The Meeting of Leather and Flame||@redmako

badass-barmaid:

redmako:

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The Meeting of Leather and Flame||@redmako

badass-barmaid:

redmako:

badass-barmaid:

redmako:

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The Meeting of Leather and Flame||@redmako

badass-barmaid:

redmako:

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The Meeting of Leather and Flame||@redmako

badass-barmaid:

Her eyes were weary as they focused on the roaring storm outside her window. Tifa was used to the howls of thunder—her bar, although well built, wasn’t very sound proof. Each crackle, each snap, everything could be heard with ease in her bedroom. Every once in a while, she would stir under her sheets while she slept. But tonight, she was wide awake. So thunder and lightning did little to startle her as she sighed, wondering if the storm was effecting Mako in the same way.

Doubtful, her mind mused as she fluffed her pillow in slight aggravation. He looked so exhausted and troubled before bed. He probably passed right out. I wouldn’t be surprised if he was a very heavy sleeper. Picturing him sleeping, looking as innocent as a young boy with his eyes closed and his face smooth—it brought a small smile to the barmaid’s face in the dimly lit bedroom. Maybe he’s like Cloud, and smiles in his sleep…

She lightly slapped her cheek with a soft hiss under her breath. Stop thinking that way! He’s not even from around here! He will leave in the morning, and your ogling will not make things any easier.The sad reality that the feelings she harbored, albeit odd and unexpected, would go unnoticed did make her feel melancholy, and she twisted and turned within thick blankets as a frown forged its way along her lips.Was Yuffie right? Do I have feelings for a stranger? That can’t be right. It can’t be possible. And he couldn’t possible share the sentiment.

But Tifa couldn’t help but reminisce on how their conversation had made her feel important. Accepted, even. It was fun and informative, and the banter they shared was innocent and sweet. She wanted to know so much more about Mako and where he was from. Would she lose out on that chance the moment he stepped out of Seventh Heaven in the morning?

Heavy knockings ripped her from her thoughts, and she turned to see shadows beneath her door. “Mako—?” she whispered, wondering what had him so upset from the beats of the knocks. She rushed to the door, opening it with a look of worry and confusion; her thoughts still caused a slight blush to remain along her cheeks. There was a brief moment of nothingness as she stared into his eyes. They were filled with emotion and darker than before. The look on his face confused her further, but it also caused shivers to run down her skin from its intensity. As her lips parted to ask him what was wrong, she felt them silenced by his own.

The connection felt like liquid fire as the heat from his mouth coursed through her own flesh. It was unlike anything she had known before. There was a force behind the gesture that overtook the barmaid’s senses. She felt like she had just been dropped into a vat of lava, but it felt so wonderful that she couldn’t have cared less if she suffocated in the heat. There was passion, and desire, and longing in how Mako’s lips moved alongside hers, and she thought she could hear his heart pounding. Or perhaps that was just the thunder crackling behind them. 

As he finally drew back, Tifa remembered that her body required oxygen, and she was left panting as her mind raced to be coherent again. Crimson fazed into a deep chocolate color as her own wants and feelings burst through the fragile dam she had attempted to build all night.”I want you, Tifa…”His voice was husky and deep. Commanding yet gentle and pleading. She could see the desperation in his eyes, and wondered if that was how he felt the entire evening in the bar. Did he feel the same as she did?

A slight smile grew at the corner of her mouth before he took her lips with his again. Her hands, still trembling, clung to his arms as she returned his level of ferocious need with her own. Her feet moved on their own, retracting as her back hid the door and shoved it open. Any thoughts of hesitancy or fear were swallowed by the storm as she pulled him further inside her bedroom.

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Break in // redmako

kirathebroken:

It was late, around 11 p.m. when Kira finally fell asleep. She had heard the neighbors arguing for over two hours, over something about him coming home drunk again, and she was seeing someone else. The whole thing was heard throughout her apartment building. Kira lived in the not-so-nice part of Republic City. Fights like these were a weekly occurance, along with robberies and rapes. 

