AN: I'm really into my Hayffie phase now, but I'm so behind on LoK that I've been watching more. This is what comes out of that.

Ever since Bolin had been just a baby, Mako had always been so much more.

People praised Mako on his powerful firebending. Bolin struggled to keep up, as he was young and could barely lift a rock. Even when he got older and more skilled, he was still lost in Mako's shadow. Firebending trumped earthbending. Bolin knew that; he could see it in everyone's eyes. No one needed to tell him.

When their parents died, Mako had to provide. Bolin was nothing but a burden to him, another mouth to feed. Mako knew it, and he was too young to know how to hide it from his brother. Bolin could see it in his eyes. No one needed to tell him.

Fast forward ten years. Pro-Bending was a godsend for the earthbender. For once, he was on the same level as Mako; they were equals, just two powerful benders with different elements in their arsenals. But outside the arena, nothing had changed. Mako had grown up to be everything; smart, handsome, dangerous. His 'bad boy' aesthetic was alluring to all their fans. Thusly, girls flitted in and out of Mako's life. No one gave Bolin a second look. He was just the funny one. Cute, maybe. Not like Mako. He was nothing. No one needed to tell him.

Bolin knew he loved Korra from the very moment he met her. She was nothing like any of the prissy girls he'd met before; she was strong, smart, and full of life. She was just as loud and boisterous as he was. For once, he wasn't stumbling over his words, or his feet, in the presence of a girl. He was as carefree as Mako always was. He made it look that easy.

Everything was stacking up just right for Bolin. He liked her, she seemingly liked him too. It was perfect. There was just one problem, and it was the same problem Bolin had been facing all his life. He was nothing next to Mako. Korra knew this; and of course, she loved Mako. Bolin could see it in her eyes. No one needed to tell him.