to see or talk to me again after that.' Mako tells him, rubbing his face. 'And it doesn't help that Korra and Asami told her about my history with them. She probably thinks that I'm still as confused as I was when I was nineteen.'

Jak presses his lips in a thin line as he watches his partner berate himself. It's clear to him that Mako likes this chick and cares about what she thinks of him especially after the kiss incident after their date. 'Did you talk to her afterwards?' he asks.

'No,' he sighs. 'I'm still a little scared that she might bring up the kiss and I don't even know what or how to explain myself.'

'Well, you can't keep avoiding her, man,' Jak points out. 'one way or the other you'll have to talk to her about this especially when you're obviously interested in her.'

'You're right,' Mako says. 'I'll text her now.'

'Whoa, whoa, whoa,' Jak walks over to his desk and snatches his phone. 'The hell, man.' Mako frowns at his action. 'This is not type of issue that you should talk about through text. This is the type of issue that you should talk about face to face. Talking about serious issues through text is for pussies and I know for a fact that I ain't friends with one. You're going over to her workplace and talk to her. So, get your ass in gear and start stepping.'

'But I can't just leave during working hours.' He points out.

'I'll cover you. Now go, your potential babe awaits you.'

•~*~•

'Aw yeah! Niki has landed! I repeat Niki has landed!'

Well, there goes my peace and quiet, Remora sighs at her best friend raucous entrance. 'Does it kill you to just walk in like a normal person?' she replies with a stern look. 'Girl, that's the whole point of making a grand entrance if I want my presence to be known.' Niki sasses. Remora rolls her eyes and looks back at her phone.

'Whatchu doing?' Niki asks joining her at the counter.

'Just checking if I got anything from Mako. He hasn't texted me ever since our get together.' She tells her.

'You mean your date?'

'It wasn't a date, Niki.' Remora glares at her.

'Just saying,' Niki raises her hands. 'what happened that made him ghost you like that?'

'I dunno. We went to Harmony Tower, he walked me back home, I asked him to stay over for a drink, we kissed...'

'Wait? Y'all kissed on the first date?' Niki exclaimed.

'It's wasn't -' Remora sighs, deciding not to bother. 'yes, we kissed. What about it?'

'Did anything else happen afterwards?'

'No. He got all weird and ran off.'

'Can't say I blame though.' Niki mumbles. 'Um rude much,' Remora slaps her arm offended. 'it was just a kiss.'

'Okay,' Niki says. 'let's ignore the fact that y'all kissed at the end of the first date -'

'It wasn't a date!'

'Hush, child. The adult is speaking.'

'Bitch, please! You're younger than me!'

'Yet I have a boyfriend and you don't.'

Remora rolls her eyes.

'Anyway,' Niki continues. 'don't you think that he ran off because he practically made out with his ex-girlfriend's sister?'

Remora knits her eyes confused until she finally got the gist of what Niki is talking. 'Oooh...' she replies. 'but it's no big deal if they broke up, right?'

'Oh honey,' Niki places her hand on her shoulder. 'you have a lot to learn about how relationships work.'

Remora raises an eyebrow. 'People do breakup, yes, but that doesn't mean that they still do have feelings for one another,' Niki tells her. 'I'm not saying that he still does have feelings for your sister because I don't speak for nor do I know the details that led to them breaking up, but how are you sure that he doesn't have a small fraction of feelings for her.'

She's right though, she bites her lip. She still doesn't know what happened between them and where they stand. Though Korra claims that they're friends regardless of what happened between them, did Mako really think that way? And to some extent, she could see why Mako reacted the way he did.

Maybe he didn't want to make it appear as if he was trying to get back at Korra.

Maybe he didn't want to rush or move too fast. It's only been few weeks since they started talking, and they're yet to know more about each other.

'Don't put too much thought into it, girl,' Niki reassures her. 'I might be wrong.'

'Yeah, but what if you might be right,' she asks. 'I do...tolerate him and I didn't mind the kiss honestly,' she pauses. 'but if he isn't ready for another relationship let alone fully moved on, I don't want to want to push him.'

Right when Niki is about to say something, she spots Mako enter the café. 'Speak of the devil and he will appear.' she says. Remora turns her gaze to Mako walking towards the counter, trying his best not to make his uneasiness obvious.