Kira really didn’t know why she cose to live here. Maybe it was because she felt like she deserved to live here. She once owned a beautiful home with her family. When it burned down, and she couldn’t do anything about it, Kira felt useless. She felt like she didn’t deserve to live in a nice place again. Maybe it had to do with the fear of fire consuming another nice home of hers. Kira barely got anything from the ashes of her old home. They probably wouldn’t survive another fire.

It wasn’t long after the drifted off to sleep, she heard a crash down stairs. Kira quickly sat up only to meet a masked stranger. She gasped as her eyes grew wide and her heart raced. Before she could react, the man moved his wrists and she was paralyzed.  Kira let out a small shriek as she felt her body betray her. The second man came upstairs into her bedroom, and the other had complete concentration on Kira. His hands were beginning to shake. He’s new at this. Maybe if i try hard enough I can.. she thought as she closed her eyes tightly.  

  Kira hadn’t been so terrified since the day she watched the roof of her house claim her husband and her son.  The adrenaline rush was just enough to break his bending for the moment. Kira could see the other man go through her drawers looking for yuans, jewels, something he could put in his black bag.  

Kira made a dash for the phone downstairs, she was almost there when she slipped. The burglar had bent water under her feet, and froze it. She tumbled down the stairs, breaking a couple of ribs and her ankle on the way. She groaned as she saw the two men come her way. The men quickly left the apartment and hopped into a satomobile waiting for them. 

Kira struggled to get to the phone and dial for the police. Once they told her they had someone heading that way, Kira sat on the floor of her apartment, leaning against the wall. The adrenaline had left her body, and the pain was starting to soak in.

The night was calm, for the most part. There were no calls of distress, no gangs brewing havocs, and certainly no equalists. It was peaceful – until the phone rang. Amber eyes observed as one of the officers took the phone to their ears and listened carefully, expressions changing from calm to anxious. The curiosity within him grew as he endeavored for a better explanation. Though he figured it’d be better if he snooped than to inquire about it, granted that they usually don’t elucidate the details that well.

There were words of distress that he picked up, something about a robbery just pass downtown. Odd, he thought as his brows furrowed. That part of town was well known for being the ‘bad side’, where most crimes occur. One would expect for the task force to do something about it, however, they established that they can do no more for that part of town and the best solution was just to let it be. So it wasn’t a wonder when the officer informed them of the crime, very nonchalant.

The indifference that coated the officer’s voice almost made him sick. There was someone who called, distressed and in need of help – how can they be so unconcerned? Mako was familiar of that side of town, that side of town where only the no goods lived. Hoodlums who made money by plotting sinister schemes, bribes, blackmails, and even robbery. He’d seen them all and although he isn’t very proud of his past, Mako used to be one of those goons. So it’s quite ironic seeing him as an officer.

“I’ll go” The fire bender volunteered as he stood up from his seat before making his way out the door. He assumed that if he didn’t volunteer, they would end up coercing people to go and he knows how much the other officers hated that. The inquiring gazes bore at the back of his head as he made his way to the door, questioning why he’s volunteering to go. Why indeed? What benefit will it give him? To recall all the memories that he had while growing up in a hostile environment? Undoubtedly not. Perhaps to assist and innocent person who’s in dire need of help. The fire bender chose the latter.

An ominous ambiance emitted throughout the roads of Republic City as he drove his way through the recognizable street. The sound of tire screeching at the pavement due to the swift halt reverberated amidst the dead stillness. The pubescent took off the key from his motorcycle before hopping off and letting himself vigilantly make his way to the threatening apartment. The door was left ajar and he noted the crunch of breaking glass underneath his boots. His amber eyes observed the place, deciphering the surroundings while he waited for his vision to get used to the darkness. It took him a couple of seconds before finally grasping the silhouette of a panting woman.

