Growing Up Together

by aTaCo9

Twelve drabbles about Mako and Bolin growing up together. These follow the brothers from the time they are six/eight until the time they are 17/19. Mostly fluff, but some violence and implied adult situations. Some of these are taken from my longer story "Blurred Boundaries."

11. Chapter 11

11: "Sometimes I Cry Myself to Sleep"

Mako was eighteen and Bolin was sixteen and their probending team had just won their match against the Buzzard Wasps. Korra had set Bolin's shoulder, which had been dislocated in the match, and had temporarily soothed his pain with her healing water. Mako put an arm around his brother's good side and helped him up the many stairs to their small apartment.

Sometime in the night Mako awoke to the sound of quiet crying. Opening his eyes fully, he debated as to whether or not he should acknowledge Bolin's sounds of distress. Finally his protective feelings won out, and he crossed the small room to his younger brother's cot.

Mako pushed at Bolin gently and he rolled onto his good side, making room for his elder brother. The firebender began to rub his back in small circles as he had when Bolin needed comforting as a child. Eventually Bolin's sobs quieted and his breathing steadied.

It was a long time before Mako fell into a restless slumber.