Maybe this chapter is too long. I might have to trim it down, like cut it in half or some shit. Let me know if I should do that.

Rate and Review because you don't know how longI worked on this. Enjoy :3

Disclaimer: I do not own The Legend of Korra or any of the real life products or businesses mentioned in this chapter and story overall.

Get ready for the journey of your lives.

Chapter 2:

Salem's POV
Me, Korra, Wan, Asami, Mako, and Bolin were at the mall. We decided to split up. Wan went to the Cox Cable store to return an old cable box, Asami went to flirt with clerks at H&M for discounts, Bolin insisted Mako go with him to Sports Authority before they go to the Foot Locker, and Korra and I were sitting on a bench outside the Pink Berry playing a game in which we see how long it takes for a rent-a-cop to muster up the courage to tell us to stop making out.

I remember the first time we met in the 6th grade. The teacher was introducing the class to a new student, that being Korra Vitali. I didn't realize I liked her at that moment when she told us about herself, but I definitely new she was a great person. We had all the same interests and liked all the same things. Except for her hatred of jelly. That's the only thing she hates that I rather enjoy.

We spent, like, every hour of every day with each other. We were best friends. She used to come over to my house to play PS2 games with me, kicking my ass every time in Space Aliens, and I used to go to her house to shoot some hoops with her and Wan. We. Did. Everything. Together. Everything.

When the middle school's Winter Dance was just around the corner, my friends goaded me into asking her out. I fumbled and stammered over my words like I had no tongue. But when I asked her she said 'yes' without hesitation. But she said she would refuse to wear a dress.

After the dance, we quickly became closer. She would grab my hand during class and hold it until the teacher looked, and my hugs lasted a little longer than they should have.

One day, I gathered the audacity to finally ask her to be my girlfriend. However, I did it in the most cliché way possible. During science class, I wrote this on a piece of loose-leaf paper: Do you like me? Check Yes or No. Luckily, she checked the 'yes' box, and ever since then we dated.

My phone buzzed in my pocket. I pulled away from Korra, briefly seeing a security guard walking away from us. It was a number I didn't recognize. I contemplated not answering it, but it could be someone I know at a payphone or something. Like my mom.

That thought made me nervous to the bone, so I quickly answered it. "Hello?" I asked, genuinely curious of who it was.

It wasn't my mom… This scared me worse. "Hello, this is Boston Hospital. Your family member has been severely injured, and we request that you come as soon as possible." A woman's voice spoke.

Something snapped in my head, and I couldn't speak. Mom… Was all that I could think at the moment. She was hurt and I needed to get to the hospital as soon as possible.

"I-. I'll be right there…" I answer before hanging up, holding back tears.

I decided not to scare Korra with this information, even though she was asking what was going on and tugging on my shirt, softly demanding an explanation. But I was too scared to give her one.

"Korra… I have to go now, but… I'll see you at school tomorrow… Alright…?" I said in an emotionless tone, kissing her on the lips before standing up and speeding through the crowd of people and out the door to my El Camino.

I slammed the car door shut then quickly backed out of the parking space with perfect precision. I buckled in my seatbelt and adjusted my rearview mirror, before driving out of the mall's parking lot.

I didn't tear down the highway on my way to the hospital. Mom would be disappointed in my reckless actions, even if I was speeding for a legitimate reason. Plus, I didn't want to get a ticket. I haven't gotten pulled over once, and I wasn't gonna start then.

I kept changing the radio stations, trying to find a song that didn't have that happy-go-lucky ring to it. Unfortunately, all of them did. So I flip on my blinkers before I pull over into a rest-stop to look for a CD Korra gave me for our 4 year anniversary a few months ago. I took out a mix tape she made for me that consisted of several genres of rock, Eminem, old school hip hop, and dubstep with brutal drops. The first song that came on was Over The Years by 25 ta Life. I didn't understand a word they were saying, but it had an angry beat, and that's what I needed at the moment.

I don't particularly like the music Korra gave me, but I like it because she gave it to me. However, she is my girlfriend. And since my mom taught me to never lie, I had to tell her I don't like the music. But I did tell her that I would keep it and try to listen to it.

I love to see her smile. It makes me happy, like when I see mom smile. It makes me feel like I've made her proud, and I have. When my father left us when I was 4 years old, he took all of our money with him to wherever the hell he went. Mom and I had to move into her parents' house until she made enough money so we could move into our own house.

She finally gathered enough money in my freshman year of high school. So we moved from Salem to Boston. It was in a bit of a bad neighborhood compared to my friends' and girlfriend's neighborhoods, but at least it wasn't a cardboard box on the freeway. The move also made her commute to her office job and my bus ride to school a lot easier since she worked in Boston as I went to school there.

So ever since my asshole of a father left, I've tried my hardest to make my mom smile. When I turned 15, I got a job at the local convenience store, working the maximum amount of shifts in order to bring in as much cash as possible. I just wanted to see my mom smile.

