Chapter Text
The way Bato spoke, bragged about his boxing days, and his overall demeanor lead Mako to believe that dinner was going to be at a loud hole in the wall where the beer was great but the fights were greater. However, he kept describing the place they were going to as very exclusive. Bato reminded Mako of his cousin Tu if he was as friendly as Bolin and twice his size. Similar to Iroh, Bato owned a blue satomobile but he had a lot more room than Iroh’s convertible.
“Sorry, it’s a bit messy back there,” Bato said glancing back at Mako and Iroh who were sitting in the back seat trying to find foot room amongst the stuffed animals. “The girls were supposed to pick up all their toys but I’m not sure they did.”
“It’s ok we’ll manage,” Iroh said picking up a plush bunny and stuffing it into the back with the rest of the toys he and Mako had found.
“That’s the spirit, Roh!” Bato cheered and Mako could just see the corner of Iroh's eye twitch. “So Detective, tell me a little about yourself, I mean how do you know Iroh? Are you really friends with the Avatar? What’s your family like? None of your pictures show you in glasses are those new?”
“Whoa, slow down there.” Lafey chuckled, “No need to interrogate the poor man. He’s not a suspect.”
“Everyone’s a suspect.” Bato chuckled. “Sorry bit of a bad habit.”
“It’s ok,” Mako shrugged and tried to remember all the questions, “The whole Amon fiasco, yes best friends actually, my family is complicated but I’m close to my little brother, and they’re new.” Mako readjusted his glasses. “Apparently the world isn’t a bunch of fuzzy shapes. Who knew?”
“Literally everyone else,” Iroh answered smirking.
Bato laughed, “Yeah, well I guess that’s a clue that you need glasses.”
Mako felt a little color rise to his cheeks, “Yeah, I was a bit slow on the uptake.”
“A bit slow? You were in denial.” Iroh joked.
Mako rolled his eyes. “Oh like you’re any better.”
“I at least know when I can’t see things. I have reading glasses and I use them.”
“Yeah but you still insist sea prunes are edible.”
“Hey, fight nice children.” Bato laughed from the front. “And don’t knock sea prunes until you try my daddy’s recipe. He knows how to cook them right.”
“I doubt it unless step one is: throw the sea prunes out,” Mako mumbled before being lightly knocked by Iroh’s elbow.
“Well good thing we’re going to get good old Fire Nation food and not Water Tribe.” Bato pulled the car over in front of a grand looking building, which in no way resembled the hole in the wall Mako had imagined. “Well actually we’re here for the drinks but they serve a pretty good stake here too.”
Bato handed a valet the keys and shepherded the group into a smoky, dark wooded, club that made Mako crave a cigarette and Iroh cough. Fire Nation men dressed in uniforms and suits dripping with class glared at the noisy and underdressed group of people. None of them seemed to recognize them and even if they did they certainly did not care. The group was finally shown to a corner booth with and cracked open a window after Iroh had a coughing fit at the first three tables.
“You should have the doctor look at that cough,” Bato said sliding into the booth.
“I’m fine. I just don’t handle smoke all that well.” Iroh said glancing down at the menu. “You know that.”
“Oh yeah, almost forgot about that.” Bato looked over at Mako who was now sandwiched between twins. “Did Iroh ever tell you why he can’t handle smoke?”
Mako shook his head. “No, I didn’t know there was a story. I just assumed he disliked the smell.”
“Oh no.” Bato shook his head. “It’s quite the story.”
Iroh put his menu down. “A story that can wait.”
“Remind me to tell you later,” Bato said winking before ordering the table several bottles of expensive wine and a pot of tea.
Mako looked at the three glasses of wine in front of him. “Uh, do I have to drink all of these?”
Bato laughed, “Only if you want to. I just wasn’t sure what kind of wine you prefer. I’ve never been to Republic City so I have no idea what wine is favored by the rich and famous across the pond. You’ll have to have to enlighten me.”
Mako took a sip of the red and shrugged. “Can’t really help you there, aside from Iroh, I don’t know anyone who drinks regularly. Well, Asami does but she’s a rose fan and seems to imply it’s not that popular.”
“Oh really? I thought since you’re apart of Iroh’s circle you’d know a bit more about Republic City’s rich and famous.” Bato raised an eyebrow.
