Chapter Two

Satori's P.O.V

Being afraid of Republic City all these years really made me forget how truly beautiful and magnificent it is. Now that I am here, strolling the streets and examining everything that comes in sight, I am almost regretful that I have been thinking of this place as a haunted house filled with people just ready to pop out and kill me when it's not; it only was for me that one day. The man that took me should be long gone by know anyway since it happened three years ago. I don't need to be so scared anymore; I should let myself feel happy and safe in this wondrous city.

Four days ago, when Korra and I arrived, we got into a little bit of trouble with the metal bending Chief, Lin Bei Fong, because Korra accidentally destroyed a shop or two when she stopped and fought off a few thugs. When Korra pulled the whole 'I'm the Avatar' deference, Lin didn't care at all. Thankfully, Tenzin showed up and covered all the charges before taking us away with him. He was incredibly angry with us, saying that we should of never came and we are immediately being sent back to the tribe that night. Even after begging and reasoning with him, he still said no. But, when we were just about to get on the ferry, he miraculously changed his mind and said he would let us stay. He told Korra that Republic City has changed and they need her to help put it back in it's rightful place, so Korra made a speech to everyone in the city about how she is happy to serve them. Tenzin was a bit hesitant on letting me stay here as well, but Korra convinced him.

So, here I am, roaming around by myself and enjoying the nice, warm day of Republic City. Tenzin is keeping Korra locked up at the temple because he says for her to learn air bending she can't have any distractions. Let's just say, she's pretty ticked that I can go out but she can't. Even though it took a lot of talking for Tenzin to let me be alone in the city. He didn't like the idea of me wondering the streets without any supervision but after I literally got on my knees and begged him, he reluctantly agreed.

I'm knocked out of my trance when I bump into something forcefully. I squeeze my eyes shut, preparing myself for the impact of the ground, but it never comes. My eyes flutter open to see that two, large hands held me in place so I didn't fall. I look up to find out out who saved me and I catch gazes with two of the most gorgeous, ember green orbs I've ever seen. After a few moments of being lost in his eyes, my own, eager eyes dart around the rest of this man's face; or should I say boy. He has shaggy, raven-black hair that is naturally spiked. His skin tone is lightly tanned and it makes his already captivating eyes shine brighter. From the way his body is against mine, I note that he's very built and his shoulders tell me that he's a big-boned guy; defiantly not fat though, just broad. He's one of the most attractive boys I've ever came in contact with. Having this in mind, I feel my timidness creep up.

"I'm so sorry," I blubber out, wiggling out of his hold when he loosens his grip. "I-I really should pay better attention to where I'm going..."

He grins, shining me his perfectly white and straight teeth. "No big deal," he assures, waving it off.

"Are you sure? I didn't hurt you?"

"Hurt me? Of course not! I was more worried that I hurt you."

"Oh..."

Then it got awkwardly silent for a few moments. But, only I should be blamed for it because I've always been able to make situations awkward with my shyness around boys. Back at the water tribe, I had hard times speaking to guys unless they were children. I don't know why I become so weird and timid around the male population but I just do! Korra doesn't let me forget it either. She is way better at flirting and all the jazz than I am.

"So, what's a pretty girl like yourself walking around all lonesome?" he asks smoothly, the same grin still plastered on his face.

I instantly blush at his words but at the same thing I feel happiness override me. He flirted with me! Boy, was I not expecting that! How do I respond? Should I flirt back? Do I even know how to flirt?

"Oh ya know, j-just... chilling."

Wow, Satori. Don't get too charming now.

He chuckles. "You're super cute, you know that?"

Once again, my cheeks heat up from his flirtatious words. "I-I am?" I stutter out.

"Yeah. The way you blush and stutter nervously makes you look so adorable."

"Thank you?" I say, but it comes out more like a question. Finally, I just sigh, getting fed up with my humiliating self. "Okay, I'm sorry that I am being so awkward. I'm new around here and I honestly am not very good at making friends."

"Well, how about we change that? I'll be your friend."

"You will?" I ask and I wish I hadn't sounded so hopeful. It made me seem way more desperate than I truly am. Or, maybe I am that desperate and just in denial about it.

"Sure! You seem cool. How about I accompany you to a nice place to eat?" he suggests, smiling. "You seem hungry and this way we can get to know each other without being in peoples way on the street."

I giggle. "That sounds great." My face falls when I realize something. "Hey, how did you know I was hungry?"

"Don't know. I guess I just have a sixth sense sort of thing when it comes to food," he kids, shrugging while wearing a teasing smirk.

"Well, I bet that can come in handy."

We laugh together before he begins to lead me forward. I immediately follow him, walking by his side as we make casual, small talk until we arrive at the apparently delicious eatery he's taking me to.

"Hey," he suddenly says and I look at him questioningly. "I never caught your name."

"Satori, and yours?"

"Bolin."

"Well, it's a pleasure to meet you, Bolin," I tell him genuinely.

