Rating: K

He was on the train just as it was leaving the station. The sky was still dark with the lingering night when he boarded. It was full and he barely had space to stand, let alone try to find a seat. But, in all fairness, he wasn't eve supposed to be here; he was told to stay in bed for a couple of days. So Bolin wasn't going to complain about having to stand for an hour or two.

He might be declared M.I.A. If it wasn't for the fact he left a lettre to Iroh calling in a favour - he had many more to cash, and he didn't doubt they would all be of a similar fashion - and basically getting him a Leave at the last minute. He planned everything down to a tee; he wasn't a captain for nothing.

She'd be busy all day, and during that time he'd prepare. Like preparing a camp before war, he'd memorized the order of tasks and when he'd need help from allies. As a matter of fact, everyone had already been or was being mobilized. He had cashed in a favor from Asami to buy the best tickets in the Probending arena and he would pay her back; meanwhile Mako would pass by the florist and pick up a bouquet of pink roses and carnations and leave it in Bolin's apartment. Tonight was the night Korra would go and water his plants, pick up his mail and whatnot; usually it was Mako's duty, but the brothers made sure to let Korra know Mako couldn't make it tonight. After Bolin arrived he would go get the things for supper and surprise Korra.

Yes, it would all be perfect. And thus far, he was right on track; as the train pulled up to the station, Bolin hurriedly made it to the door and hopped out. He didn't have any luggage with him, as he only left for a day or two and wherever he'd spend the night he would have amenities.

He marched out of the train station, the early summer sun keeping him warm in his white teeshirt tucked inside his cargo pants. The walk from the station to his next stop was not a big one, considering he could take the tramway.

His first stop was his own apartment. By now Mako should have picked up the flowers, and even if he didn't Bolin didn't have anywhere else to go for a little while. Once he unlocked the door to his sparsely furnished apartment - despite his fortune as a mover-star, Bolin had mostly lived a simple life - he spotted the bright flowers on the table. He put them in a beautiful vase that had been a gift from the airkids and watered them. They stood out beautifully, and he had spare sheets to wrap the bouquet before he went to meet Korra.

The second stop was Asami's office. Her assistant gave him some trouble, but Bolin politely powered through and barged in like the old friend he was. Asami greeted him without missing a beat and stood up to welcome him. He had been gone for weeks, and he wouldn't come back for another few; but spirits it was good to see him. After a brief, but enjoyable, conversation she handed him the tickets and he gave her the yuans - which in itself was an ordeal, as she kept insisting he hold onto the money and use it for Korra.

The third stop was Narook's, where he prepaid the old man and organized a delivery to his apartment - he left him a key so they could put it on the table and cover the dishes while he and Korra were out.

The fourth, and final, stop was his own apartment, where he would catch a quick nap after re-wrapping the flowers. His mattress, pushed against the corner of the room, was laid on the floor and the blankets were plain. Except for one thick quilt that laid at the foot of the bed; it had been knit by Korra's mother. Also, some of his shirts were in a small pile on his side of the bed. He slept on her side.

He woke up and cleaned himself quickly, slicking his hair back in the style Korra liked so much, making sure his one lock was left untouched so it hung over his forehead. He took the flowers and waited in front of the door.

She nearly blasted him into the far wall, and then she nearly sent him into the table when she tackled him - he had barely enough time to get the flowers out of the way.

He told her he had an amazing evening planned for her; first was a nice walk to the Arena, and there he surprised her with the tickets. Apparently, she'd been dying to go see this match; as it was the finals. And she had been so down trodden when both Asami and Mako ad refused. Now she knew why and she was ecstatic!

She hadn't had a date with her boyfriend in ages and tonight he was surprising her and everything was just perfect...

Her team won the match; the polarbear-dogs winning by knock out in the end of the third round. They had both cheered loudly and energetically. They stayed until the place was mostly empty, to hear the announcer banter and the teams cool down.

They walked back to the apartment, his coat was on her. It wasn't cold, but she enjoyed the extra warmth and how it engulfed her. She fiddled with the sleeves as they talked. He assured her that after this campaign he would be allowed vacation - well, a cool down period; as it didn't eat into his vacation days.

At the apartment, he paused dramatically, telling her he was a magician and that he could make food appear out of thin air. All she had to do was guess.

"Hmm... Noodles would be good, Bolin the Fantastic," she had said.

"Your wish is my command!" He swung the door open, and she saw the table with the covered dishes. He opened the bellsand she saw her favourite food in the city: Narook's noodles.

"How'd you-?" She scoffed, a smile on her face, she shook her head. "You, sir, are just perfect."

The supper was delicious, but they ate rather quickly, eager to kick back and relax. The sun had long ago set when they were ready to go to bed. They laid down, facing each other and holding onto one another. They were a tangled mess of limbs and he wouldn't have it any other way.

Maybe he should take more sick days.