Do you know the real reason why Mako became a cop/detective? At least the avatar creators say or explain it?
That's why he came out of nowhere during season two.
I assume he felt inspired by Korra and Lin and that's where it all started. Although there isn't something truly clear about his joining the police force.
I don't think I've ever seen the creators exactly talk about it, other than mentioning a random brainstorm that also brought on the "actor Bolin", concept. Honestly, it may have just been a "cool idea" to put him there post-B1.
But of course, there are actual reasons for Mako to at least consider being a cop. Personally, I can't see him being inspired by Lin much in B1, as they barely have any interactions in that book, the detectiveson/momboss relationship only really picking up afterwards (and personally I think like 97% of that is in B4).
But, B1 is still a big turning point for Mako. At the beginning of the show, his solo focus is keeping himself and Bolin safe and afloat. But, gradually, especially after meeting Korra and getting tangled with the equalists, he branches out of that and begins to help and care for the world around him.
This could pave the way for Mako to take a role as a cop, hoping to be able to help others again, and especially motivated by his own history. He's a child that fell through the cracks of a system, so he may aim to close those cracks by being a good cop. His parents were victims of what he believed at the time to be a random mugging, which certainly fits into the desire to fight crime. Mako and his brother almost got pulled into a life of crime through the triads, and wanting to limit their influence (he seems to target many triads specifically as a beat cop).
I personally have mixed thoughts on Mako as a cop. On one hand, it's very much what I can imagine a show like tlok would envision someone who wants to help the disenfranchised and forgotten by the system doing. It maintains the "cool kickass" factor. And at the time tlok was released, widespread pushback against the glorification of cops wasn't exactly as big as it is nowadays.
On the other hand, being a cop does not align fully with any of Mako's goals and ideals.
Mako likes to help and problem solve as a form of care and affection. And specifically in terms of children like Jian and his siblings, he wants to be a trusted adult that can actually help these children. Cops aren't trusted adults. This isn't even an indictment on cops characterwise, but they just aren't. Cops are enforcers, not helpers, you get me? This is why Mako's most valuable work (and Lin's too, lets be honest) is done not in cop-mode. Because he isn't acting as a an enforcer of the law, but rather as an actual helping hand.
Mako's desire to help others, especially thsoe overlooked by the system isn't fulfilled as a cop!!! It can never be fulfuilled because his role as a cop is an enforcer of the system.
[As much as I joke about these guys being incompetent, they are actually just doing everything that their job requires. And nothing more.]
Personally, in my little mind palace, Mako's "cop era" (it will one day end trust me guys🙏🙏🙏) is a direct response he had to his past helping the triple threats. He has somewhat of a resentment towards that, even before he becomes a cop, he reacts very negatively when Korra ask about it. You can also see this in his initial demeanour towards Kai, in whom he sees himself from that era. However, this aspect of his character seems to mellow out by the time "Turf Wars" rolls around. Which makes sense as it comes after a big period of growth for Mako.
Korra: So, why is Bolin running around with the Triple Threat Triad, anyway?
Mako: [Uncomfortable; evasively.] Well, we ... we used to do some work for them back in the day.
Korra: [Dismayed look on her face.] What? Wha- Are you some kind of criminal?
Mako : [Defensive and angrily.] No! You don't know what you're talking about. I just ran numbers for them and stuff.
Therefore, it wouldn't be too much of a reach to think that becoming a cop is Mako trying to somewhat prove his own assertions about himself wrong and maybe setting some distance to a past he seems deeply ashamed of. He's not a criminal, he's not a homeless kid that has to scrape by doing any job he can anymore, he's a cop! However, I want to hope that as he matures, this aspect of self -loathing and trauma heals a little. And maybe then gell realise that he can help the ones he wants to help much better out of the police force. Have some balls bryke put a "Mako quits the police force" arc in the comics C'mon don't be shy.
Mako x Reader (touchstarved and secret relationship)
Part 2 Masterlist
Summary:Mako x Earthbender reader
You being touch starved for years suddenly have an intense crush on mako after he put himself in danger for you and the safety he provides following the attack. You both keep your relationship under wrap from the krew. You both don't want to deal with everything that follows them finding out.