Mako swiftly moved through the broken glass, finally reaching the injured woman then picking her up carefully. It’s unorthodox for an officer to help the victim before inquiring about the crime however, with the given circumstances he needed to get her to safety. Bitterness plagued his mind while the recollections of his so called coworkers, decided to dilly dally rather than give aid. “I need to get you to a hospital.” His statement came abruptly before delicately placing her down to the nearby couch then going back to the phone.

The fire bender dialed in the hospital’s number and informed them of the situation, there were questions why they didn’t notify them of this sooner. He knew that most of the time, it would be more than two officers who would inspect a crime scene and an ambulance would be with them just in case. This situation, however, was perceived as something trivial, something that didn’t worry the authorities and Mako wasn’t particularly sure how he’s supposed to explain that. After finally concluding the exchange of data, the fire bender then went back to the injured girl. “They’ll be here soon, just hang on” His reassured her with a calming voice – hoping that nothing out of the ordinary becomes another distraction. 

Denials || @probendermother

probendermother:

Zasha looked down sadly, memories of the day she died flashing through her eyes. She closed her eyes and repressed the memories, not needing to think of that right then. She was here now and she needed to convince Mako that she was his mother. Even if he hated her afterwards. He needed to know she was back and she wanted to help him in any way she could.

She took a deep breath and opened her eyes, raising her face to look at him again. “You’re right. I did. Ten years ago. With your father. It was the…going out that night was the worst mistake of my life and I am so sorry Mako.” She took a small step forward. “If I could take that night back I would. I would take it back and make everything better.”

“But I can’t do that. The Spirits wouldn’t allow it…but they did allow this. A chance to see you and your brother again.” she whispered. She reached out and gently cupped his face in her hand. She smoothed his cheek with her thumb as she looked at him. “You’ve grown up so much. So handsome. Just like you father.” she could barely get the words out.

How could she possibly know about that night? Was she stalking him? Digging up his past? But for what reason? Although her eyes generally expressed an expression that would break his heart, the fire bender found no good reason to harbor any sympathy to the woman who has the audacity to say that she’s his late mother. For the most part, he felt betrayal, anger, and confusion. If, by chance, she does happen to be his mother, why would she come back now? Why not ten years ago when he and Bolin needed her the most? Did she have a heart of stone to just simply throw away her children?

It was clear that this lady was giving a false statement that did nothing but swivel the emotions within him. His mother was not cold hearted, she would never leave them. Mako’s rage flared as he felt the flames flicker through his fingertips. The profound spite shown in his amber eyes threw daggering stares at the woman. The anger that’s rarely depicted was enough for him to feel his blood boil. “Stop” The tone of voice that he used was cold and harsh.

Her soft touches and benevolent words were ignored by the fire bender as he took her fingers and held it against his own. “My mother wouldn’t leave us alone. My mother loved us. My mother…” Mako’s breath hitched, feeling the soft salty water build up on the edge of his eyes.  With his sharp gaze peering through the woman, he gripped on her hands before callously brushing it off his ivory cheeks. “….is not you!” The malice that coated his tone reverberated and he didn’t know why or how, but he felt his heart break. 

(Source: redmako)

The Meeting of Leather and Flame||@redmako

badass-barmaid:

Time ceased. It fell short. Nothing was around in for that moment that their eyes were locked. Tifa could feel the heat rising in her cheeks as Mako continued to look at her—almost admire her. Was he just as nervous as she was? Could he also feel the electricity in the air from how close they were to each other? Her lips shrank as she pursed them, while her eyes contemplated his hair. Was it as soft as it looked? Did he like it being played with, like she liked hers?

His hands felt like fire against her skin, and as his grip tightened, she wondered how they would feel around her waist. Or against her cheeks. Or if the rest of him was just as flaming hot. She didn’t want him to break free of her. Instead, Tifa wanted to be consumed.

Yuffie’s yelling caused Tifa to jump and revert back to the present, and she swallowed hard as she tried to fight away her flurry of thoughts.This isn’t appropriate! I shouldn’t be thinking such things about someone like him. Lockhart, you are getting ridiculous.Shaking her head, she cleared her throat and glared over at her ninja friend. The warmth of his touch was immediately missed and it could have been seen in her crimson hues as she felt him leave. Her friend’s comment only made her feel more anxious, and she scowled towards Yuffie as she took her leave. “Goodnight, Yuffie,”she nearly hissed, giving her the ‘I’m going to get you’ look.

