AN: I don't think I can safely angst anymore. I'm too happy with the way the finale turned out. So... Most of the coming ones are cute and happy. Also, I've been posting these earlier on my tumblr and it's safe to say I'm almost out of days and prompts to fill. However, I've LOVED doing these drabbles (not TECHNICALLY drabbles but Sara don't give a fuck) and I'd love to continue doing them. So if you guys want to see me write anything, prompts and such, I will do my best to provide. I'd love to keep this going though. Fill the void in the absence of new Korra and what not. Don't be a stranger!
Also, special thanks to everyone who has added this story to your favorites and alerts and especially to my occasional reviewers. I'm terrible about responding but I want you guys to know I really appreciate it. They always give me the warm fuzzies.
transformation
Growing up is a lengthy and often painful process. It comes with aches and sweat and occasionally blood and tears. Bolin had yet to realize this.
Mako had a tendency to soften the blow for Bolin. At first Bo liked it. It showed Mako cared and wanted for his brother never to feel the pains he did growing up. But after a while it got tedious. Because Mako always saw him as his kid brother. And he wanted to be his equal.
He tried many times to assert his maturity but it always rang false. His own naivety betrayed him time and time again and no matter how much he tried to grow up he couldn't.
Until he didn't have Mako around to keep him in check. Mako would disappear for weeks at a time with Korra on missions or diplomatic visits, leaving Bolin or fend for himself. At first it was fun. He got to do all the things he couldn't get away with when Mako was around.
But then the messes started to pile up. And the food ran out in the kitchen. And he'd lose track of where he'd put things. Laundry would go undone. He'd get harassed by rival pro-benders while out to eat.
And he was lonely. Unbearably lonely.
So, he realized he had to start taking things upon himself. He started to cook and clean and (channeling his inner Korra) sticking up for himself where he'd always learned to keep his head down. And he called upon Asami for a little guidance because he trusted her to tell him the truth about his personal transformation. He liked having an outsiders opinion. And he began to learn that being by himself allowed him to really examine who he was.
It was almost like Mako didn't recognize his little brother when he returned to find a four course meal waiting for him after a long mission. He was pleasantly surprised.
And unexpectedly proud.