But while I worked my hardest to make my mom smile, Korra was the one to make me smile. We were very similar, save for her hotheadedness and my levelheadedness. Other than that, and the jelly thing, we were the perfect couple. We never cheated on one another or flirted- oh, wait…

I forgot about what happened a few times at school today…

When Korra saw Mako, I don't think she noticed she was staring at him as a blush rose to her cheeks. I didn't let it get to me, though. I assumed it was just harmless appreciation… But then again, I couldn't hear her thoughts.

When she shook his hand, her blush became harder, and one formed on Mako's face as well before they both pulled away quickly and awkwardly.

Nothing happened in History, probably because Korra was too enthralled in the subject to notice Mako smiling whenever it was her turn.

I heard their nervous compliments to one another in English class. Mako said Korra was smart making her smile and blush.

And I can't forget their conversation at lunch. Asami had gone to the bathroom. When I was just about to walk in, I see Korra sitting next to Mako, their backs to me.

Korra: "Are you always this bashful?" She asked politely

Mako: "Only around pretty girls- I mean, uh, not like you! NO! I mean- I didn't mean that you're not pretty, I just-." He stuttered.

Korra: *giggles* "It's okay, Mako. If it's any consolation I think you're handsome." She compliments like it's nothing

Mako: "W- won't Salem be mad if he found out you said that…" Hell yeah, I would! I am.

Korra: "He won't find out." She assured as if I had no angry or sad emotion at all.
"Even if I told him I called you handsome and you called me pretty, I don't think he'd mind." Yes! I would mind!
"Plus, what's wrong with a little harmless appreciation for another person?" Nothing at all. It's just the fact of you not planning to tell me that hurts.

When Bolin sat down, I thought it was the perfect time to hide my anger, put on a smile, and sit down with them. And for the wrong reasons, I leaned across the table to kiss Korra. Not to show her that I loved her, but to show him that she was mine.

I wasn't blind. I could see what they were doing. Augh!

But I couldn't think about that right now; couldn't let it get to me. Korra's with me. She would never go behind my back. She's too good a person to do such a thing… Right? Whatever. I had to think about getting to the hospital to see who I hoped desperately wasn't my mother.

I burst through the hospital doors into the waiting room and marched up to the front desk, my voice hoarse and dry as a man approached me.

"How can I-." I didn't even let him finish.

"Asher! Gloria Asher! What room is she in- I'm her son!" I demanded with a cracking voice, taking a deep breath through my nose once I finished.

I've never yelled at anyone before. Not even Korra when she became a bit difficult and started to make me frustrated. But this was different. This was my mother, the only person in my life I love more than myself. I wouldn't calm down until I saw she was okay.

The man looked through the computer and wrote a number down on a sticky note. "Room 201." He said, handing me the small piece of paper.

I snatched it from him and ran up the stairs of the building, deciding the elevator would be slower. I ran down the hall of the correct floor, dodging people and ignoring their shouts to 'slow down!'

I find room 201 and surged through the door, seeing the one person I never wanted to see on a hospital bed ever. "MOM!" I shout and run over to her, tears falling from my eyes heavily as I hugged her as tight as I could, feeling her return the gesture before pulling away. "Mom, I was SO worried about you!" I sobbed, sniffling. "What happened!?"

"I was in a bit of a car accident." She explained in a calm tone, holding the complete opposite demeanor I held myself.

I scoffed at this. "A bit of a car accident?" I inquired. "Mom, you're… You're…" I choked on my own words, afraid to death of what's going to come out. "You're- hurt." I exclaimed softly. "- In more ways than one…" More tears escaped from my eyes, but she reached up her hand and wiped them away with her thumb. Her hands were as soft as I remembered them to always be.

"Marshall…" She began with her mouth open in a long pause, though no words were said.

"Mom…" My voice cracked and I sniffled. "Mom, what is it…?" I gently demanded, grabbing a hold of her hand in a tight, yet loving grip with both of mine. "Tell me what's wrong…" I sniffed, forcing back more tears.

"Marshall… You mustn't overreact… Promise me you won't." She demanded in a weak tone, scaring me half to death.

My heart was beating faster than a sports car; beating louder than a bass drum. I'm surprised mom couldn't hear it herself, it was so loud. "I promise, mom- I promise…" I vowed before tenderly taking a hold of her other hand and holding them both close to my chest. "Now please… Tell me what's wrong…" I whimpered in a cracked tone.

"They're… The doctors are moving me… To…" She took a deep breath before looking straight into my hazel eyes with her hazel ones, which have turned to a tint of green that matches her mint colored Johnny.

"To where, mom!?" I shouted, though not noticing I did after doing so. "To where…?" I whispered, correcting my prior tone of voice.

She sighed deeply, as if bracing herself for my reaction. That simple action just made me more scared. "I'm being moved to Hospice Care…" She finally confessed.

My heart dropped from my chest to my stomach like a cannonball crashing through a stone wall. I couldn't believe what I was hearing, but… I heard it. It was real in my mind, but so incredibly unbelievable to my breaking heart.

Why do things like this happen? Why do they happen so suddenly? Why do they happen to the kindhearted and good-natured? Why does it have to happen to the ones who have been through so much already? Why does it have to happen to my loved ones? Why does it have to happen to anyone? Augh! All these questions are impossible to answer. They have no answer.