Once she was gone, the barmaid realized how silent the bar had suddenly become. And the two of them seemed at a loss of words. When Mako reminded her of the room, she nodded quickly and led him upstairs, where the meager guest room sat. There was very little inside; just a bed, a dresser, and a nightstand. A small lamp sat at the corner, giving it an off-white tint as she showed it to him. “I have extra blankets in the hall if you get too cold, and the bathroom is right across from here. My room—” she paused as her blush returned. “—is down a little ways and on your left. If you need anything, you can reach me there.”

Her eyes met his again as he expressed his thanks, and she couldn’t help but smile. “No, it’s really fine. I’m just glad you decided to stay.” She froze, realizing how she sounded, and tried to fix it. “—Because of the circumstances, you know. I’d hate for you to get stuck out in a foreign place over night.” Tifa shivered slightly form nervousness as she fought within herself to leave. After another moment of awkward silence, she mentally smacked herself and turned. “I hope you have a good night, Mako. Sweet dreams.” With that, she left the room, walking down the hall to her bedroom.

She rushed in and out of changing her clothes, slipping into a pair of her favorite black sweat pants that clung to her hips lowly, and a basic tanned-colored tank top. Her hair was tossed into a messy bun at the base of her neck and she yawned while she did her nightly stretches. After that was finished, the barmaid got herself underneath her covers, staring out at her door, which she left a bit ajar in case Mako got lost in the middle of the night. Slowly, she closed her eyes, hoping he would be able to get some decent rest. Unfortunately for her, she knew that the strange sinking felling in her heart wouldn’t be as kind to her.

The downpour outside did not subside nor did the frantic beatings of his heart. If any, his heart pounded harder, louder, almost rib breaking. Like the crackling of the gradual thunder, it brewed within him. Boiling him until he felt the sweat run down his forehead. The gnawing inside his stomach did no help, only nagging him more. What’s happening to you, Mako? His inquiry to himself, always left unanswered continued to grow into something more.

It’s been twenty minutes since he’s settled down on his bed. Although he doesn’t really call this as settling down since all he’s been doing were twists and turns. The fabric only creased more while he endeavored to find a favorable position. It almost came like a challenge to him, teasing him of the suppressed longings. The voice inside his head informed him of the only solution to his insomnia. The suggestion, however, was something he would never do.

‘..I’m glad you decided to stay..’

It rang inside his head, giving him delirious false hopes. Those words could mean anything! They were words of reassuring. Words that came from an acquaintance, a stranger even! A stranger who’s plaguing his mind with malicious thoughts. Thoughts that does nothing but ignite the flame within him. Groaning, he turned to his side, amber orbs peering through the brown wooded door, studying it like a new specimen. The remedy to his crave is just two doors away and all he has to do is walk over there, knock, and take her.

The battle within him continued to brawl, his urges being suppressed by logic. Mako shouldn’t go there, he should sleep, he should strive to forget about the raging flames within him, he should divert his lewd thoughts to something else. But how can he? All through-out the night, suppressions of his urges tugged him. Pulling him closer and closer until his limit tipped over, until all he has left is the bedeviling compulsion. The impulse of feeling her soft ivory skin underneath his callused hands, crave of the taste of her lips, and the need to feel her body heat against his crept to his unfocused mind.

Mako wanted to believe that he was a decent guy. Someone who would respect strangers and be able to control the irrational whims. A guy who wouldn’t give in to carnal longings of flesh despite being of age. He divulged himself that he wouldn’t give in – that he wouldn’t do anything that can irrevocably corrupt his morals. That is, until he met the bar hostess. From the start, he felt the pulsing attraction that he had for her.  Tifa was desire embodied, and he’d be lying if he didn’t find her body drool-worthy. She was enticing, bewitching, and seductive despite doing it unintentionally. Being around her screamed of danger and he wasn’t quite sure if he’ll be able to escape.

