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Part I

Korra was minding her own business when something disrupted her. It was one of those rare normal days she experienced, and she was going to basket in it for as long as she could. Ever since she came to United Republic, it was either the local gangs, other jealous benders, or crazy mask freaks chasing her around the city. She craved excitement after learning she was the Avatar; yet, there was a part of her that missed the quiet days of her home in the south.   She was cuddling with Naga, reminiscing on the days when she and Naga played in the snow, when two boys barged into her room. The boys were her closest friends and best of allies, the brothers Mako and Bolin. Their entrance caught her off guard, and she wanted to snap at them for interrupting her lazy day. What's so important that it needs to ruin her so far pleasant day? However when Korra took a proper look at the brothers' faces, her reaction to snap died. Between the unusually serious expression on Bolin, and Mako's blank look with a tint of frustration, Korra decided to hear them out. "Korra," Mako addressed her coolly. "Yes?" She replied in an equally offhand manner. "We gotta talk," Bolin said, sounding concerned if not a bit frustrated as well. She didn't verbally respond, but consented them to carry on with her expectant expression. It was so tempting to throw them out of her room (which they all knew she could), but they were her friends and they genuinely seemed to have something that needed to get off their chest. It was deemed worthy of her attention...for now. However, what Mako said next was odd. "We need to talk about us."

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Korra often noticed the smile Bolin gave her. It was somehow different than other smiles he granted. Why? She wasn't sure. Bolin smiled at most things. He would wave to strangers on the streets of Republic City, flash a competitive, determined grin to their rivals in Pro-bending arena, and sweetly dotted on their animal companions, Naga and Pabbu. He helped elderly ladies cross the street and tried to hit on countless girls, all the while showing off his goofy grin. That was thing though. All of his smiles held an air of silliness, along with doses hospitality and confidence. All except the smiles he gave her. There weren't any of those qualities in the smiles she would sometimes catch on his face when in her presence. Sometimes he would have this strange smile when they were talking or just after she said something she supposed was wise and meaningful. Other times she glimpsed at that smile when she was bending her elements and it suddenly appeared on his features. Heck, sometimes she caught him with that smile when he was by himself, and she would watch in confusion as to why his smile was like that. This smile of Bolin's was subtle, a little shy, and dare she say, coy? None of those traits ever followed Bolin. Every earthbending move he did was blatant and obvious. Every person he met was faced with confidence and extrovert tendencies. Every girl she ever saw him interact with got a charming but most definitely goofy smile. Yet when she saw this strange smile of Bolin's, her thoughts of his jokester ways, overly confident and enthusiastic attitude, were conflicted. This was the same guy who practically forced his way into her life with his humor and friendliness. Now this soft smile superimposed on his usual wide grin. It was strange.   Why was this one different?

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Korra often noticed the way Mako looked at her. It was somewhat different from the other looks he showed. Why? She wasn't sure. Mako for the most part regarded things in a stoic, nonchalant, blank manner. Even though he was associated with the fiery element, Korra would describe his temperament as icy. He was usually cold and untrusting to those he met--including herself when she first chanced upon the boys at the Pro-bending arena. Bolin openly accepted her into their team, but Mako didn't warm up to her until he realized she wasn't just the Avatar, but also a loyal comrade. It didn't matter if you were young or old, male or female, bender or non-bender. Mako would look upon them all with that same blank, cautious, and distant expression. All except for her. The gaze she found on Mako's features when he looked upon her was different. It wasn't so different from his normal expression that anyone else would notice; sometimes she questioned if it was really there. However, Korra knew it existed if only because she felt it. When they were in Pro-bending matches she would feel this gaze watching her back. When they were practicing for upcoming matches or clashing with the Equalists, she would feel this gaze on the back of her neck. However, catching him the act was rare, but Korra was fortunate enough to actually witness the gaze, if only for a moment, when Mako was off guard. As his demeanor was cold and distant, Korra realized this gaze couldn't be farther from those traits. It was intense, fiery, and threatening to burst into a graceful inferno. The firebender in him existed; she knew that from his occasional blowouts in combat or even in a quick flash of fury towards herself or Bolin. Yet, she didn't realize that firebender smoldered as well. It was strange. Why was this look different?

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"What do you mean?" Korra asked, quite confused, irritated. What kind of nonsense was this? All she wanted to do was forget about the rest of the world for a moment in the comfort of her animal companion. What was there to talk about? Bolin's unhealthy obsession with that trashy book, How to Become a Man or Mako's equally unhealthy attachment to his scarf? Korra had no clue about what they meant by that statement. However, Korra got a hint from one of the brothers. Mako replied, "You know what we mean, Korra." It wasn't his words that helped, but that oh so elusive gaze she noted before. There it was, in plain sight, revealing all of his intentions. Normally, she would tell herself to ignore it, but this time was different from the others. Korra couldn't help but feel incredibly uncomfortable under this gaze while Bolin was there. Why? She wasn't sure. "This has been going on for too long. It needs to get acknowledged. Right, Korra?" Again, the words remained vague to the real meaning. Instead, his smile when he said her name gave the answers. It was the strange smile she saw on his features whenever she was around. No goofiness or cockiness was there, but subtlety and coquettishness took their place. Yet, she again felt awkward as he smiled at her while Mako was there. Why? She wasn't sure. Thus, confused, Korra, feigned ignorance. "I don't know what you guys are talking about." As confident and cool as she wanted to appear, Korra couldn't bring herself to look at the boys. Bolin and Mako turned their attention away from her, looking at the other for a moment. Bolin sighed and told his older brother, "I guess we'll just have to come out and say it." Mako nodded in agreement. Korra didn't like where this was going. The brothers walked closer to her, kneeled down to where she sat by Naga. Try as she might, Korra couldn't scoot farther away from the boys as a mountain of sleeping white fur blocked her way. They must have been only inches away from her now. Between Bolin's secretive smile and Mako's unfaltering gaze, she didn't know if she could handle what they may dish out to her next. She gulped in anticipation. "Korra, be honest with us," Bolin said as his smile made her shrink into Naga's fur. "Mm hmm," was all Korra could muster.   "Which one do you like better?" Mako said with his gaze that made her face turn towards the red spectrum.   "Like better?" Again, Korra could only muster a few syllables. What were they asking of her? Why was this so uncomfortable, so heart pounding, so exhilarating while dreadful? Then it came. Bolin took out something from behind his back, as Mako reached around his neck.   "My book?" "Or my scarf?" This was strange. Why? That's just how life works.

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