'Hi,' he says.

'Hey...' she says back.

'...hi,'

'You said that already.' Niki replies, making Mako flush with embarrassment.

Remora shoot her look that says, really?

Well he did, Niki responds.

Remora just sighs and shakes her head. 'I'm Niki. I'm sure you heard about me from my boyfriend Jak.' She introduces herself. 'It's great to finally meet you, ma'am. He never shuts up about you.' Mako smiles.

'I heard quite a few things about you from my girl right here, police boy.' She replies nudging remora in the ribs.

'Police boy?'

''What? You want me to call him pretty boy instead?'

'No!'

'Didn't think so.'

Mako chuckles at their banter. 'What can we do for you, sir?' Niki asks. 'Nothing really. Just wanted to talk to your friend.' He says.

'That's nice.' She replies.

'Alone.' Remora says, putting a strong emphasis in her words.

'Alright! Sheesh! I'll be on the kitchen, damn!' She sasses as she leaves them alone.

'She seems nice.' Mako comments. 'She an unavoidable irritation.' Remora rolls her eyes.

'I heard that!'

'Good!' she responds before turning back to Mako. 'How have you been?'

'Been okay,' he answers. 'Just been busy with work is all?'

'Is that why you haven't been texting me?'

'No, no,' he says quickly. 'After what happened at your place, I didn't know how to start the conversation without making things awkward. I was going to text you, but I thought seeing you in person was more idea than talking about what happened over text.

'I just wanted to apologise for what happened back there. It was totally out of line.'

'So...you regret what happened?'

'No! What I mean is, making a move like that especially when you're my ex's sister was morally not okay. I didn't want to take advantage of you like that.'

'Aw, ain't that sweet?' Niki coos.

'Shut up, Niki!' Remora grits her teeth.

'Whatever.'

'Now that I apologised for running off like a wolf with its tail between its legs and not talking to you since, how can I make it up to you?' Mako asks.

'Police boy wants to make up for leaving you horny and turned on after that kiss? Nice.'

'Niki, I swear to La, I will come in there and strangle if you don't shut up.'

'Not my fault I have an amazing sense of hearing.'

Remora sighs exasperated and rubs her temples. 'Remind me why we're friends?'

'Because I'm awesome.'

'It's a rhetorical question.'

'A question that needs an answer.'

'Rhetorical questions don't need answers.'

'A question is a question.'

'Oh, my fucking spirits! That girl can be a serious pain in my ass.' Remora groans covering her face. 'I love you too!' She calls.

'She's lucky that I tolerate her too much to even try to kill her,' Remora shakes her head. 'I have a low bullshit tolerance but somehow she became an exception.'

'I get what you mean. Her boyfriend can be a pain in my ass but he's a great partner nonetheless,' he says. 'but I really am sorry for all that happened back at your place though.'

'You don't have to apologise,' she assures him with a smile 'I didn't mind the kiss honestly. It was my first kiss.'

'Oh man! That was your first kiss?! Gosh! I'm such an idiot.' He smacks his head, feeling a wave of dread and guilt wash over him. 'It's okay, I already said that I didn't mind it.' She tells him.

'Yes, I know. But your firsts are supposed to be special. And seeing how I took advantage of that, makes me feel like an asshole.'

Remora can't help but smile. He's so considerate, she thinks. She reaches out and takes his hand into hers. 'Don't beat yourself over it,' she tells him. 'if I didn't like the kiss, I would have punched your teeth out and I wouldn't be talking to you like I am now.'

'So, you're not mad?' he asks.

'Not at all,' she answers. 'I really liked the kiss. Though it was my first, you're not a bad kisser.'

Mako blushes and looks down. 'Thanks, I definitely make it up to you.'

Remora chuckles as she removes her hand from his. 'You should probably head back to work. You did say your job is pretty demanding and I hate to keep you from doing your job.'

'Yeah, but I'll definitely make sure to text you this time.' He declares.

She smiles. 'I know.'

Mako returns the smile before turning his heels and makes his way to the door. He accidently bumps into it before opening the door and exits the café.

'He's a keeper.' Niki says, joining her by the counter.

Remora just smiles.