“I just spent the last few months as Prince Wu’s bodyguard and before that, I was busy taking down the Triads. Needless to say Iroh and I don’t exactly move in the same social circles.” Mako sighed and glanced over at Iroh who seemed to be trying to chug one of the glasses of wine.
“Wow, Roh little thirsty are we?” Bato asked his eyes following the wine glass.
Iroh set his half-filled glass down, “Sorry, a good wine shouldn’t be rushed but I need some liquid courage.”
“Liquid courage?” Bato frowned. “Is there a body I need to help you hide?”
Iroh shook his head then finished the glass off, “No, it’s nothing like that. Uh, so you weren’t completely wrong about why I was coming home. Mako’s not just a close friend he’s my boyfriend.” Iroh took Mako’s hand and squeezed it.
For a moment the policemen were quiet then Bato spoke up. “So you’re gay?”
Iroh nodded, “Yes.”
“Does Aunt Izumi know?” Bato leaned forward. “Because the message my folks got was along the lines of ‘He's finally found, someone!! I can't believe it! He'll finally marry and be happy and have a family of his own and he'll be a full-fledged adult at last! And maybe it was an assumption on our part but this is a tiny bit of a shock.”
“Yes, my mother knows, she’s known for years. I came out when I was fifteen. Wait why am I not a full-fledged adult now?”
Bato shrugged, “Well you’re still single and you just don’t seem all that ready to settle down.” He pointed at Mako, “He’s not showing off a ring after all. And Roku is always talking about how he’s always trying to set you up with nice girls and failing…well, I can see now why that never worked.”
“You always were the detective of the three.” Lafey teased. “Next you’ll tell us wine can intoxicate people.”
“Cut me a little slack Fey, Iroh does not act at all like the gay men I know and I’ve known Detective Mako for all of five minutes. Forgive me for not realizing the two are a couple.”
“It’s ok, my brother was a bit slow on the uptake too.” Mako offered feeling the tension in the air start to fade.
“Well, cheers to that. So now I’m curious how you two got together; neither of you two are obvious…well, I know Iroh isn’t and since nothing I’ve ever read about you even so much as mentions your sexuality except for that brief moment years ago when you dated Avatar Korra, I’m guessing you aren’t either.”
Mako nodded his head. “Yup, I really can’t be if I want to stay a cop and not be seen as a complete social pariah.”
“Oh yeah, I forgot you’re in Republic City, not the Fire Nation.” He looked over at Iroh, “So spill how did you end up in a relationship with a guy who’s job includes arresting people of your persuasion?”
A bit of color showed on Iroh’s cheeks. “I half-jokingly tried to flirt my way out of a speeding ticket.”
Bato snorted. “What were you thinking?”
“Uh Mako looked really handsome in uniform and I figured worst case scenario I could say I was joking and bank on Mako being enough of an acquaintance to take it as a joke and write me the ticket.” Iroh shrugged. “I mean I was just as surprised if not more when Mako laughed at my frankly horrible line.”
“Oh, I have got to hear this.” Bato leaned forward grinning. “What was the line? Would it make our grandpa proud?”
Iroh nodded, “Yeah, I think he’s the one who originally told me the line when we were kids.”
“So what was it?” Bato asked while Mako remembering that day started to snicker.
Iroh took a deep breath, “Hey are you an appendix? Because I don’t know what you do but I’d like to take you out.” Mako snorted and then burst into stitches much to his abused ribs protest. Iroh shrugged, “I don’t quite understand why he finds it so funny but he does.”
“Clearly.” Bato nodded, “Uh is he going to be ok?”
Iroh moved Mako’s glass of water closer to him. “Uh, Mako you might want to drink some of this and calm down before you rebreak your ribs.”
Mako gasped and took a drink of water. “Sorry, I just every time you say that stupid line I remember your face when I laughed the first time and I don’t know it was so priceless I can’t help it.” Mako's cheeks were starting hurt. “I’d never seen someone so shocked and pleased at the same time before.” He smiled at Iroh, “I also remember what he said after I picked myself up of the ground from laughing so hard.”
Bato smirked, “Oh please what did he say?”
“So is that a yes?” Iroh said smiling. “And it was. Two years later and I’m hours away from introducing him to my parents and the family.”
“All because of your blatant disregard for speed limits and a really bad pick up line thanks to grandpa.” Bato chuckled. “Sounds like our family.”
“Didn’t you try to arrest your wife when you first met?” Iroh asked taking a sip of wine.