"No…" I said not in disbelief, but in just plain disagreement. I began to cry again, sorrowful sobs escaping my throat as depressed tears fled from my glazed eyes.

Mom just smiled at me though. It was a smile of reassurance. "Don't worry, Marsh…" She began, calling me what she used to when I was 8. She tightened her grip on my hands, and I returned the gesture. "Everything is going to be fine…" She smiled as I attacked her with a tight hug as I finally let the tears spill, wailing as I tucked my head into her shoulder. She smelled like panda-lilies, and she always has.

She wrapped her arms around my back and whispered soothing words to me, and kissing me on the head. "I love- you so, so m- much, m- mom!" I exclaimed between sobs and sniffs.

She kissed the top of my head and ran her fingers through my long hair. "I love you, too Marsh. And I will always love you, no matter what!" She said as I heard her let out a choked sob of her own. "Don't you ever forget that." She demanded in a loud whisper as I nodded my head furiously into her shoulder.

The door opened behind me, but I didn't care to look. "Son?" A deep male voice said. "We need to move your relative to another room." By that statement I assumed it was the doctor.

I didn't let go, though. I only held onto her tighter. "Marsh. It's okay… You can come by tomorrow… Okay?" She said, gently pushing me back and cupping her hand over my cheek with a loving, reassuring smile on her face.

I reluctantly let go of her and wiped my wet, puffy eyes. "Alright…" I sniffed. "I love you, mom." I said, leaning back down to kiss her on the cheek.

She returned the gesture. "I love you, too Marsh." She said.

I gave her a smile before reluctantly leaving the room, turning around then to ask the doctor an important question. "What room will she be in?" I demanded more than asked.

"She'll be in room 304, two floors up; on the sixth floor." He said as I gave him a nod that indicated I had heard him.

As soon as I got in the car, I tightly gripped the steering wheel, and my entire body tensed. I wanted to scream. I had to scream. I needed to scream. And that's exactly what I did; at the top of my lungs to be precise.

"FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCK!" I yelled, my face flushing red in anger.

I shoved the key in the ignition and turned the car on, the engine roaring to life as I clicked the CD button on my radio. It was going to be at least a little over an hour drive home, so I might as well have a distraction. The song that came on was a dubstep song that just finished, next was a heavy metal song: Pain by Jimmy Eat World according to Korra's sloppy writing on the front of the CD case.

I don't feel the way I've ever felt
I know
I'm gonna smile and not get worried
I try but it shows

Anyone can make what I have built
And better now
Anyone can find the same white pills
It takes my pain away!

It's a lie, a kiss with open eyes
And she's not breathing back
Anything but bother me
(It takes my pain away)
Nevermind! These are hurried times
Ho, ho, ho!
I can't let it bother me

I never thought I'd walk away from you
I did
But it's a false sense of accomplishment, every
time I quit
Anyone can see my every flaw
It isn't hard
Anyone can say they're above this all
It takes my pain away!

It's a lie, a kiss with open eyes
And she's not breathing back
Anything but bother me
(It takes my pain away)
Nevermind! These are hurried times
Ho, ho, ho!
I can't let it bother me

[Guitar Solo]
It takes my pain away!

It's a lie, a kiss with open eyes
And she's not breathing back
Anything but bother me
(It takes my pain away)
Nevermind! These are hurried times
Ho, ho, ho!
I can't let it bother me

takes my pain-
takes my pain-
takes my pain-
takes my pain away!

The ride home was torture, mainly because the songs I listened to reminded me that I walked away from Korra without an explanation; that I just left without an excuse. She could've been worrying sick about me the entire time. So I decided to text her after I parked in my driveway and turned off the car.

Key: Bold = Salem & Italics = Korra:

Hey, Korr!
I'm sorry I left without telling u y.

Salem!
I was worried sick about u!
Where the hell have u been!?

Some family problems came up.
I wasn't thinking at the moment.

What happened?
U can tell me anything :)

I don't wanna talk about it right now, Korr.
I'm still jittery about it.
But I appreciate ur concern.

That was only half true. I didn't want to talk about what happened, and I did appreciate her concern. But I wasn't just jittery; I was depressed and kept thinking about when-… If- my mom gets out of hospice care… I really didn't wanna worry her. That and I really needed to be alone at the moment.

I understand, babe :)
But whenever u wanna talk,
just come 2 me.
U can trust me.

I know I can, sweetie :)
I just need 2 b alone right now.
U know? To think and shit.
I should go now.
I love u, Korr *less than 3*

I love u 2, Salem *less than 3*
I hope u feel better.
I'll see u at school tomorrow.
Bye.

I tucked my phone back into my pocket then got out of the car, grabbing my backpack before shutting the door. The keys on the keychain jingled as I searched for the house key for the doorknob lock and deadbolt. Some of the keys on the chain are useless, and the rest of the items on it are plastic gift/reward cards for stores.

I threw the keys on the kitchen counter, which reminded me I really had to fix the peeling fake wood paneling back onto the sides. I had to fix a lot of things, like the front door, the shingles on the roof, the filter for the central air in the basement, I needed to re-calk the shower, etc…

The problem was that mom and I didn't have enough money to fix these things. It's hard for her to work full time five days a week and make just as much money as a damn secretary, and it's hard for me to work the maximum amount of shifts at the store three days a week.