You sat at the table with Opal, Bolin, Korra, Asami, and Mako. You had been friends with the group since the downfall of Kuvira.
You had been an escaped supporter like Bolin. You had escaped shortly after Bolin.
The table was full of chatter from the group and what they had been up to. Korra and asami had been dating for a while. They were perfectly matched. Opal and Bolin were happily dating. You and Mako both just endured the public display of affection from the couples.
"I actually have a date tonight." You spoke happily to the group.
Asami immediately smiled brightly. "Is it the guy from the Pro-Bender tournament?"
You nodded. "It is. His name is Nabi and we are going to the café on airbend Lane. The one with the good pastries."
Bolin gasped excitedly. "We love that café. They have the cutest little paw pastries with a fireferret charm."
Opal pulled out the charm that Bolin had given her. "They do! It's a very nice place for a first date."
You stood leaning against the brick wall. Your nerves were pressing. This date was something you kinda forced yourself into to try. You hadn't been on a date since leaving Kuvira's army. That was well over a year ago.
You stood in your own world, trying to press down the fear. Your heart fluttered at the thought of seeing Nabi again. You lifted your eyes seeing Nabi walking up.
"Hey!" You hugged him casually. You both stood outside the café. "How was the match?" You asked, knowing he had gone to watch the probending match today.
"It was good the team I bet for won." He smirked happily.
You smiled politely when the corner of your eye caught movement. A group of men were lerking closer. "Aww, isn't this sweet. Sorry to break up your date. I'm gonna need your cash."
Nabi immediately started digging through his pockets.
You stomped your foot into the ground, bending the earth as a warning shot. "I suggest you get out of here."
"You and what army?" The gang members chuckled as Nabi was nowhere to be found he had deserted you seeing his chance when you distracted them by bending
You rolled your eyes, taking a fighting stance. "I don't need one." The double meaning in your own mind, boyfriend nor an army. You bended quickly, creating distance between you and the group. You weren't dumb three on one wasn't a risk you wanted to take. You were a great bender, but no toph. You ran off jumping on your motorcycle. You sped off, but the men quickly caught up to you. Sirens blared behind the men as the cops caught up, too. The waterbender shot water your way. You blocked a little late. You got a scratch on your arm. You bended earth trying to get them off your trail. The waterbender then froze over your back tire, causing you to come to a screeching halt. You tried to keep as balanced as you could. The balance finally toppled over, but you were at a safe speed. Your bike turned over, and you hopped onto a rock that you had bending into something to slide into safety with. You watched as a bike caught up to the men. Fire caught on the bike, causing them to all jump off the bike before it exploded in the middle of the bare street. The men were surrounded by the cops and sirens immediately. You leaned against the wall of a closed store. Mako had been the one to apprehend the men and packed them into the cars of his coworkers. Your hand fell to your arm that was sore from the cut.
Mako walked from the car to you. You lifted your eyes to his. He stood much taller tonight. "Are you okay? Did they hurt you?" He lifted your hand from your arm seeing the cut underneath.
"Come on." He placed his arm over your shoulder. You hesitated from walking with him. Your knees were weak from the adrenaline. You took a step with him. Your legs were learning trust in the ground beneath you as you slowly walked with Mako. He held you stable. "Can you ride with me?" He asked as you both approached his motorcycle.
You nodded hesitantly. "Can I ride in the front? I'll feel safer. "
He hopped on the bike and opened his arm for you to get on the front. You sat down in front of him. You placed your hands on the handlebars, and he placed his hands over yours.
"We're going to my apartment." His voice sounded through the helmets.
"You don't have to do that. I'm sure I'll be safe." The bike took off you held onto the bars as mako took control.
"No chance. I know how these guys operate. I'm not risking it. You can stay over. Bolin and Opal will be there in the morning. You can just stay tonight, and we will hang out tomorrow like we planned."
"Okay. Thank you, Mako." Your back relaxed into his chest. He made a few turns and passed some buildings. Each turn calmed you further. Safety was right where you were. The feeling overwhelmed your senses.
The cool air blowing past you. The warmth of makos chest against your back. Your legs pressed against his. The vibrations of the road. You rested in his arms. He parked his bike and, for a moment, time stood still. You remembered this feeling of having a man so close to you was mako. The touch that you had starved for, just the comfort of a man. It was Mako.