Bato smirked, “I didn’t try. I did. She and her girlfriends were extremely intoxicated in a public place and I was on patrol that night. They were dancing in the fountain I didn’t have a choice. She hardly holds that against me now.”
“Mmmm sure, you’re still married to Holi, right? Because I’ve met Holi she doesn’t seem like someone who’d just let something like that go.”
“I’m not saying she’s let it go completely just that she no longer beats me over the head with it in every argument.” Bato took a sip of tea. “It does still come up in particularly ugly arguments though.” He put his glass down. “So Iroh I know you know this question is coming but are you planning on making an honest man out of Mako?”
Iroh grabbed his wine glass, “Uh I’m going to need a bit more liquid courage before I open that can of worms.”
“Oh, it’s like that? Huh? Who has the cold feet?”
“Probably me.” Mako raised his hand, “I’ve got quite a few things I need to sort out before I can even entertain an idea like that and Iroh knows it.”
“Oh well, I guess that makes sense.” Bato’s smile faltered a little. “Taking it one step at a time is good too. Rushing relationships rarely works, just don’t get stuck moving too slow either.”
“Yeah, it’s not exactly easy navigating a relationship in a hostile environment.” Mako felt Iroh take his hand and squeeze under the table. “It’s one of the biggest reasons I wanted to bring Mako to the Fire Nation to take a break from stresses of the Republic. Show him a good time without constantly looking over our shoulders.”
“Well, you definitely came to the right place.” Bato smiled. “I really hope you and Mako have a great time while you’re here. And don’t worry about having to break the news to Lee and Roku, I’ll deal with them.”
“Deal with them?” Iroh gulped.
“Don’t worry, I just think they’re reactions might be less than gentlemanly compared to mine since they were expecting your future wife to come walking through that door not possibly maybe your future husband who’s also clearly injured. They might assume things that aren’t quite true…how exactly were you injured, Mako?”
“A mob enforcer with a bat tried to talk me into letting up on arresting their ‘family’ member.” Mako sipped his wine. “Also my arm’s still injured from that whole Kuvira battle.”
“Oh is that all?” He looked over at Lafey who nodded.
“Republic City is a very rough place to be a cop at the moment.” Lafey sighed, “And when it comes to Detective Mako, he’s very used to knock out drag out fights. He used to be a sports star and then before that lived on the streets with his brother so things that we would find shocking, Mako is very calm and casual about.”
“Oh, ok.” For the first time since Mako had met Bato, he seemed utterly at a loss of words.
“So Bato, tell me about my nieces. Is Nina still taking dance?” Iroh said leaning forward and turning the conversation to happier topics.
.o.
Iroh sighed contentedly and leaned against Mako as the car moved up towards the capital. He had definitely had little too much to drink but since Bato was driving it was ok his only concern was how he was going to navigate the next few hours once they reached the palace. In the dark, Iroh could feel Mako shift and wrap his good arm around Iroh’s waste. There was a light brush of lips against his jaw and Iroh’s inebriated mind was completely focused on Mako, his lips in particular.
“Hey, you two better behave yourselves back there,” Bato warned as he turned off the main road. “I can’t imagine Aunt Izumi and Uncle Karrem meeting us at the door while one or both of you rush to get dressed will go over well. Not at all.”
“We’ll be good.” Mako slurred, “Only thing that’s been taken off is my glasses. I can’t see a thing.”
Iroh chuckled, “That’s because it’s dark in here, silly. You’re not that drunk.”
“Maybe I am, maybe I just wanted to make you laugh.” Mako smiled against his chest. “I think it worked and I am missing my glasses.”
“I do have your glasses.” Iroh pulled the glasses out of his coat pocket and handed them to Mako. “You left them on the table.”
“Oh thanks for getting them. I’m still working on remembering them.”
“It’s ok, I’ve resigned myself to the reality that I’ll be keeping up with your glasses for the rest of my life.”
“Mmm.” Mako giggled. “That’s quite a commitment.”
“I’m not the one who’s afraid to commit,” Iroh whispered.
“Oh, I show you committed.” Mako teased. “Just wait until we’re alone.”
“Can’t wait.”
Bato sighed, “Really guys? Can you cool it a little? You’re starting to sound like horny teenagers.”
“Well, you bought the wine.” Iroh chided. “You’re partially to blame for this.”
“I didn’t expect you three to finish all three bottles.” Bato sighed, “I really should have considering I had a cop and a soldier at the table but I got them for taste.”