I sat down on the couch with my Spanish text book open at my side and my notebook on my lap. I wanted to finish all my homework now so I can do whatever later on. I had no history, literature, science, or art. I finished math in class already.

About 30 minutes later I shut my Spanish book and notebook and threw them in my backpack. I sighed and dragged a hand slowly down my face. I was sweating somewhat. "I need some water." I decided as I stood from the couch and walked over to the fridge to grab the Brita.

I poured just a little over have a glass before I heaved a sigh for no reason in particular. I tipped my head back and drank slowly, feeling the cold liquid run down my throat. It was refreshing, but I still felt a bit hot.

I realized that we had no air conditioning because the filter needed to be replaced. "Shit…" I huffed in annoyance before pulling off my long sleeve shirt, revealing a muscle shirt.

I rubbed my cooling muscles in relief as I walked up the stairs on my way to my room. It was nothing too fancy. In fact, it wasn't fancy at all. It was just a basic little room with a mattress sitting upon a hand-me-down bedframe, a dinged up clothes dresser with random items sitting on the surface, a small closet that holds all my formal wear, various posters of Frank Sinatra, the Boston Celtics, Red Sox, and Legend of Xelda (I misspelled it on purpose. Disclaimer or not, I don't want a lawsuit from Mintendo) hung on the red walls.

I always kept my room clean because even though I live in a shitty house in a shitty neighborhood, that doesn't mean I don't have to keep my room clean. Plus, it makes me feel better knowing that I sleep in a sterile environment rather than rolling around in grimy sheets surrounded by dirty laundry.

I dig through my dresser drawers pulling out a pair of gray cargo shorts, throwing them on the bed before I removed my sneakers and took off my jeans to change into the chosen shorts. I threw the jeans into the hamper beside my closet at the opposite end of the room before grabbing the cargo shorts and tightening the belt that came with them. I then pulled on my beloved running sneakers and walked back downstairs only to have my lack of attention cut off by the doorbell.

I walked to the door and looked through the peephole and saw the neighborhood 'gang'. That is if gang is defined as a group of wannabes who only engage in hand-to-hand rather than knife or gun fights. They're essentially what one calls 'losers.'

"Ah geez…" I whispered to myself as I quietly backed away from the door to grab a switch blade mom uses to cut the vines growing on the fence in the backyard. The doorbell rang again as I approached the door, the knife hidden safely in my pocket.

There was a loud rapping on the door. "Hey, Salem!" An average, African-American male voice shouted, knocking again. "I know you're in there! C'mon, buddy! We just wanna talk is all!" He insisted.

I reluctantly opened the door to face Reggie and his two other friends: Don and Toby. "What do you want, Reggie?" I asked with contempt laced in my tone, my brows furrowing together in annoyance of just his mere presence.

Reggie wore a baggy, white t-shirt with Digital Underground written across the chest in green text. His jeans were light blue and about two sizes too big for him. His shoes were white Jordans without a smudge on them as opposed to my running sneakers, which have seen better days. His haircut was a classic fade, and his facial hair was a chinstrap goatee cut off at a certain point of the jaw to create disconnected sideburns. He was shady and had the most menacing smirk that made me want to punch him in the nose whenever he flashed it.

His lackeys wore similar clothing. Don is Hispanic; wore a plain, blue crewneck t-shirt, fitting cargo pants, blue adidas sneakers, and an urban fade cut. Toby is Jamaican; he wore a maroon sleeveless shirt, dark blue jeans in a sag, black Reebok basketball sneakers, and sported medium sized dreadlocks. Not similar in the sense of exactness, but in the sense that they all looked like douchebags.

"Me and the boys just wanted to see what you were up to. No need to be so aggressive." Reggie insisted.

"Where you been at, homes?" Don inquired, cutting into the conversation, making me more exasperated just by referring to me as 'homes.' If Asami was here right now, she would beat the shit out of Don just for using incorrect grammar.

"Yeah!" Toby added. "Where have you been all week?"

Oh my God! They cannot be this ignorant. I thought to myself, letting a sigh escape passed my lips before answering in an obvious tone. "Uh, school?"

"That's not what we meant, Salem." Reggie spit, narrowing his eyes at me. "Why haven't you been by the hangout lately?" He asked. "We would have loved to catch up with a friend."

"You mean start a fight with someone you claim you don't like!?" I shouted as more of a statement than a question. I usually wouldn't snap so easily, or snap at all. My mind was just so muddled with all these worried and anxiety I guess I just couldn't think straight.

"You wanna fight me, Salem!?" He shouted, getting close to me. But I had no time for this shit.

"I don't wanna fight you, Reggie!" I yelled back, standing tall and getting in his face, making him back away. However, he was still determined to get the last word.

"Why not?" He questioned. "Your old woman made you too much of a little bitch to fight?"

"My mother has absolutely nothing to do with this particular situation, Reggie! I have too much shit going on right now, and I don't need your shady ass, your high school flunky, and pill junkie to make matters worse!" I screamed, insulting him, Don then Toby.