The Mako that you know from Bolin. The same Mako that was with you this afternoon. The one that you always sat next to with the group. They had alway sat next to their significant others. you always sat next to mako laughing as you both poked fun at the lovers swooning over each other. This safety was him. It was always there. Tonight was just amplified by the situation.
Mako broke the comfortable silence. "I'm glad you're safe."
His hands fell from yours, and he stood up dismounting the bike. The unwelcome cool air hitting your skin. Even through the layers of clothes, you could feel the cold air of being painfully single and without the warmth of another. "Yeah, I am too." You stood up still a little shook up from the fight, or maybe it was the butterflies. Mako wrapped his arm around you to help stabilize you to the ground.
"Come on. Let's go inside. I'll get a bath for you. You can borrow some of my clothes to sleep in." He helped you step into the building and walked up to his door. He released you again to unlock the door. You could feel the cold again.
You made your way to the couch. As many times as you've been around mako, you've never seen his apartment. He no longer shared a place with Bolin. After Kuvira Bolin followed opal with her airbending, he left mako to figure out his own life path.
Mako was a fish out of water caring for himself, but with you here. He was in his element. Taking care of someone else was comfortable to him. It was second nature.
He walked to the bath and filled it with water, warming it with his bending. He grabbed a towel and picked out clothes for you. Leaving them on the countertop.
"Are you sure you're not hurt?" He called out as he entered the room again.
"No, just sore and a little shaken." You answered.
"The bath will help then. It's ready for you."
"You're the best, mako." You stood up and walked towards the bathroom. You stopped next to him. Your intrusive thoughts win. You wrapped your arms around him, pulling him into a hug. At first, he was taken back, but then he held you, remedying his own touch starvation.
"If you need anything, let me know. I'll be in the living room."
You let go and walked into the room shutting the door. You shed the clothes and a horrible day away. You stepped into the warm water, and it engulfed you in relaxation. Your mind stood still. The warmth of the bath was soothing. His bending was laced with the water it felt as if you were with him. This crush hit you like a ton of bricks.
All at once, the craving sat beside you, taking over every thought. The way his hands held yours on the bike. The way he was so gentle with you. The way he stepped into danger protecting you from the gang. The way he threw the men against the car in an effort for them to feel pain they wanted to cause to you. He was everything you had been wanting. He was right in front of you the entire time. He would fight with you and for you. You had known him for over a year, and every caring thing he did for you that seemed like a kind gesture suddenly made you question if he could feel this shift too. If he maybe felt more for you.
The water was cooling down. You stood up, drying yourself off. You wrapped the towel over your hair. The clothes were baggy but were comfortable. The shirt smelled faintly like spices, cinnamon, and distinct firebender smoke like a relaxing incense. It was both sweet and spicy.
The tub drained, and you walked out. Mako looked up from his book. "Feel better?"
"I do. What are you reading?" You sit on the couch next to him. His arm was thrown over the couch and almost over your shoulder.
"Just some fire nation history." He put down the book on the coffee table.
"I never knew you were a history guy."
"Not normally. I just want to learn more about my culture." He spoke honestly.
"Anything interesting? I don't know much about the firenation." You both sat comfortably on the couch. Your mind wondered back to his touch and how you felt with him. You could feel the electricity in the space between you.
"Just rulers with anger issues and a lot of festivals. There are a few good leaders, though. I just got to where Lord Zuko took leadership. He was so young."
"Maybe he can teach you some about the culture one day. I do know the firelily festival is coming up. You deserve some time off. Chief would probably let you off to go." Your heart was leaping. Your thoughts turned to what it would be like to travel with Mako with this newfound crush. He looked so different in this light. The way his jawline stood out. His bone structure screaming firenation with the hard edges. His slim figure left you wondering what was under the clothes that shielded your view.
"I don't think that's a great idea. I don't think I should go alone to the firenation. I would look the part, but there are so many traditions I would look like a fool for not following them." He was aware of his resemblance to the firenation. Enough to leave you an opening. It was more than enough of an opening for you to take. You battled the thought in your head.
"I could go with you." Your mouth moved too quick for your head to stop it. "I know a little from my parents. They had some friends from the firenation. We celebrated the firelily festival with them a few times."
