"What is it, Niki?" Remora asks, casting an annoyed look at her red-haired friend, who's been looking at her for spirits knows how long.

"Oh, nothing. Just getting used to the idea that my bestie has a boyfriend." She answers innocently, placing her chin on top of her interlaced hands.

Remora rolls her eyes. "It's only been four weeks since we became official. Relax."

"And he's already taking you to meet his family." She reminds her.

Right. The family reunion. She recalls.

News about their relationship had already reached Mako's family (Mako suspected Bolin had already told their grandmother about it) and they were already demanding to see her at the family reunion in Ba Sing Se. And this was just last week when he told her about it.

She doesn't mind meeting his family. She's looking forward to it. But she feels like it's all moving a bit too fast even if it's the first and only serious relationship she's ever been in forever. She and Mako had hoped to take things slow and see where their relationship was going to take them but given how effervescent and "intrusive" – as he said, while apologising for the inconvenience – his family was, she feels a strong obligation to fulfil their request.

"Next thing we know, we'll be expecting a wedding and kids," Niki says, wiggling her eyebrows.

"Whoa! Slow down and pump the brakes, sister. You're going way too fast." Remora's eyebrows fly up.

"You dare deny such a possibility?" Niki gasps, clutching her chest, which made Remora roll her eyes.

"I'm not denying it. I'm just not putting too many high expectations and rushing this relationship. We both want to take our time."

"Wouldn't you want to marry him?"

"I'm not thinking that far ahead, Niki. Plus, it's too soon to tell. I don't know if my relationship with Mako will even last enough to reach that."

"What makes you say that?"

"Because I don't know where his heart and mind are after he broke up with my sister."

Niki cocks an eyebrow. "If that's the case, then why did you even agree to be his girlfriend in the first place? You know that's a recipe for problems and complications in the long run."

"I know. But I'm willing to trust him on this. If he feels he'll find what he's looking for in me, then I should give it a chance." She answers with a shrug.

"So, no marriage?"

"Oh my gosh, Niki! This isn't married at first sight!"

"Don't you believe in love at first sight?"

"No! Love, at first sight, is overrated. That concept is cliched at best and has been abused since it was created!"

"Is this you being pessimistic again?"

"No. This is me being practical and realistic. There's a lot that I don't know about him – stuff that he's probably not ready to share or talk about. And that's fine. I'm willing to wait until he feels sure he can trust me the same way I would want to feel sure I can trust him."

•~*~•

"You ready?" Mako says, grabbing Remora's hand.

"As ready as I'll ever be." She says gently squeezing his hand.

Mako opens the door to the Martinez Manor where many people are inside. "Welcome to the Martinez Household. Donated by Asami Sato after they had to migrate from Ba Sing Se." Mako says as she looks around the place.

It's a pretty big mansion with a simple but modern décor. It's pretty crowded as well, with many people either standing around or moving from point A to B. Mako had to hold Remora's hand tightly as they weave through the crowd.

"Mako! Remora!" Someone caught their attention.

They saw Bolin along with Opal and the kids coming their way. "You made it." Opal smiled.

"Well, I didn't want to miss the opportunity to meet the family," Remora returns the smile and looks at Mako.

"Who is she?" Kane asks.

"Is she your girlfriend uncle?" Nori asks.

"She's really pretty!" Kim says with admiration.

"Yeah! I'm his girlfriend." Remora says as Mako blushes a little.

"Yay! We have an aunt!" Kim cheers and hugs Remora.

"Mako!" A woman in her eighties appears on the scene with a young man. "I'm so glad you came." She hugs him tightly.

"Can't...breath...grandma..." Mako chokes out.

"Oh hush! It's been a long since I've seen you." She pulls away with a warm smile. "You're always so busy with work."

"Yeah! It's almost like a thing for him." Bolin says earning a glare from Mako. "It's true!"

"Hey, Mako? Who's this hot babe you have with you?" The young man flashes a flirtatious smile at Remora.

"I'm Remora. And this "hot babe" happens to be his girlfriend." Remora wraps her arms around Mako's arm and leans her head on it, making him blush.

"Oh, my spirits, Mako! You finally have a girlfriend." His grandmother squeals.

"Grandma!" Mako looked away embarrassed.

"And he picked one of the good ones too." The young man pouts. "Lucky bastard."

"Mind your language, Tu!" His grandmother smacks his head and glares at him. "The children are present!"

"It's a pleasure meeting you, Mrs Martinez," Remora says with a bow.

"Please! Drop the formalities. Call me Yin. I feel older than I already am."

"Not at all. With that smack you gave that guy, I'll say that you still have some youth pumping in your veins."

"Oh ho, ho! I love this girl." Yin puts an arm around Remora since she's short. "Make sure you treat her right Mako. She's a keeper. And I don't want to hear another drama where you ruined your relationships with the Avatar and that million-yuan heiress."

"Grandma!"

"I'm just strongly urging you not to repeat your grandfather's mistake."

Mako groans feeling embarrassed. Remora just cackles.