"What's wrong!?" Toby began in a low voice. "Afraid you'll get your ass beat by a pill junkie?" He gestured to himself, placing both hands flat on his chest. "A high school dropout?" He waved his hand beside him to Don. "And a troublemaker?" He pointed to Reggie.

Reggie then flashed that shady smirk. The one that makes me internally seethe with rage. That was the last straw, I snapped, I lost all sense of restraint as I discreetly cocked my arm back then punched him square in the nose. He fell to the ground, clutching his nose desperately with one hand to try and stop the bleeding. Flecks of blood stained my muscle shirt, and there was a thick streak of blood on Reggie's t-shirt.

Don rushed me and punched me hard in the stomach, making me fall back into my house before he kicked me in my left thigh. But I got up as he sent another kick my way. I caught his foot and pushed, sending him out the door and onto the wide sidewalk.

I held my stomach in pain, but had to lift my arm off in order to fight. "I said I don't wanna fight!" I reiterated my vocalized thoughts from just a few moments ago, raising my fists in a defense stance Korra and Asami showed me when I was 12 years old. This seemed like it was going to be easy. I didn't even need the switch blade.

"Too bad, punk!" Toby retorted. "It's too late to take it back now!" He said before rushing me, tackling me to the ground, my bare triceps and shoulders scraping against the scratchy pavement. He then punched me once in the jaw and again in the lip on the other side before I pushed him off of me, and then kicked him hard in his side.

Reggie ran at me and punched me in the ribs. They didn't break, but it was going to bruise pretty badly. I retaliated sending my foot into his groin, causing him to fall back.

I paused to take a couple deep breaths. However, that plan was cut short as soon as it started because Don jumped on my back making me fall forward to the ground. Before the impact I instinctively threw my arms up to cover my face. My forearms were scraped pretty bad, but my head didn't hit the concrete as hard as it would have had my arms not been there to cushion the fall.

My vision was blurring. I saw Reggie, Don, and Toby all surrounding me. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the beating that was about to come. As the three closed around me though, I heard a loud engine cut off.

"Ugh…" I groaned as I turned my head the best I could in order to see the source of the noise. It was a Harley. More importantly, it was Korra's Harley. "Korra…" I breathed out as I watched her punch Reggie in the eye, knee Don harshly in the stomach, and expertly dropkick Toby. The three of them ran like damn dogs down the street away from my girlfriend.

"Salem! Salem, come on! Let's get you inside!" I heard Korra say as she picked me up from the ground and drape my right arm over her shoulders before bringing me inside, laying me down on the couch.

"Korra…" I breathed out once more before falling into the pitch black darkness of sleep.

I woke up hours later wrapped in gauze and bandages. An icepack sat on my head, which was throbbing in pain. Everything hurt and stung. I tried to sit up, but a pair of strong, tanned hands pushed me back down onto my bed. Wait, my bed? I fell asleep on the couch. I thought to myself, concluding that Korra is stronger than she seems.

"Don't strain yourself." She advised. "The bruises aren't bad, though. You'll just need plenty of rest and fluids. You should probably take a day off from school, too." She added before I realized she was holding my hand.

I looked down to see that I was stripped of my muscle shirt and shorts, and have had my boxers changed. I suddenly felt mortified. "Did- did you take off my underwear…?" I questioned with a slight blush of embarrassment.

She didn't look the least bit uncomfortable with the situation. "I had to clean and wrap the nasty bruise that punk left on your leg." She clarified.

"It's fine… I just didn't realize you're bold enough to take off my boxers considering my… Thing… Is located in that general area…" I explained. "Bold… But very brave and caring…" I added with a weak, but genuine, smile.

"I know you're very tired and weak right now, but… Who were those guys?" Korra asked with a look of concern and curiosity filling her expression.

"They're just some punks who like to start fights… They sell prescription drugs like Adderall™ and shit down the street… They act like this neighborhood is theirs; act like they're the freaking kings of Boston… But when knives are pulled and guns are flashed, they'll be booking it down the road before you can blink…" I finished with a weak laugh and small grin, my eyelids becoming heavier with sleep.

Korra rubbed my arm in comfort before leaning over to peck me on the lips. "Get some sleep, alright? I have to go or my mom will throw a fit." She said, getting up after briefly squeezing my hand in comfort. "Your mom gets home in 30 minutes, right? Will you be fine until then, or should I wait?" She asked, causing me to mentally curse.

"Nah!" I refused politely, though a little louder than I had originally intended. "I can wait until then. I'm fine, Korr." I assured her, offering her a small smile to back it up.

"Alright. Bye, Salem. I'll text you later" She said, putting on her helmet before walking out the door.

Once I heard the sound of her Harley's engine dissipate, I stood with difficulty to my feet and walked to the door. I saw Korra had placed my bloody clothes on the chair next to the couch. I had no strength to pull the muscle shirt over my head without my arms aching in sharp pain. I ignored the short and just pulled the bloodstained cargo shorts up slowly before snapping the button in place, leaving the belt undone.

I opened the door and began to walk to my neighbor's house. A woman of around 70 years old named Nancy lived there with her husband Gerald, who was around the same age. She was the most caring and thoughtful individual I know who lives in this God forsaken neighborhood.

