Chapter 1

The General was staying in the Air Temple Island for the week and Bolin couldn't be more excited to have another guy around. He missed his brother, who now spent most of his free time with Korra, and hanging out with Asami was alright, but she didn't really get his sense of humor. He was rather surprised, actually, to find out that Iroh was so much fun to be around, in spite of being older and completely serious when it came to work.

Bolin was absently playing with some small rocks, sitting on the ground while he looked at the city.

"Nice view, huh?"

The earthbender looked up and met Iroh's eyes with a smile.

"Come on, sit down with me", he said grabbing the General's sleeve and pulling him down, not meeting resistance.

Iroh spread his legs and leaned back, relaxed. "It's nice to have a break. I almost forgot what it's like not to worry all the time"

"Please, you love working and you know that."

"You're right", Iroh answered laughing lightly. "I'm a total workaholic."

"I miss pro-bending, the excitement of a fight, the fangirls..."

"Fangirls? Right", the firebender responded raising one brow.

"I'm serious! They're crazy about me! Who wouldn't be? I'm gorgeous and an excellent earthbender", Bolin pointed out enthusiastically.

"And modest, of course", completed Iroh.

"Did I sense sarcasm in your tone?"

Iroh only laughed, laying down now.

"Admit that I'm gorgeous", Bolin looked at the General, serious.

"No", Iroh said amid laughter.

Bolin leaned onto Iroh, passing a leg over him and putting his hands on the older man's shoulders, restraining him. "Admit it".

Iroh stopped laughing and looked into Bolin's eyes. Was he serious?

"Ok, you're absolutely gorgeous! Happy?"

"Very", said Bolin, already smiling, loosing the grip from Iroh's shoulders and standing up. "Are you up for some training?"

"Sure", Iroh said, still a bit puzzled. "Let's go."

Iroh rolled around in bed, not able to sleep, his thoughts troubling him. What had Bolin meant by that? Doesn't he have any sense of personal space? Deciding he was probably not falling asleep any time soon, he got up and walked down the hallway. Some fresh air, that's all he needed... Of course he didn't expect to meet Bolin on his way out.

"Hey", Bolin touched the General's shoulder gently, catching up with his pace. "What are you doing here in the middle of the night?"

"Thought I'd get some fresh air, couldn't sleep."

"Me neither", said the earthbender, looking down.

"Are you alright?"

"Yeah, it's nothing really." Iroh was going to let it go, when Bolin continued. "It's just... that I used to like Korra. And now she's with Mako, so things got a little weird. I think they're avoiding me to not hurt my feelings, but I miss being around them."

"Well, do you still like Korra?"

"Nah... I think I never really liked her that way. I liked the idea of being with her, because she's so pretty and we get along so well. But, you know, we're better off as friends."

"Don't worry about it, then. They'll come around eventually. Besides, I'm right here, aren't I?"

To Iroh's surprise, Bolin threw himself over the firebender. "Thanks, Roh", he said, hugging the other man tightly. "I really like spending time with you."

Roh? Really? Since when were they calling each other by nicknames?

The hug was lasting longer than Iroh expected, Bolin's head resting on his shoulder. After what felt like forever, the two of them broke apart. "I think I'll go to bed now", said Bolin, yawning. "See you in the morning."

"Yeah, see you", Iroh's voice came out weak. Did Bolin... like him?

A/N: That's the first chapter, guys! Please let me know what you think by leaving a review. You can also contact me through tumblr. Any criticism or tip is highly appreciated!