Prompt: "Do you mind, Buffy? I'm trying to repress." - Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Summary: Korra realizes how much she can hurt Bolin.

Word Count:1 075

Rating: K

Their one-year anniversary was coming up. That's how she knew something was up with Bolin; who never really bothered with dates, and despite his military career, was as unorganized as they came. Suddenly he had an agenda to keep, he had "time slots" (she used air quotes for that) and a schedule. An actual, organized, busy schedule! At first she thought he'd gotten a promotion.

In hindsight, she wished she paid more attention.

It wasn't like she didn't care, that point wasn't even being questioned, no; but she hadn't even known the date on which she and he became an item. Had she been that kind of person, she would have known by the headlines in magazines - and a small article in an actual newspaper - the date.

But she wasn't that kind of person. That day, she would've been listening to the probending match recap on the radio while reading reports and requests. Korra didn't read the papers.

Anyway.

Things were quiet right now. She was in Republic City for a while, there to talk to Lin and Tenzin about a few things. But without Bolin here - and he was here; he'd taken a leave of absence for a week - she was mostly alone. Asami made some time for her, but Mako was completely occupied.

She got suspicious when he told her, "I'm not making any plans for thursday."

"What do you mean?" she had asked. They had both been sitting on his couch, listening to jazz as they lounged before bed.

"I mean I cleared my schedule."

She had rolled her eyes. "Well, thank you. Glad to know I'm not an afterthought in your busy life." It was meant to tease, but he hadn't replied; just let out a quiet sigh and slouched into the couch.

That should have been her next warning sign. But it wasn't, and she just lounged deeper into the couch, talking to Bolin about their day until their takeout arrived.

Thursday came. Oh boy, was she surprised. The first thing she said when Bolin woke her up, already dressed - and damn, his hair was styled just how she liked it - and with food, was "I thought you weren't making plans." Brilliant.

He laughed. "I said I cleared my schedule. Here," he said,putting the tray of food on her legs after she sat up. "Which wasn't exactly true..."

She stopped, coffee cup midway to her mouth. "Oh. So you're working," she deadpanned, putting her cup down. The breakfast was just an apology.

Something flickered in his eyes. "Well," he drawled. "If you count spending a day of doing stuff with my wonderful girlfriend as working, then sure. I'm working."

"Oh," was all she said at first, finally taking that sip of coffee. "You scared me for a second. I was looking forward to spending tonight with you." She took a dab of whipping cream from the pancake and smeared it on Bolin's nose.

He chuckled, his usual smile back on his face, and leaned in to rub his nose on her cheek. She shrieked, laughing, wiping at her cheek. Pushing him back, she contemplated throwing more food at him, but paused.

"Are you gonna help me eat all this?" she asked instead.

The rest of the day went by in a blur. Bolin had, evidently, not cleared his schedule at all; in fact, he'd planned just about everything. Their morning was taken by some sparring with one of the city's probending teams - two versus three just because they liked a challenge. Lunch was at an all you can eat buffet, because not only were they famished from their sparring, but it was always fun for them to see how much they could stuff their faces before the owners kicked them out.

Korra had never really liked movers - they were usually romantic comedies or dramas, and not her style - but when she saw this new comedian and his gags, she laughed and gasped all the way through. She might actually come back to rewatch this mover.

Their evening was the third warning sign she ignored. He took her to Narook's where, suspiciously, the meal was free. Then he took her to Harmony Tower for a while - there even were fireworks, like the first time they were there!

Wait.

Like the first time... Korra froze against the railing, overlooking the city. But she wasn't looking where Bolin was pointing excitedly - probably talking about an anecdote or other - she was looking at Bolin. This was exactly like their first... outing, or date, they went on together all these years ago.

But why? Why was he doing this today?

"Oh spirits, Bo," she gasped, barely loud enough for him to hear over the wind.

Bolin turned to her, slightly worried. "What? Did you see something down there?" He leaned over the railing, squinting hard.

"No, Bo- and don't do that!" She yanked him back. "No, Bo, I... I'm sorry."

His smile faded a bit, replaced by a puzzled expression. "What? Why are you..." His words trailed off. The puzzled expression slackened.

"Yeah, I... I forgot, I'm sorry." She leaned in to embrace him, but he stepped back to lean against the railing. She couldn't tell if he sad, or angry - probably both - or maybe just disappointed. But she knew exactly how she felt right now.

She supposed it was fitting, because all those years ago she felt pretty much like this. Bolin was hurt because of what she did.

"I can't believe you forgot," he said, disbelief heavy in his voice. His arms were crossed over his chest, and he shaking his head. But before she could reply, he looked up at her. "You forgot our one year anniversary? How? Like, really, how? Even I remembered it!"

His voice wasn't angry, no. Bolin didn't angry with her, almost like he was physically unable. But there was disappointment, and sadness. Korra knew this sadness well, she'd caused it once before.

"I'm sorry, Bo, I..." But words failed her. What was she supposed to say? She fucked up? She'd make it up (nevermind how)? Deep down she had wanted to remember, she knew; and Bolin knew she hadn't meant to hurt him, but... She did.

"I'm sorry," she repeated, hands stopping midway between them; not sure if he wanted a hug right now.

"I know." He sighed, still not looking at her.