I limped and stumbled my way to her home that was across the street from mine and up to her front door. I huffed, feeling the pain in my ribs before knocking. She was my only hope at the moment, considering the current circumstances.

She opened the door a few seconds later. When she saw me, fear, alarm, and concern immediately overtook the sweet features of her face. I didn't blame her. I haven't even seen me yet and I know I look like I got jumped by a damn panther.

"Marshall!" She exclaimed, gently grabbing my hand and pulling me into her house. "What on earth happened to you!?"

I shakily sighed as she sat me down on her sofa, not caring that I got a little bit of blood on the clean fabric. "I got jumped by Reggie and his gang." I confessed.

"Does Gloria know about this?" She inquired, abruptly bringing me back to the subject of my mother.

I looked down, successfully forcing down tears. "She… She's not going to be here for a while…" I answered vaguely.

"Did something come up?"

"Yeah… You could say that…" I replied, knowing all too well that her question was not intended to mean what has actually happened.

I decided to stay at Nancy's home after she insisted. I couldn't say no to her. I also had to take time off of work to recover for a couple days. Nancy basically said the same thing Korra said, and that's not to strain myself. Meaning that when I get back to school, someone's going to have to help carry my stuff, help me get up, etc…

Nancy also had to clean a wound on my head, but she couldn't get to it through my long, thick hair. SO what did she have to do? Yup! She had to cut it. When she was younger she used to be a licensed hairdresser. (Link in my profile).

The next day, Gerald happily drove me to school in his Buick and helped me get out of the car and carry my bag to the front door of the building before bidding adieu.

There were already a few people there when I walked to my locker, dropping my bag to the floor before attempting to lift my arms to the padlock to unlock it. It proved some difficulty "Ah!" I hissed as my shoulders disagreed with my movements.

I slowly looked over my shoulder to see people whipping their heads back to their books or phones. Great! People are starting to stare. I thought before turning back to my locker, staring intently at it as if it'll just suddenly open.

"Need some help?" Came a voice from behind me. I whipped around to find the owner of said voice, but my aching muscles pained to do so. "Are you okay, Salem?" Mako asked with some concern in his tone, his eyes cooperating with his voice.

"Hey, Mako…" I greeted in return, hiding the small amount of contempt I held against him. But he looks so innocent; rather bashful when I briefly looked into his auburn eyes. He had the same stare I did. I could tell he's been through a lot during his span of life.

"Do you need some help? Because I'll be happy to." He gave me a small smile to show he was being sincere.

I looked down for a terse moment and chuckled. "Yeah. You can open my locker." I said with a chuckle in spite of myself, mostly at the fact that I couldn't do anything myself. "25 left- 15 right- 10 left." I stated.

Mako reached for the lock, inserting the combination and unhooking it before hanging it on a hook I had inside my locker. "I don't wanna hit a touchy subject; I don't wanna push it, but… What happened to you?" He asked softly so only I could hear and so no one else could.

"I got jumped by three guys and they beat me pretty bad." I began, absentmindedly rubbing my aching ribs. "I got a few decent hits in, but one of them jumped on my back. I fell forward and hit my head; got a nasty cut on my head." I explained, seeing his expression: unflinching.

He nodded and picked up my bag for me after he put my books in my backpack, throwing the bag gently over his shoulders. "Is that why you got the haircut? Because the wound had to be treated?"

"Yeah. I personally like my hair long." I started. "But I don't want the cut to get infected either, so I really had no choice."

"Salem!" Someone yelled. As I slowly turned to see who it was, I saw Korra quickly approaching me. Before I knew it, she had me in a tight hug. I returned it as best I could. "I was worrying about you all night! I texted you but you never got back to me!"

I pulled her close and kissed her on the cheek. "I'm sorry, Korr." I apologized, bringing her into a brief embrace. "I was flowing in and out of consciousness the other day. I was probably asleep. Although I should have realized that you would worry, and should have texted you back." I added.

She looked over my shoulder to Mako. "Hey, Mako…" She looked around him. "Where's Bolin?" She asked curiously.

"He's not feeling well." He looked down, worried. "I'm sure he'll be back on Thursday." He paused and looked to the both of us with an unreadable expression. "But…"

"Mako, what's wrong?" Korra asked, sensing something was bothering him.

"It's just that I don't like to leave him home alone. It makes me nervous when my mom is at work and no one is there to watch him." He admitted.

"Hey guys- Oh my God, Salem!" Asami exclaimed as she ran up to me. "What the fuck happened to you?"

"I got jumped. It's a long story." I said, not really wanting to get into it.

"You got a haircut?" She asked, scanning my new hair with her green eyes gleaming in interest.

Korra looked at me suddenly. "Oh my God, I didn't even notice!" She laughed then kissed me on the cheek. "It's cute." She complimented with a smile.

The five minute warning bell rang.

"Come on." Korra gestured. "We better get to homeroom before Mr. Johnson throws a hissy fit."

After school, I got a ride home with Asami in her car along with Korra, who had come to school with her.

I waited in my house until Asami had turned off the street before crossing the road to Nancy and Gerald's home. I walked in to see Nancy knitting and Gerald reading the newspaper.