“Well they tasted good, it would have been wasteful to just to leave it,” Mako muttered leaning against Iroh.
“Ok, the first thing you’re going to need to learn Detective is how to react to the excess of royalty.” Bato sounded a bit like a strict father, which Iroh knew was going to be lost on the drunk Mako. “Just eat or drink your fill, don’t clean your plate because you will be sick.”
“That seems like a huge waste of food,” Mako mumbled.
Iroh stroked Mako’s hair, “Yeah, don’t worry. I’ll try to make sure the leftovers are saved.”
“Good, I don’t like it when good food is just thrown away though to be fair if it’s in the right neighborhood it’s not really wasted.”
“I know darling.”
“Is he always this sobering when drunk?” Bato asked making another turn.
“No, usually he’s just honest without filters which is what he’s being now.”
“Oh good. He’s going to be a joy at parties.” Bato said dryly.
Looking out the window, Iroh started to recognize some of the houses. “We’re a few days…no minutes, a few minutes away from home.”
“Oh spirits, I’m going to meet your parents completely drunk.”
“Are you worried about that?”
“No, that’s how I know I’m completely sloshed.” Mako sat up and wavered a little as he put his glasses on upside down. “Do you think they’ll notice?”
Aside from the upside-down glasses, Mako’s hair was a mess (mostly due to Iroh), his t-shirt, which had already been a little on the big side, was now very wrinkled, and he had a lazy smile that screamed not completely there.
“Um, I think they’ll catch on,” Iroh said fixing Mako’s glasses and trying tame some of his hair. “But it will be fine, they’re very forgiving people.” From the front of the car, Iroh heard Bato and Lafey laugh. “They’re going to love you, trust me.” He leaned over to kiss him missed and ended up tackling him on to the seat.
“Ouch, at least we mash-match.” Mako patted Iroh’s back. “Love I can’t breath please sit up.”
“Sorry.” Iroh sat up. “You ok?”
Mako nodded, “Yeah, I’m good.”
.o.
Bato slowed the car to the stop and saw his Aunt and Uncle standing by the door with his Uncle’s service wolf sitting dutifully by his side. Deep in Bato’s stomach, he felt a tiny twinge of guilt for the current state of their children and his boyfriend. Quickly, he unbuckled and exited the car to do some damage control.
“Aunt Izumi! Uncle Karrem! I’m back and I found your kids while I was out.” Clumsily, he signed as he spoke knowing full well he just told his uncle he found some baby melons while out to sea.
Karrem gave Bato an amused look before turning his attention to the car where Lafey was struggling to stand.
‘Rough flight?’ Karrem asked with his hands.
Bato cringed, “I might have ordered three bottles of wine with dinner and drank none of it.”
“So you got our children drunk?” Izumi said simply.
“Them and Iroh’s boyfriend which by the way was a bit of a nasty shock not going to lie.” Bato could feel his Aunt’s cold fury center on him. “But yes, they’re all quite drunk and I ask that you don’t hold it against them…well don’t hold it against Detective Mako, the twins are your kids so you can make your own judgments concerning them.”
Izumi just looked down at him and shook her head. “I knew I should have just sent a car.”
“Hi Fire Lord Izumi and Mr. Iroh’s Dad Fire Lord Sir I’m honored to meet you!” Mako yelled as he tried to find his footing outside of the car. “I’m a huge fan of your work!”
Izumi looked like she had been slapped and even Karrem’s wolf looked shocked.
“He means your philanthropy work!” Iroh added seemingly in an attempt to salvage the introduction.
“And the existence of your son! I really love that piece of work too!”
For the first time in his life, Bato felt mortification for his cousin as he slowly looked back and his Aunt who was, with the straightest face he had ever seen, dutifully signing to her husband exactly what Mako and Iroh had said. Bato could see the gears turning behind his uncle’s eyes before they lit up and he smiled.
‘Well, hot damn I like him. What about you?’
Izumi sighed, “I now completely understand my father’s reaction when I brought you home.”
‘Good, glad you like him too.’ Karrem signed before walking over to hug his children and help them with the bags.
Izumi looked over at Bato. “I have met Detective Mako before in very different circumstances and he was not quite this animated, how much alcohol have they had?”
“About a bottle’s worth of Port Wine each if I’m honest.”