He bit his lip inwardly, almost breaking skin as he sat up from his bed. With determination, he stood up and headed out his room. Mako didn’t know how nor did he know when, but he found himself knocking on her door. The knocks came loudly, almost pleading for her to open her door. Upon the opening of the door, the fire bender noted the disheveled hair and weary eyes. He caught the stagger written across her eyes as she probed for words to say, only to be stopped by the crash of his lip against hers. The thundering crash with the downpour synced with the beating of his heart only caused his desire to grow. Mako met his limit, snapping it into two as the conclusion of the battles within him grew nearer.

The fire bender broke off the kiss and gazed at her for a second only to whisper his longings. “I want you, Tifa…” Again, he placed his lips against hers as he let the seduction of lust engulf him. The carnal longing of flesh, urges, longings, and human animalistic instincts has won the battle and he wasn’t going to stop. 

The Meeting of Leather and Flame||@redmako

badass-barmaid:

For once, the barmaid was beyond relieved that Seventh Heaven was busy with patrons. It kept her distracted physically, as well as mentally. Ever since that conversation between her, Mako, and Yuffie, she had been on edge. Mako’s comment had made her heart flutter, and the implications that her friend had been making didn’t help that at all. She also felt guilty for bringing up Cloud, knowing that Mako would have no idea who that was. But how could she talk about that mess with Yuffie there to make matters more complicated?

During the night, she felt eyes on her. Chills would run down her spine every so often, making her pause each time for a brief moment, whether it was in mid-conversation with Yuffie or a customer, while refilling an order, or when she had a moment of down time. It was odd, but it warmed her just the same. Once or twice, she had noticed mako’s gaze her way, but brushed it off. He couldn’t have been watching her, could he? She wasn’t all that interesting, let along attractive enough to have someone like him be drawn to her. He is probably just awkward while being here and only knows me. That must be it. 

Sometime in the night, Tifa did notice Yuffie and him having a discussion, and Mako looked a bit uncomfortable. She wondered what they were talking about, but wouldn’t dare intrude on the conversation. By the time everything started winding down, Tifa grew apprehensive. Would things be strange now between her and Mako? Had Yuffie strained whatever friendship was forming? You shouldn’t even bother focusing on it. He will be leaving in the morning, probably at the first chance he can get. It’s doubtful he will need to return here. For a moment, Tifa contemplated looking over the package he had delivered to see if there was some way to order something and request that he was the delivery boy. 

Now that is foolish. Why would you even think about that? Her mind was at odds with her while she started cleaning up the bar, chewing on her bottom lip in nervous thought. It was clear that Mako had something about him that caused sensations within her that she didn’t understand. He mystified her. Even though he claimed he was awkward, he had a very sweet charm.

Unfortunately, her distractions kept her so frazzled that she didn’t realize where she was going, and while she moved about the bar, she had collided with Mako. Tifa wasn’t sure if Yuffie was still around, but for the briefest of moments, no one else existed in the bar except for her and Mako. Her cheeks flared up immediately from their close proximity and she stammered as she tried to speak. “O-Oh…oh, no, it’s my f-fault.” She cleared her throat and made a small smile as she gazed up at his face. 

“Sorry I’ve been so busy. Did you enjoy your evening? You must be exhausted. If you like, I can show you to your room…” Suddenly, picturing what Mako looked like while he slept appeared in her mind and her blush darkened further.

The fire bender hadn’t noticed their heads being so close. So close that he felt her breath brush through his ivory cheeks that eventually turned into a smudge of crimson. The flush across the barmaid’s cheeks made him like their proximity all the more. Though of course he would never admit that. Amber eyes continued to fix on her, still enticed by the glint within her eyes. Mako noticed the melancholy written beneath her lashes despite seeing the staggered expression that she portrayed. Prior to her statement, the young delivery boy stopped his trailing thoughts.

