Bolin knows a lot about romance. If there was such a thing as flirtbending, he'd be a master – he'd be the master. He knows he's charming, romantic, and girls have always naturally flocked to him. He's used to being fawned after and admired, and while it certainly hasn't done a thing for his ego, it's certainly helped his self esteem.

He had struggled a lot with his confidence as a kid - especially with tall, lean Mako for a brother. Bolin had always been the short, stocky kid, a little on the chubby side despite being homeless and constantly hungry.

Becoming a pro-bender, forming the Fire Ferrets with his brother, and gaining so many fans has certainly done a number on his opinion of himself. He's truly, honestly grateful for each and every one of the girls that flirts with him, that ask for his autograph…and even more thankful for the ones that spontaneously shriek and kiss him.

He knows how to pick up girls, how to flirt, how to be charming and funny, how to get their attention, and how to treat them on dates. He's pretty good at kissing, and has been with plenty of them to know respect and manners. Bolin figures he's a pretty desirable guy, and has never (in all honesty) met a woman who didn't take a liking to him.

Korra is the exception.

Bolin's able to bring up the memory of their first meeting with extreme clarity, and it always makes him smile. His heart had skipped at the sight of her, even before she had revealed she was the Avatar. And, maybe, the butterflies had tossed themselves in his stomach just a bit more violently when he found out she was.

Korra was the one that changed everything for him. He didn't feel like dating hoards of faceless fans, hadn't given other girls a second glance. He had never been nervous around girls before, but quickly learned that the heavy-heart, his blushing face, and sudden stuttering that occurred around the strong-illed and tenacious Avatar was a sign that he was truly, absolutely twitterpated.

He tries everything to get the attention of the dusky-skinned, inky haired, curvaceous girl.

He sends her flowers, gives her shiny trinkets and gifts, and orders dainty sweets from the local bakery – anything that would get a normal girl's attention. But he soon realizes that Korra isn't a normal girl when it comes to dating, and is pretty airheaded despite having not mastered airbending.

She practically inhales the chocolates, feeds the flowers to the turtleducks at the park, and lets Jinora keep most of the sparkly, shiny jewelry. Even Bolin's meaningful touches and obviously flirtatious comments during training go unnoticed.

"Give her time," his brother says, "Asami didn't go for me right away."

Bolin refuses to burst Mako's bubble by reminding him that his girlfriend ran him over with a moped.

Months pass after his initial meeting with Korra, and he begins to notice the change in her personality immediately. She is distant, worried, and constantly looking over her shoulder. He tries to comfort her, but she either wants it or isn't easily directed from the path of apprehension, so he gives up eventually. Training goes well; they're functioning awesomely as a team, and suddenly their worry over the championship disappears.

Suddenly, Bolin is in the arena, light on his feet, leaping away from flames, water, and discs of earth as he gives it is all. He wants to impress Korra, wants to impress the Avatar.

He sends the other team's waterbender flying over the stage, and the crowd screams, leaps to their feet, and the roars of congratulations and incoherent praise echo in his head. He's numb, but lucid enough to realize they've won.

They've won.

He twists around to see Korra and Mako high-fiving, both of their faces bright and cheerful. Korra turns to look at him, her face lighting up more, if it was even possible. Time slows down as she launches herself towards him, and he almost stumbles when the Avatar throws her strong arms around his neck and squeezes.

A woosh of air brings the hearing back to his ears, and he realizes she's shouting over the din of the arena.

"Bolin! Bolin! We did it! That was amazing! You were awesome! How did you – oh spirits, we won!"

Bolin stares at her when she lifts her dark head, gives him another huge grin. Over Korra's shoulder, Mako is taking off his helmet, and giving his little brother a significant look.

The earthbender looks back down to the girl attached to his neck, takes her jaw in his hands, and confidently lowers his lips to Korra's mouth. And now, holy shit, he's kissing the Avatar, kissing Korra in front of thousands of people.

Bolin grins against her lips, suddenly swings his arms up, pulls her against him, and dances across the platform merrily.

Screw subtlety. Screw tact.