"If you want to go. I'll ask the chief next time I see her. When is it?" He seemed to want it more for you than himself. Maybe just an excuse to get away with you, just you.
"It's in a few weeks. It will be fun. My parent's friends told us stories about the firelilies and how they were decorated for the festival, and we can try some authentic firenation food." You were excited reading between the lines, hoping you were reading correctly.
"Bolin is going to be jealous." Mako chuckled.
"Let's tell him after we go. This can be a trip for you." You baited.
"For us. You deserve a break, too. Especially after today. What happened? You were supposed to be on that date, right?" He bit down on the hook that you laid out. Us was a simple word, but the heavy meaning was feeding you, leaving you a pure glutton for more.
"Yeah, he had just shown up, and then the gang showed up telling us to give up our money, and he ran."
"He left you alone with them?" He tensed unknowingly, setting it up so perfectly for you.
"I'm not going back out with a man like that. I prefer a man who will fight by my side." You grabbed his hand from behind you and pulled his arm down across your shoulder. You let go of his hand and shifted closer to mako. His fingertips traced your arm where you had just placed his hand. His body released the tension from his anger of you being left in danger. The new sensation of you showing interest was taking over. Your arm tingled from his touch again.
"I wish I would've been there." He spoke softly he sat up from his relaxed position.
"I wish you were there, and the gang didn't show up." You admitted feeling him pull you closer. You wanted desperately to be on a date with him instead of the coward. The way he made you laugh when you were with the krew. The way he was so kind-hearted with that hard external shell. You had cracked his shell before tonight but really tasting his gentle side now. You wanted more. It was intoxicating.
"A trip to the firenation is big first date. Are you sure you want to go with me?" He was leaning in so slowly.
"We have time to plan one before. Then we can take our secret trip together." He smirked, placing a hand on your waist, pulling you all the way into his grasp. Our was another word that wasn't just tossed around. It was something that linked you both as one. His lips met yours. You were free to explore this new beginning alone with him. That's how you wanted to keep it. His soft lips were electric to yours. It was as if lightning was striking the earth. Your lips were tingling with each move. His hand gripped at your waist.
You ran your fingers through his hair. Ethereal feelings rushed around you. Your hands searched for something stable, finding his chest to be suited. Your world was crashing into his. It left you in a daze.
Mako pulled away slowly. His hand released your hip, sliding down your leg comfortably, and his gaze met yours before running down the length of your hair that was unbundled from the towel.
"I don't want to tell the others anything yet. I don't want to deal with the questions and them poking fun at our expense. I want us to figure everything out first." You spoke through the euphoria glazed on your lips.
He nodded in agreement, trailing his fingers on your back. "When they find out we are in for it."
"If they find out..." You trailed leaning back in to kiss him, needing that euphoria back.
Legend of Korra team Avatar with a mute or deaf partner
Request by @ultravioletqueen
Korra
- Loves to make you laugh, whether it's a loud laugh or just an exhale of breath she loves to do it as much as possible. She thinks your laugh is adorable.
- Korra knows a lot of sign language but is working at becoming fluent because she wants to be able to communicate with you to the fullest extent. She also finds it extremely useful in her Avatar duty as it opens her up to the non-verbal and non-hearing community.
- Arguments are really funny because Korra loves to provoke people and verbally argue when angry but you don't take the bait and can easily block her out. You can also non-verbally argue much better than she can so get your way most of the time.
- You balance each other out well as Korra is always pretty rash, loud and aggressive whereas you take more time to process words and behaviour. As a result Korra has learned to be calmer from you but will also react on your behalf if someone is ever being rude.
- You communicate a lot through your bending. Korra is pretty much an expert at bending forms and you both get a lot from sparring together.
- Gets you to read all her Avatar speeches because you're a lot better at communicating than her.
- Loves showing off her Avatar powers to impress you. You used to do weights together but that turned out to be a bad idea because Korra would get too distracted trying to get you to check her out.
- You're very close to Tenzin and Korra's Republic City family as the air nation is the most inclusive nation and they understand your lifestyle. You love having game nights over at Air Temple island because 1. you and Korra crush it every time and 2. they all know sign language and so all night use your language rather than you having to adapt for them.