“A-ah…sure” Despite having said so, he still didn’t let her go. It was odd, having this feeling coursing throughout his whole being. One touch and he couldn’t help but yearn for more. Like an addicting drug that has no remedy, he wanted to touch her. He wanted to feel the texture of her skin underneath his callused hands. What are you thinking Mako! The mentality in him shouted, telling him that this woman was nothing more but a mere stranger.

He felt the sudden need of touching his lips against hers. The soft moist plump lips that moved so fluidly only made his desire stronger. Mentality was becoming hard to maintain and the grip on her shoulders tightened. The overwhelming urges engulfed him, constricting him from any rational thoughts until a shout caught his attention. 

“Get a room!” Yuffie’s voice hollered, thick with mischief. She stood there with her smugly grinning face with her hands placed on her hips and it only made Mako feel more timid. Swiftly, he detached himself from her before scratching the back of his head. The contemplation of his previous actions dawned on him. He had almost lost control – he had almost taken her right then and there. The malicious thoughts swarmed inside his head, clouding it until he saw nothing but black smoke.

The harsh pitter patter of the downpour outside the bar synced with the pounding of his heart. Lectures of unnecessary bloom of affection endeavored to slither to his corrupted mind only to be pushed back by the thick clouds of risqué portraits. Where was he getting these mental images of the young barmaid? He did not know. “Anyway, I’ll be going now so you two be careful and have fun, kays?” Her suggestion came with the coating of tease.

Like her words, Yuffie exited, leaving the two timid acquaintances fall on an awkward silence. Mako huffed, inhaling and exhaling before mustering up the courage to initiate the conversation. “Um…so that room” Amber eyes studied her as Tifa diverted her eyes from the door, back to him, eventually leading him to the guest bed room.

The room was by no means impressive but he enjoyed it nevertheless. The fire bender’s eyes wondered from the ceiling down to the bed, noticing the highly kept sanitation of the room. With a soft smile on his lips, he turned to her before expressing his gratitude once again. “Thank you so much, Tifa” Oddly, her name came out hoarsely.

Denials || @probendermother

probendermother:

redmako:

probendermother:

Zasha held the scarf to her chest as he moved closer. She planned on giving it back. But she had missed seeing this little item wrapped around Ning’s neck and just wanted to hold it a moment longer. She couldn’t believe Mako had held onto it all this time. But she supposed it meant a lot to him, just like it meant a lot to her. Even if the meaning was different, it was still important to them.

The woman smiled gently when he confirmed that he was indeed her eldest son. She moved a little closer to him, just taking a couple steps towards him. “You’ve grown up so well. So handsome and strong.” she said softly, her eyes sad and gentle as she looked him over. “And I was the one that picked out your name. I should hope I know it.”

The reluctant expression that she displayed made him grow curious. She held it with much care and it made the fire bender wonder why. It was like she was hit with the revelations of resurfaced sentiments. What could the scarf possibly mean to her? It held many emotions to him, but she was nothing more but a stranger. A stranger with a face that made his heart race with sorrow. Mako waited for the older female to return his scarf, only to see the sadness within her familiar eyes. Why did he suddenly feel sympathetic with the gaze that she expressed?

Mako grew timid with the following words that she spewed. Though it was meant as a compliment, he wondered how this woman knows what he looked like when he was just a young sapling. Her alleged statement made him gasp. Was this woman trying to impose that she’s his mother? While her face seemed too familiar, he knows what the truth is. The truth that he’s been holding on for decades was the execution of his mother right before him and surely this woman’s supposed allegations are false. His brows furrowed as he harshly took back his scarf. “I don’t know who you are but your implication is ticking me off.” The fire bender didn’t bother keeping his manners. This woman was mocking his deceased mother and he wasn’t going to take that very lightly. 

((sorry for the late reply!))

Zasha’s hands felt the soft fabric slip over her fingers as Mako tugged the scarf from her hold. Without thought she scrambled to reclaim a hold on it but quickly withdrew her hands as she realized what she had been doing. She clutched her hands to her chest staring at the scarf for a moment before looking at Mako’s face. His words hit her and she took a couple steps back.