He smiles down at me and I almost swoon after the next words slip from his lips. "Not as pleasurable as meeting you, Satori."

xxxxxx

I practically skip my way towards the temple after the ferry drops me off. It was like I am on a never ending high because I had just spent the last five hours with the most amazing guy I have ever spoken to. After our meeting, we ate at his favorite restaurant, which was a noodle joint, before he had the idea to show me around a little. Well, the plan started out for it to be a little, but we both sorta lost track of time since we, or at least I, were having way too good of a time. I never thought I'd be able to be so comfortable around a boy, let alone an attractive one, and now I am. Bolin just made me feel so happy, so wanted. Like he actually enjoyed spending the whole day with me. I am not used to feeling like that since I am always in Korra's shadow and everyone would much rather be involved with Korra than me.

I was bummed that I had to leave Bolin's company but we both had to get home. He said that his brother is going to be wondering where he is and all I told him was that I was gonna be late for dinner. I didn't wanna mention I was living on Air Temple Island. Why you ask? Because then he might put two and two together and discover that I am Korra's sister. I don't want that because of the practical chance he would be like everyone else and find more interest in her than me?

Okay, I really need to stop that. I finally made a friend who hung out with me and seemed to actually be glad about spending time with me. Sure, he hasn't met Korra yet, but it's not like everyone has to like Korra more. So, why do I keep freaking myself out about it? Bolin truly acted like he enjoyed my company so maybe, if he meets Korra, he won't push me to the side for her.

"Satori!"

I look up and my swarmed thoughts quit when I hear Tenzin call my name. As I near the entrance to the temple, Tenzin comes rushing out before I can enter. I chortle at how red his face is beating.

"Waddup, Tenzie," I greet, snickering. "I wouldn't run so much if you're gonna get the red-faced. Did someone forget that they aren't a teenager again?" Usually he doesn't get bothered by my teasing, so when I see him not even roll his eyes or crack a smile, I become worried.

"Satori, you're in big trouble!"

"What? Woah, Tenzin, I'm sorry if what I just said upset you. I was just joking around about the age thing. You actually look great! I-"

"I'm not angry about what you said," he interjects. "I'm angry at you for staying out so late. It's after dark and I pacifically told you to be home before the sun sets."

I blanch. Crap. I totally forgot that he gave me a specific time to be home. Why must this stuff always happen to me? Damn Bolin for making things so entertaining. Actually, more like damn myself for liking him so much that everything else in my mind just disappeared.

"Look, I'm really sorry about that. I just happened to lose track of time and-"

"Lose track of time! How could you lose track of time? What were you doing that was just so important that you didn't think about everyone worrying about you?" he questions, his face still hot with outrage.

I bit my bottom lip before muttering, "Is Korra upset, too?" I purposely ignore his question because if I told him I am late because of a boy he would be even more furious.

"Yes, she is; more so than anyone else."

I sigh, rubbing my face in frustration. "So, how long am I in trouble for?" I hesitantly ask, not really wanting to hear the answer.

"You're not "grounded" if that's what your thinking," he says flatly.

My face lights up. "I'm not?"

"No. But, you are banned from going into the city alone."

"What? But Tenzin-"

He interrupts me once again, "No buts. I gave you the privilege of visiting there whenever you pleased and I trusted you. But, with what happened tonight, I know I can't trust you enough to keep that privilege." And before I can respond, he turns on his heels and stalks back into the temple.

I clench my fists, grit my teeth, before yelling out, "That's basically like grounding me!" Some part of my hopes he'd turn around and change his mind, but he doesn't. With a groan, I push open the doors and trudge towards my room. Once I step in, I am met with a strained looking Korra sitting on my bed. Oh great. I just don't get a break do I?

"Where have you been?" she quizzes almost right when she lays eyes on me. She hops up off of the bed and stomps over to me. "I was worried sick! Do you have any idea what time it is? Well let me tell ya, it's eight o'clock! That's tree hours too late, missy!"

"Jeez, Korra. You sound just like mom," I say, shaking my head back and forth.

She huffs. "Well, if sounding like mom is what it takes for you to listen then maybe I should sound like her more often!"

"How about we just sound like ourselves and you let me explain?" I suggest, smiling sheepishly.

She eyes me for a few moments before sighing heavily and nodding. While I take a seat on my bed, she hoists herself onto of the desk across from it. I lick my lips, preparing myself, and begin. "It was around three o'clock when I was just minding my own business and strolling around. But, when I was caught up in my thoughts, I accidentally bumped into something. Turns out, the thing I bumped into was a really cute, sweet guy. We apologized to each other and I wasn't planning on keeping up a conversation but then he started... flirting. And, you know me, I can't flirt. So, when I made an attempt to flirt back, I failed miserably."

I stop my story when Korra begins chortling. I glare at her and she quickly quits. "Sorry," she apologizes, still sounding amused. "Go on."