"Hello, Marshall." Nancy greeted, setting down her knitting supplies beside her. "How was school today?"

What I wanted to tell her was I think my girlfriend likes another guy but I repressed that urge. "It was fine. Nothing interesting happened." That was a lie.

"Do you want me to cook you something?" Gerald offered, folding his newspaper before placing it on the coffee table. "We have some fresh red peppers I can throw into a stir-fry."

"No, no. Thank you, but you don't have to do that." I politely refused, my kindhearted nature showing. "I was actually gonna go back home. My mom wants me to keep a close eye on the plants and other stuff; make sure the place doesn't fall apart.

"Are you sure?" Nancy questioned with a worried expression, folding her hands out of what I expected to be nervousness.

I gave her a reassuring smile. "I'll be fine. If I need anything I'll let you know. But right now I need to get back to the house." I said, pointing behind me with my thumb.

Before I left I gave Nancy and Gerald a hug, thanking them warmly for taking care of me.

After I shut the door behind me, I ran as fast as my injuries would allow me to my house across the street. When I made it inside, I took my phone out of my pocket and called a cab so I could go to the hospital. Although I didn't want mom to see me like this, she had to know. That and I want to see her and how she was doing.

"Marshall!" My mom exclaimed at the sight of my physical health. "What happened to you!?" She demanded to know.

I walked over to her side and gave her a tight, loving, and caring hug. When we released one another, she still had a look of pure concern written on her features.

"I got into a bit of a scrape with three other guys." I explained like it was nothing. However, the concern on her face didn't fade even slightly.

"It looks like you got into more than just 'a bit of a scrape', Marshall." She retorted, the sound of her voice reprimanding me without giving any penalty.

I bowed my head and gave a light chuckle. But I calmed myself because this is no laughing matter. I sighed deeply, sitting down at the edge of the hospital bed with my hand atop hers. "I would tell you that I didn't start the fight, but that's only half true…" I began, seeing a worried look in her hazel eyes. "They wouldn't leave me alone, so I insulted them before I shouted at them to get off the property… But they had other ideas and they rushed me. I fought back as best I could, but they outnumbered me…" I paused, waiting for a response.

"Who helped fix you up?" Mom asked curiously, a bit of worry still laced in her voice.

"Well… First, Korra made the three guys go running for the hills." I said with a small laugh. "Then she cleaned my wounds and wrapped them."

"I like her." She stated with a smirk. "She has always been there for you- and you've always been there for her." She added, pointing at me for emphasis. She then looked at me strangely. "You cut your hair. I like it, you look handsome." She complimented with a smile.

"Oh, yeah. I forgot." I said, running my fingers through my new haircut. "Nancy from across the street cut it for me so she could get to the cut on my head." I explained. "Nancy and her husband Gerald helped me with my injuries, too." I stated, realizing I left that information out.

The door to the room opened. "Time for your shots and therapy, Gloria." The doctor said with two nurses behind him carrying some medical equipment. "I'm sorry, son. You'll have to leave."

I just nodded and turned back to mom. "I love you, mom." I said with a wide smile before leaning down to give her a tight, loving hug before I left.

I pulled my phone out to call another cab when I realized I have only 40 bucks, which isn't nearly enough to bring me home. "Shit…" I muttered to myself before scrolling through my contact list, looking for a ride possibility. I decided on Korra because we could also go out to eat since it was already 5:00 at night. But to avoid her questioning as to why I was at the hospital, I decided to walk to the Target (Tar-jhay) and get a quick item instead.

Key: Italics = Korra & Bold = Salem

*rustling* Hey, Salem. What's up?

Hey, Korr. I was wondering if you wanted to grab a bite at Wendy's.
I replied then immediately began walking to the Target.

Yeah! I didn't eat yet, so that'd be great.

Cool. But I took a cab to Target so I could pick something up. So I need a ride.

*giggle* Couldn't you have just drove there in your car?

*low chuckle* I didn't want to drive in case I hurt myself more.

Okay, I'm coming right now. See you in... 40 minutes. Love you. Bye.

Love you, too. Bye, Korr.

I hung up as I reached the Target and walked through the automatic doors. I walked over to the hardware aisle, realizing I actually did need something: a water-heater filter.

I paid the cashier $32.50 and walked out the door 15 minutes later to wait for Korra to pick me up in 25 minutes. So I messed around on my phone for a while. I scrolled through my messages and saw a text from Flip-Mobile; I needed to pay my cell phone bill. I was two weeks late on the payment and now I owe them over 130 dollars. Shit.

I kept scrolling and stumbled upon a text from Bolin. That's strange. I thought to myself. I don't recall ever giving him my number. The text was from five minutes ago, so I decided to text back out of curiosity. I don't like his brother, but that doesn't mean I automatically have to dislike him as well.

Key: Salem = Italics and Bolin = Bold

Hey Salem! It's Bolin.

How did u get my number?

Korra gave it 2 me.

Oh, okay. Um... Did u wanna ask me something?

No, no reason really. I just wanted u 2 have my number so I txted u.

That's fine. Btw, the volleyball sign-up is this Friday and tryouts r next Friday if ur interested.

