170 ASC
"Hey! What are you doing in my gym?!" A man's voice shot out from behind her.
"Uh–I was just looking for a bathroom, and I got lost," Korra lied, hoping the old man would go away without questioning her further.
"Ah, the old 'I had to pee excuse'," The man pointed an accusing finger at her, squinting at the intruder. "You know, I'm sick and tired of you kids sneaking in without paying. I'm taking you to security!"
"No, wait–!"
"There you are! I've been looking everywhere for you. It's alright Toza, she's with me." A boy about Korra's age strolled in beside her. He had thick dark hair and beautiful green eyes. The muscles in his arms bulged from his uniform. Korra's eyes shot between Toza and her savior, registering the fact that this stranger was trying to help her.
"Yeah, I'm with him," Korra smiled, hoping it didn't look all too fake.
"So you see, we're together," The boy replied, keeping the game up. Korra nodded, before realizing what he was implying.
"Well not together-together, more like friends," Korra hastily shot back, glancing at the boy, who cringed.
"Right, friends, no-no, I didn't mean to imply–" The boy backtracked.
"Oh you implied it."
"Ah, I don't care what you are! I've got work to do," Clearly not impressed, Toza left the two teens, getting back to his work.
Korra stood, unsure what to do, before a voice interrupted her thoughts.
"Ooh, right this way miss," The boy turned to face Korra, his eyes gleaming.
"I thank you sir," Korra replied, before whispering, "Seriously, thanks."
The boy nodded, a cheeky grin on his face. He was cute, with a strong jawline, broad shoulders and the sparkle in his eyes, Korra grinned at her new friend, following him out of the gym. They walked down a short hallway in silence and Korra heard a roar grow louder and louder. It sounded like a crowd. Before she could say anything further, the boy opened a door. "Whaddya think? Best seats in the house, huh?"
"Woah." Korra looked around speechless. In front of her was the arena, the actual pro-bending arena! She'd heard the matches on the radio religiously, but Tenzin wouldn't let her go because it was "a mockery of the noble tradition of bending". The old airhead. If he could see her now. "Unbelievable. This place is even more amazing than I imagined." The dome was incredibly huge, the roof made of panes of glass, and the bright lights blinding Korra. Rows of little heads waving hands and banners littered the room. She was in awe. This was real deal.
"Name's Bolin, by the way."
"Korra."
Mako's POV
Mako shook his head as her opened his locker door. Behind him a smug Bolin was making the casual introductions with what appeared to be another fangirl.
Mako wasn't jealous. Just because the first girl he ever kissed was an accident, didn't mean that he would stay single old boring Mako for the rest of his life.
Atleast, that's what he hoped.
"Psst, Bolin," Mako hissed, forcefully jamming his gloves past his fingers.
"Yeah."
"I told you, you have to stop bringing your crazy fangirls in here before the matches. Get her out of here." This was an order Mako had repeated many times in the past. Too bad the instructions left Bolin's head when he found another pretty face to impress.
"Come on, Mako! Right, look, I kinda promised her she could stay," Bolin grinned, pointing over his shoulder to the girl. "But man, I got a good feeling, there's somethin' special about her. I know it!"
Bolin walked over to the girl and pushed her towards Mako. He sighed, mentally throwing the issue out of his mind for now.
"Come here, I want you to meet my brother, Mako."
Mako met the girl's eyes briefly. And that's when it hit him. A tingly feeling first, like he'd seen the girl somewhere before. But a rush of emotions hit him. He had seen this girl somewhere. On a ship. It was cold air. And she'd stole something that was his.
A memory of a flying animal carrying the girl imprinted into his memory came back and he ran through his life, wishing that out of all the times he'd had moments like these, just one would give him an answer. But it never did.
Emotions with this girl shot our like rockets. She caused him more pain and suffering. Somehow.
Mako had always trusted his gut, and he wasn't going to make an exception this time. She had to go.
The girl's eyes grew wide as she said, "Mako? Wow, I-I heard you playing on the radio." She stuck out her hand, admiration seeping out of her fingertips.
Mako wouldn't listen.
"Come on, Bolin, we're up." Mako walked straight past Korra, and from the corner of his eye, he saw her hand fall down. Good, he thought. Maybe she got the message.
Mako neared the entrance to the stadium, taking a deep breath. He fingered for the edge of his scarf but it was safely kept away under his bed. Where no one could touch it.
He heard Bolin speak to the girl one last time before stepping out finally onto centre stage. "Okay, I gotta go, wish me luck. Not... that I'll need it."
Bolin ran to Mako's side, his helmet on, and energy pulsing through both brothers' veins.
"Good luck," the girl said, and Mako imagined the delicate curve of a smile on her face." Knock 'em out!"
And with a sudden burst of adrenaline, Mako felt a warm rush through his spine. He readied himself for the match, oddly reassured that someone was watching. One. Two. Lights. Three.
"Introooooducing, the Fire Ferrets!"
Author's Note: This story was last updated on November 17th, 2012. Well, woo, Happy Remembrance Day folks. Thanks for serving and keeping our world a safer place. Well wishes to everyone affected by Typhoon Haiyan. The world is behind you.