I roll my eyes. "Anyway, even after my lame try at being charming, he still seemed interested. Surprisingly, he offered to be my friend when I told him how horrible I am at making them. He asked if I wanted to accompany him to a bite to eat and I, of course, agreed. We ate for about a half hour and then he suggested that he shows me around the city since I informed him I was new. Once again, I agreed, and we just kinda spent five hours venturing around the city and just having a good time. I'm really sorry I was out so late, but it's just he was so nice and so fun and so cute that I didn't wanna leave! I hope you can forgive me..." I finish, frowning guiltily at the last part so hopefully she'll feel sympathy for me.

She just stares at me silently for what seemed like a really long time, before a smile spreads across her lips. "You like this guy, don't you?" she says smugly.

"What? No! I mean, I just met him! How could I like him when I haven't even known him for a full twenty-four hours yet?"

"Oh, cut the crap, Tor. You never forget when you're supposed to be on time. Heck, you're always the one to remind me whenever we had to go home back at the tribe. You make sure that everything is always in check and nothing ever distracts you when something like a deadline is put on you. Unless, you have your mind set on a guy," she tells me, leaning back against the wall with crossed arms. "Sure, you've only ever liked I think... one or two boys before but when you did, that's all you thought about at first."

I start to fiddle with my bed sheets.. "But..."

"Just admit it!"

"Fine, I like him! He's the most attractive, kindest, most fun guy I have ever met and I don't care if I had to be home at a certain time, I was gonna spend as much time as I pleased with him!" After the words slip from my lips I immediately regret them because I know she is gonna start lecturing me about this.

She sighs. "Satori, you know that falling for a guy this fast isn't good. You've done this before and you got your heart broken. I don't wanna see that happen again," she says sadly.

As much as I hate to admit it, she's right. A year ago, I met a guy named Hao who moved away from the northern tribe and to the southern. Him and his family moved into the house right next to mine so it was easy getting to know him. Him and I spent a lot of time together; we did almost anything you can think of. From attending tribal events with each other to just taking casual walks around the tribe. Yet, all of this lasted only three weeks. But, it only took that short period of time for me to completely fall for him.

Obviously, I wasn't in love with Hao, but I sure thought it at the time. He was the first guy to ever make me feel special. Although, I never felt that comfortable around him like I did with Bolin today; I always had this feeling of doubt with him. I ignored the feeling and tried my best to focus on the good things about him. But, I really wish I wouldn't have brushed it away because only a few days after those three weeks did he break my heart.

I overheard him confessing his feelings for Korra to Korra one night at my house. Korra, being the great sister she is, told him she could never share the same feelings because she knew him and were a thing. Apparently though, we weren't to him; he was just using me to get to her. Right when I heard him admit that, I fled the house and sprinted all the way to the entrance of the tribe in sobs. I didn't leave but just sat up against the wall and cried. Korra found me later and took me back to our house, muttering the most comforting words she could think of to me. They didn't really work though, because it took me three months to get over him. Ridiculous I know. Thankfully, he moved back to the northern tribe which meant I could get over him without having to actually see his face.

He's nothing to me now, but I know for a fact that I can easily fall the same way with Bolin that I did Hao... Just like Korra said.

"I know, Korra. But, I have to at least try. Just because of one heartbreak doesn't mean I should shut myself out from boys," I say in a matter-of-fact tone.

She gnaws on her bottom lip, uncertainty clearly shown in her expression. Her fingers patter on the desk top before she takes a deep breath and finally replies, "Alright, Satori. But, just promise me this time you'll be more careful?"

I nod jerkily, a terribly big smile appearing on my face. "I promise." But, then something comes to mind and my face falls disappointingly. "It's not like I can see him anymore anyways."

"What do you mean?"

"Tenzin banned me from ever going there unsupervised again. Which basically means I can never go there because he nor Pema ever visit the city unless he has a duty to commit to like a council meeting," I explain sorrowfully.

She frowns at my news but after a couple moments of quiet, she gets her "idea" face along with an obnoxious grin. "I know how I can get you and I in the city."

"Wait – you, too?" I ask, cocking my head to the side.

"Well yeah! I've been wanting so badly to go see a pro-bending match but Tenzin refuses to let me go!"

I purse my lips before saying, "But, what if Tenzin catches us? I don't wanna get in even more trouble than I already am and I don't wanna jeopardize your air bending training."

"Oh, forget about my training for right now. It's not working out that well anyway," she tells me, getting to her feet in excitement. "If I get us into the city and you join me to one of the pro-bending matches, I'll help you see this guy." She stares at me in hope as she bounces on her heels energetically. "Please, Tor? It's not like you aren't getting anything out of it."

I hang my head. "God, I am so gonna regret this."

Before I know it, she is picking me up and squeezing me tightly. "Thank you! Ah, this is gonna be so much fun!" After dropping me back onto the bed, she blurts out a goodnight before rushing to her room with a toothy smile plastered on her face. I roll my eyes and lay down on my bed, resting my hands behind my head as I smile up at the ceiling.

Maybe I won't regret this after all. I mean, I am gonna be able to see Bolin, so how can I regret that?