“Mako…” she swallowed, looking his face over for some small hint of kindness and warmth. “You know who I am….I’m your mother.” she said softly, regaining her composure. She stepped forward again. “You know I am, even if it seems impossible.”

((It’s fine.))

The madness on her supposed facts were nothing more but a mere pretentious statement to him. She spoke of lies that bore no fruit. Why was she even trying to impose such a statement? Mako’s amber eyes scrutinized her whole being. Who does she think she is to say something as bold as that? “My mother is dead, she died protecting me and my brother.” His reply came out cold and harsh. The recollections itself pricked his heart with tiny needles.

There was no need to remember the death of their parents. The happy memories were more than enough. However, this woman was making it rather difficult for him to suppress the wretched reminiscences. 

Despite knowing the truth, his belief still faltered for a moment. She has the eyes that’s too familiar for him to forget. The face and the expression that she gave out gave him sentiments that was long forgotten. Mako questioned himself for a minute but compelled the thought from rising. There was no way that this woman could be his mother. No way, because that would mean that his mother left him and Bolin to feed for themselves. It would mean that she left them there to die. And he wouldn’t accept that fact because he would rather have the image of his loving mother inside his head, permanent. 

Denials || @probendermother

probendermother:

redmako:

The woman looked oddly familiar. Like he had seen her somewhere. Like she was someone close to him. No - he wouldn’t admit it. He won’t accept it. This was just a coincidence and surely the thoughts that filled his corrupted mind are false. Still, the resemblance was too similar to not get a tad apprehensive. The words that she voiced out even sounded recognizable. No, stop thinking this way – she’s dead! For a moment he had to remind himself that the woman that stood before him is not and will never, be his dead mother.

The fire bender reluctantly sauntered closer to reach for his scarf. Just seeing her hold the scarf gave him emotions that he had long forgotten. Suddenly, Mako stopped from his tracks and glanced at the stranger with an impassive expression. “How do you know my name..?” The sound of his name coming out of her mouth almost made him shutter. His brows creased as he endeavored to reason any logical justification for this unexpected incident. Mako refuses to believe his current assumptions due to the fact that he, first handedly, saw his own parents die.

Zasha held the scarf to her chest as he moved closer. She planned on giving it back. But she had missed seeing this little item wrapped around Ning’s neck and just wanted to hold it a moment longer. She couldn’t believe Mako had held onto it all this time. But she supposed it meant a lot to him, just like it meant a lot to her. Even if the meaning was different, it was still important to them.

The woman smiled gently when he confirmed that he was indeed her eldest son. She moved a little closer to him, just taking a couple steps towards him. “You’ve grown up so well. So handsome and strong.” she said softly, her eyes sad and gentle as she looked him over. “And I was the one that picked out your name. I should hope I know it.”

The reluctant expression that she displayed made him grow curious. She held it with much care and it made the fire bender wonder why. It was like she was hit with the revelations of resurfaced sentiments. What could the scarf possibly mean to her? It held many emotions to him, but she was nothing more but a stranger. A stranger with a face that made his heart race with sorrow. Mako waited for the older female to return his scarf, only to see the sadness within her familiar eyes. Why did he suddenly feel sympathetic with the gaze that she expressed?

Mako grew timid with the following words that she spewed. Though it was meant as a compliment, he wondered how this woman knows what he looked like when he was just a young sapling. Her alleged statement made him gasp. Was this woman trying to impose that she’s his mother? While her face seemed too familiar, he knows what the truth is. The truth that he’s been holding on for decades was the execution of his mother right before him and surely this woman’s supposed allegations are false. His brows furrowed as he harshly took back his scarf. “I don’t know who you are but your implication is ticking me off.” The fire bender didn’t bother keeping his manners. This woman was mocking his deceased mother and he wasn’t going to take that very lightly. 

((sorry for the late reply!))