"Mako, this place is mess..." Asami's eyes lingered on the stairs leading to the beds, debris still falling and floating down from the edges of the massive hole in the ceiling.

She thanked the Spirits the damage hadn't passed the kitchen area. Mako had hung his scarf on one of the chairs near the window before the match and it was the first thing Asami had searched for after the initial raid. Even if the whole place had been on fire, Asami would have done all she could to save that scarf. That was Mako's last memento of his parents. The only thing he had of them besides those fading, cherished memories. It would have killed him if he had lost it in the raid.

It would have killed her.

"Yeah, I know," Mako gave her sheepish grin. "But! The stove can still cook up a mean seaweed stew!"

She chuckled as her boyfriend prepared their lunch. It was cute (and a little frustrating) when he insisted on cooking for her when she came over. She wanted to help; her mother had taught her how to cook and bake reasonably well. Sure, she was a little rusty with her traditional Fire Nation dishes, but she knew how to bake some scrumptious coconut-cherry pie. His mouth practically fell off his face the first time Mako tasted it. Too bad Bolin found it soon after...

But, Mako wanted to prove that he could provide for her. She understood. It was his way of showing affection, of taking care of her. Asami liked the thought. Both taking care of the other.

She liked it a lot.

"Where's Bolin?" Asami asked as she sauntered around the house. It would take a whole day to sweep out all of the debris. And a couple more to replace the roof. It was still winter and Mako and Bolin didn't have the warmest clothes available to them. She could offer to buy them some long johns and more blankets, but that was only putting a band-aid on the problem. It could still snow and the harsh winds could tear deeper into the hole...

"Oh, he's out with Korra and Tahno," Mako's voice seemed distant as she organized her thoughts, a small idea growing in the back of her mind. "I mean, can you believe it? Korra's trying to be friends with Tahno and she's dragging Bolin right along with her. I mean, the guy did lose his bending and he has pulled a remarkable 180 over the last few days, but how can she be so forgiving? I can't even begin to - "

"Mako, would you and Bolin like to stay at my place while they fix the arena up?" Asami blurted out. She didn't mean to undermine his conversation, but Tahno had lost his bending, his pride and joy. What if that had been Bolin? What if it had been Korra?

What if it had been him?

Asami realized Mako and Bolin were not safe here. They could be kidnapped, made some bargaining chip in Amon's plans against Korra. Asami's status and wealth would be useless in that predicament. Amon didn't want money or even power. He wanted equality, he wanted change.

Being a non-bender, she understood. She had always been a little envious of benders, especially when she was little and pro-bending was starting to gain popularity. She would practice movements like the earth and firebenders she had descended from. And then she would cry when the fire wouldn't spring from her fingertips or the rocks wouldn't sprout out of the ground.

Her mother was the one to suggest self-defense classes.

You're my little angel, she cooed before her first lesson at age 7. And you're so special Asami, in your own unique way. Never forget that.

Asami realized soon after she had nothing to complain about. She had been given beauty, wealth, a kind father, and a warm mother. Even after her mother died, she knew she had been blessed with so much more than others. She soon learned that bending wasn't benders had the same problems and insecurities as non-benders. They were all equal in that way.

Amon had yet to learn that lesson.

"W-what?" Mako sputtered out. "Asami, that is...this is...we couldn't -"

"Shhh, calm down Mako," Asami walked over to him and placed a reassuring hand over his shoulder, rubbing out his taunt, tense muscles. "Collect your thoughts; I'll stir the pot."

The close proximity of their faces made Mako's face tinge pink and he mutely nodded, allowing Asami to take the ladle from him. She pushed her self in front of him and she smiled as she felt Mako stiffen from behind her. For such a handsome young man with various amounts of fans, he could sure act dorky around her. But she didn't mind. She liked that he was a dork. And awkward. And just plain cute.

So she was a little surprised when he wrapped his arms around her slender waist, his head resting on her shoulder.

"This is nice..." he whispered, his breath tickling her ear. "This is really nice..."

"I agree," she giggled as he started rocking their bodies side to side. Awkward, cute, and affectionate. Win-win-win in her eyes.

"Asami," Mako started, his voice lowering, hinting at the gravity of his next words. "Is it okay?"

When he said nothing else, Asami turned her head towards him and brushed her cheek against his. "Is what okay?"

"For you...to be so kind? To be so generous and thoughtful? Is it okay to me take advantage of that? Is it okay to feel this strongly about you?"

Strongly...her heart melted at the word. They'd had only been dating for a few months but she was so sure...so sure he could be the one that saw past her money and name. He had proven as much right now. Always proved it.

"I don't know," she replied, turning her body towards him and wrapping her arms around his shoulders. "Is it okay for you to be so brave? Is it okay for me to take advantage of your hospitality? Is it okay for you to be so attentive and affectionate? Is it okay to feel...like I could love you?"

Mako's eyes widened at her almost-confession. Asami was so close, so close to loving him completely. But she was afraid - she had never been in love before and she was almost sure Mako hadn't either. She was afraid what it would be like to be devoted to that person. She was afraid of what might happen if they were ever to pull a part.

She was afraid of what might happen if he found someone who was actually worthy of him and his beautiful light.

"Asami," Mako cupped her chin and she realized, as he brushed her cheeks that she had been crying. "You're perfect, Asami. I just don't want you to feel like you need to do this. Bolin and I can find a way...but, I know that's not the case. I know you want to do this because you're you and you're just so..."

He trailed off as he closed in on her, his nose grazing hers. "...amazing."

The kiss they shared was gentle, sweet, and embodied what they felt towards the other. They wanted this. So badly. But, each held back a piece of themselves.

Just in case.

Just in case.

"So...I'll take this as a yes?" Asami grinned as she pulled back, suppressing a laugh at Mako's enamored face.

"Yeah, I just need to tell Bolin..." Mako cocked his head to side in thought. "You did ask your dad before though, right?"

"Of course!" Asami lied, suddenly remembering that her mansion was also her dad's mansion too...She didn't have to worry too much though. Her dad was a sucker once she gave a pout.

"Oh, good..." Mako closed his eyes and pressed his forehead against hers. "That's good..."

She was about to ask him if he wanted to leave tonight when a loud pop rang behind them.

"The stew!"

"Mako! I'm so sorry!"

"It's okay, just - ow! Son of a -"

"Are you okay?"

"Yeah, let me get the ladle - ow!"

"Here! Let me help!"

"See, this is why I don't let people in the kitchen!"

An hour later, with the pot of stew still warm on the stove, Mako and Asami snuggled on the couch, exhausted and waiting for Bolin to come back home so they could tell him the good news. Stomachs content and chests warm, it didn't matter to either of them as snow started drifting slowly into the attic, fluttering towards them and adorning their hair.

It was okay.

They were okay.