“Oh sweet Agni, I’m never trusting you to pick my children up from the airship port again.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Bato nodded before helping unload the car.
.o.
Walking through the palace halls, Mako was utterly lost and quietly hoped he never got separated from Iroh during his visit. Mako felt small walking through the halls, past enormous columns, and under the eyes of the Fire Lords of the past. In front of him, Iroh’s father’s wolf padded loyally next to his master. Mako made a note to ask Iroh later what his name was and if he could pet it later. After several cavernous halls and three flights of stairs, Mako stopped in front of a set of double doors.
“Are you positive you want to share a room with Iroh?” Izumi asked Mako politely, “We have plenty of guest rooms if you would like some privacy.”
Mako shook his head. “Thank you but I’d rather stay with Iroh. If only to avoid getting completely lost.”
Izumi smiled nodded. “I understand. If that changes please let me, or a steward know, and we’ll have a room set up for you. It won’t be any trouble at all.”
“Thank you, your majesty, I’ll keep that in mind.” Mako smiled.
Izumi nodded and then she and her husband bit Iroh welcome and good night and left the pair in the hall.
“Ready for bed darling?” Iroh asked softly resting a hand on the door handle.
Mako nodded, “Or at least a hot shower.”
Iroh chuckled opening the door. “Yeah, that sounds good too.”
Stepping into the room, Mako felt like he had stepped into a ballroom with a bed in it rather than a bedroom, he could probably fit his whole apartment in Iroh’s bedroom. In the middle of the room was a large king size bed with blue silk canopy held up with silver dragons. To one side of the room was a small sitting area next to a lit fireplace Mako could comfortably stand in. To the other a writing desk and bookcase. The far wall was comprised of large windows with blue curtains that hung from the double high ceiling and what looked like a balcony beyond it.
“I see you got the small room.” Mako joked after getting over the shock.
“Yeah, rumor has it Dad turns this place into a skating rink when I’m gone.”
“So your dad’s a water bender?” Mako asked walking into the room and setting his bag on the bed.
“Yeah, one of the best. He used to win all sorts of bending competitions and duels with his brother when he was young before he married my mother.”
“Oh so has he always been deaf? And is that wolf his pet or a service animal? What’s his name? Can I pet him?”
“Uh yes he was born deaf, I think so, my father’s name is Karrem, and no you can’t pet my father.”
“I meant the wolf, he looked so fluffy.”
Iroh shrugged. “I don’t know, I’ll ask dad tomorrow if you can pet fluffy. I remember being able to play with my father’s service dogs when I was little but I’m not sure if that was because Lilly was special or if that’s something you can do with all of them. Also, I think this one is named Fluffy but not 100% sure.”
“Fluffy is a good name,” Mako said grabbing some toiletries and walking into a room he guessed was the bathroom and found himself in a closet.
“That’s the closet darling,” Iroh called from the other room.
“ Ah that’s why it feels so homey,” Mako said walking out and going through the other door. “And now I’m in a community pool.”
Mako could hear Iroh laughing as he walked in behind him and kissed his neck. “I get it. I could house your whole family in my rooms.”
“You could house my whole family in your bathroom alone.”
“Mmmhhh.” Iroh rested his head against Mako’s good shoulder. “Darling, can I ask you a question?”
“Of course.” Mako leaned his head against Iroh soft hair. “What do you want to know?”
“Well I know how you act when drunk, I’m very familiar actually and usually when you’re drunk you like to cuddle, and kiss, and in many cases order pizza and then pass out before it gets to you.”
“Yeah, sounds like me. What are you getting at? Oh, do want some pizza? That sounds really good right now.”
“Not quite was I was going at but I will pop down to the kitchens and find us some water and snacks in a minute. No, I just was wondering what possessed you to yell that at my parents? Because it wasn’t the drink.”
Mako shrugged, “I don’t know. I know I’m already too drunk to make a good impression and you told me your family value’s honesty and passion above all else so I went with that…the wine did help a little though.”
Iroh chuckled. “Well, my dad likes you so that’s got you on the right track.” Iroh hugged Mako gently, “So do you want me to show you how the shower works before I leave?”
Mako laughed, “I’m not that drunk. I can figure out a shower.” Mako turned and ended up kissing the side of his nose. “I got this. See you in a minute.”
“Ok, see you soon.”
Once Iroh was gone Mako striped walked into the shower and his smile dropped. “I cannot figure out this shower.”