That's great! I'll b there. Ah, I gotta go. Mako's bothering me about finishing my hw. It was nice talking 2 u, Salem. C ya.

By, Bolin.

I texted back before flipping my phone shut. I let out a deep huff and ran my hand through my short hair. I was still thinking about Mako flirting with Korra... and Korra flirting back. I'm not stupid

The sound of a motorcycle pierced through the air, capturing nearly everyone's attention. I looked up to see Korra and her blue Harley approaching my position in front of the store.

I stood straight from leaning against a red pole and made my way over to her. "Hey, Korr!" I greeted happily [forgetting about our nonexistent relationship trouble] before she smiled back at me, white teeth showing.

"Hey, Salem." She greeted in return, revving her engine before we were off. I held the water-heater filter tightly in my left hand as she sped through the streets while my free hand held onto her waist for dear life.

She pulled her bike into the Wendy's parking lot. I brought the water-heater filter with me, deciding it'd be best to not leave it outside lest it gets stolen. I approached the door and opened it for Korra, receiving a courteous nod from her in acknowledgement.

We ordered a couple burgers and sat at a table near the window. "So..." This was a bad idea. "How's Mako?" And you said it anyway. Good goin' past me.

Korra looked at me strangely then set down her food. "What do mean?" She asked with a short laugh and a small, nervous-looking grin.

My brows furrowed at her reply. She knew damn well what I was talking about and I was determined to get it out of her. "How is he?" I repeated. "You've been hanging out with him a lot. I just wanted to know." I explained, taking a sip of my drink.

Korra paused, probably to think of a response. She shrugged. "He's fine, I guess... I mean, we haven't been hanging out a lot per say, only in school." She specified.

"What's he like?" I asked, succeeding in not sounding like a jerk.

Korra looked at me strangely once again, as if to ask 'why do you even care?'. But I wouldn't let this go. "It depends what you mean..." She began. "He's a very talented artist, he's really shy around new people, he hates jelly, he hates hockey, and he's really thoughtful."

"Do you like him?" I asked, feigning innocence. Why did I have to be so bold?

Korra narrowed her eyes at me. "What do mean 'like'? I like him as a friend or a brother, if that's what you mean." She answered.

She knew damn well what I was talking about. "Yeah... because siblings always flirt with each other..." I countered, causing her to become suspicious.

"What's up with you!?" She asked indignantly, which made me snap completely.

"Stop acting like you don't know what you did!" I began in a shout, receiving wandering eyes from others in the restaurant.

"I don't know what the fuck you're talking about, Salem!" She yelled back before abruptly rising to her feet with her hands planted firmly on the table, an irritated look in her eyes.

I mirrored her actions, standing to my feet as well. "Don't play dumb with me, Korra! I heard you flirting with Mako – I heard the entire thing!" I revealed, looking around to see people staring. "Come on..." I groaned and forcefully pulled her outside with me after grabbing the filter.

As soon as we got outside, she started to yell at me again. "Salem, all we did was flirt! We didn't touch or kiss or fuck!" She defended. "What the hell has got you all tied up and jealous, huh!?" She asked, but I didn't answer. "You're never this way!" She continued. "You're always so kind, and calm, and collected! Why are you being such an asshole!?"

"I might be an asshole, but you're the fucking slut that cheated on me! And don't you dare say that you didn't cheat, don't you dare say that you two never did anything! You cheated on me, because cheating is an action that hurts the other person! You may not have touched kissed or fucked him, but you hurt me by flirting with Mako! Therefore, you cheated on me!" I retorted in anger, pointing an accusing finger at her as my sentence trailed off and my finger lowered.

"Salem... I –"

"No! I don't want to hear your apology." I continued in a calmer voice, cutting Korra off. "You had no regard for my feelings when you flirted with him... You thought that I would just let it slide because I'm such a great, kind person." I began, holding back tears for what was about to come. "You thought wrong... You took advantage of me, and you hurt me in the process..." A tear fell from my left eye and I wiped it from my cheek. "We're done, Korra..." I finally said. "I'll take a bus home..."

I walked up to her frozen form, seeing tears growing in her anxious blue eyes. She sniffled and I leaned in and gave her a warm, tight hug to which she returned, burying her face in my shoulder. We stayed like that for about a minute or so before we broke apart, wiping tears away and holding back more.

"We can be friends... right...?" She said with a mixture of permission and statement, her voice cracking while she tried to calm her breathing.

"Of course..." I replied, leaning forward one last time and kissed her on the forehead. "I'll see you at school tomorrow." I said against her forehead before backing away, grabbing the water-heater filter before taking one last look at Korra who stood still, waiting for me to leave so she could cry.

I slowly turned around and headed for the bus stop, I had seven dollars and fifty cents left which was just enough for a rip-tick. I would go home then go to bed early, I could fix the water-heater later.

How long did it take you guys to read? Let me know if I should cut it in half.

Believe it or not, I'm not even done with Salem yet. I love OCs because you get to create their personalities yourself. And an OC can deviate from their normal persona because they have that certain trait you gave them: passive-aggressiveness.

Anyhow, remember to Rate and Review.