Chapter 1: Odd Glances

"...SHE'S BEAUTIFUL...I'm...GORGEOUS!" I cried enthusiastically turning to Mako in hopes of him agreeing with me. Instead, he continued stirring the noodles, being silent as always and minding his own business. He's jealous I know it, but he has Asami. Korra well...I know we're perfect together. Although I sounded naive, I don't want this feeling I have turn into something childish.

My date with Korra was fantastic! I hugged Pabu the moment I entered through the door.

"Pabu it was great! I think she's starting to have feelings for the Booooolin," I suavely chanted while giving a wink at Pabu. He looked at me curiously, "Ah! You'll know someday Pabu. The day I find you a lady friend, you'll know how amazing being in love really is!"

He quickly jumped out from my arms, ran across the floor like a mouse, climbed the ladder, and jumped onto the platform, where the small bed I built for him laid. He quickly dug into the sheets and fell asleep. Of course Pabu doesn't understand anything about love. I'm confident Korra likes -NO I'm sure she loves me back.

As I tucked myself into bed, I replayed the moments I shared with Korra. Tonight was magical, getting to know her was like getting to know another half of myself. Like, a half I knew and barely knew at the same time. Having so many things in common like what our favorite Water Tribe foods are, loud burping, and site seeing from wondrous heights -I felt instantly connected with her. Mako doesn't know what he's saying about her, I KNOW Korra and I want to get to know her more personally.

I put on my gear quickly. Took out my helmet from the locker and shut it with a slight bang. My smile was beaming. I'm going to see Korra again today and we'll be fighting together in another probending match. I could feel a stare shooting towards me from afar. I looked to my right and saw Mako giving me a confused look.

"You okay Bo? You slammed that locker pretty loud...," he commented as he tied the strap of the glove around his arm.

"Oh uhh...," I recollected back to reality, "Yeah! I'm fine, totally fine! Just excited you know? Can't wait to play!"

I crossed my arms and continued smiling, but that didn't change Mako's reaction. He still looked at me with a quizzical stare.

"Ohh okaaaaay..." he said awkwardly giving a slight pause, "so... how was last night?"

Ha, Mako...Silly Mako, probably feeling that jealousy rising from yesterday. That's right bro! I got to date the amazing Korra, how about that?!

"AMAZING!" I sang to the top of my lungs, "simply amazing! Best date I ever had! We have so much in common!"

Before I did a slight dance twirl, my feet stopped. I looked back at Mako, he didn't look too happy. He took out his helmet and closed the locker lightly. That look he's giving me, looked like I was in trouble...again.

"You better not get this whole date thing from last night all in your head," he warned as he placed on his helmet.

Not getting the whole date all in my head? What's that supposed to mean?

"Mako, all in my head? Please, I know what I'm doing and I know what I'm feeling. You know it, and I know it! I like Korra," I stated feeling confidence rise inside me, there was no way he could bring me down.

"You're not thinking about all of this very well. You can't be dating a teammate," he said sternly as he approached closer to me. He poked me with his index finger to my chest, "It's against the rules Bo, stop now before things get worse."

"Against the rules?!" I snapped, now he's being too much. He lowered his hand but wouldn't drop that look on me, "says who? I've read that rule book numerous times and I've never seen anything in there saying that I can't date a teammate."

"You'll regret it! Sooner or later you're going to get hurt Bo. Do you want to go through the tournament feeling all heartbroken?" he continued defending his point.

"Why do you care so much? I think there's more to your 'I'm worried for you bro' attitude. I'm not blind! I know what I'm doing..."

I moved passed him, almost pushing him aside. I don't care what he says, I know my feelings are honest and true. I exited the locker room with a slam. That time, it wasn't for being happy from last night. As I quickly moved down the hall, I heard the door open and close from afar. Mako just got out of the locker room. I walked faster, I didn't want him to lecture me any further.

I went through the door to the opening of the stadium. The seats were filled and the crowd was cheering as usual. As I looked to my left, Korra was standing there putting on her helmet and adjusting the last straps on her gear. She looked beautiful as always. I approached her with a grin on my face.

"Hey Korra!" I greeted.

"Hey Bolin," she replied back with a friendly smile. My heart skipped instantly, her voice is a song to my ears!

But my happiness quickly faded; Mako entered the room. I noticed Korra's smile fade too, as she looked away from Mako's direction. That's odd...What's going on? Mako quickly walked towards the platform, without saying any word to us. He turned his head and first glanced over to me, keeping that stern look he gave me earlier. Then he glanced over to Korra. His stern look changed into a sad one as he dropped his eyes to the floor and looked away. Was that guilt I just saw through his eyes?

"Let's do our best," Korra said trying to sound a bit perked up, like the small event earlier didn't happen.

"Oh yeah sure!" I replied keeping my upbeat attitude.

As we both walked towards the platform, I wished I was standing where Mako was...In the middle...Just so I could glance at Korra without Mako getting in the way.

~to be continued...