Bolin
- Very talkative, definitely talks enough for the both of you but importantly always looks for responses whether that's signing, nods, smiles or any preferred form of communication. He never talks at you but has a conversation with you
- Loves to learn more about your experience and the first time he met you he definitely bored all his friends with random facts he'd learnt for like a month.
- Refuses to ever let you apologise or feel odd for being different. He's always the first person to tell you you're beautiful and valid no matter if you're deaf or mute
- Will literally do anything if you ask him to. At first, Bolin would need a few helpful hints at how he can change his behaviour to be more inclusive but he'd always be receptive to any suggestion you gave him.
- Bolin really struggles to use sign language but attends classes and practices every day. You actually really love helping him learn because Bolin never gets frustrated or annoyed. He just tries again and his reaction when he gets it is wonderful.
- The only thing that annoys him is Pabu listens to you more than him. He can be calling him for ages but all you have to do is gently stamp your foot and he comes running.
- Always notices you. You met when he was a pro-bender and there could be hundreds of fans screaming his name but his eyes will always go straight to you and a smile from you is enough to put him in a good mood for hours.
Asami
- Extremely attentive, to the extent you just have to make a face or look at her and she can guess from the situation what you need.
- Would probably invent you tons of cool contraptions just to make your life easier e.g. a bed that shakes when your alarm goes off or a machine that communicates for you in public.
- Asami learned sign language in like a week after she met you, she's just that good.
- She never presumes to answer for you just because you're mute/deaf. She always lets you answer when someone asks a question and only jumps in if you ask her to. She knows you are capable and never patronises you.
- Teaches you how to play pai sho and instantly regrets it. While she can usually read you well there's no deciphering your poker face and her cries of protest just make you smirk.
- Loves treating you to gifts and surprises. Asami is rich af and so you receive amazing personalised presents at every special occasion.
- She seems really strong on the outside but is more vulnerable and soft with you. You're her support system and she comes to you whenever she's stressed or nervous about something. You're an excellent shoulder to cry on and she values your advice over anyone else's.
- Similarly you also feel you can show your weaknesses around Asami. Being different you often felt like you had to always prove you were just as good as a non-deaf/non-mute person to be worthy. With Asami it's not like that, she makes you realise you're already perfect which helps you laugh more when you do make mistakes. For example one day Asami got a call from your neighbours because you were blasting music without realising how loud it was. When she rushed home to tell you, you both found it hilarious and it became a running joke between you.
Mako
- Protective, when you go out in public he makes you walk on the inside of the street in case a car comes too close and you can't hear it/don't realise.
- Isn't a naturally noisy or talkative person so really likes the quiet and doesn't struggle adjusting at all. He actually gets overwhelmed when he leaves your home at how noisy people are.
- Decides the non-verbal and non-hearing community need better treatment so meets with Beifong about having all officers learn sign language. Mako himself is of course fluent in sign language and the two of you have tons of shortcuts and signs the two of you invented yourself.
- Finds it easier to open up to you than other people. Mako has never been good with words and so he finds a freedom in communicating with you. You know more about him than anyone else does.
- Only introduces you to his friends after you've been dating a while not because he's nervous for them to meet you but because he's nervous for you to meet them! He considers himself pretty lucky to have met you and doesn't want them to scare you off. So he's overly cautious but when you do meet them of course you all get along great. Mako was worried for nothing.
- Learns to read the micro-expressions and body language you convey. According to Mako you have ten different types of smiles, he loves your really big smile but his favourite is your small embarrassed smile when he catches you doing something cute and he loves complimenting you on it.
- Mako has never been an animal person but you convince him to get a cat and he loves the thing! You name her Sheddy Shin because she sheds so much hair which Mako finds hilarious (you call her shed for short).
At last I finished making the video in English, I know that the majority who see my content is English, so here it is. UwU
For those who don't know, first I uploaded the video in a separate publication but with the song in Latin Spanish, the truth is that the Latin as well as the English version are wonderful.
Well I leave you the video with the original short of my YT channel: ✨
Al fin, aquí la versión en inglés del vídeo!Repito que los dibujos no son míos, los créditos al autor se encuentran en el vídeo en la parte
