Author's Note: Just received word back from the fanfiction . net staff that they'll be adding Asami to the list of characters soon!
The inner section of the Bending Arena – the part that spectators didn't see – was a mostly windowless warren of gently curving passages lit by artificial lights. Exposed pipes and wires lined the ceiling, and the walls and floor were segments of stark, unadorned metal separated by columns decorated by simple patterns of squares. The air was always slightly cool, and the deep, pervasive rumble of machinery was always present. Initially, Korra got lost every time she tried to find her way in or out, but by now she could navigate to the main stadium and to Toza's gym without help.
The gym was her first destination. She guessed that Bolin would be back in the attic by now, and she would have to ask Toza for directions. She didn't like the idea. Toza was generally in a foul mood and really hated being pestered with what he though were stupid questions.
Surprisingly, however, the only person she saw when she reached the gym was Bolin. He was standing behind stacks of rock discs, working on aiming three at a time at the center of the training net. Korra knew from experience that the exercise wasn't overly difficult – as long as you had a solid stance and perfect form. The real challenge came from keeping the same level of power and accuracy while bobbing and weaving like you would in a real match, the way Bolin was now. He danced around behind the discs, occasionally ducking or blocking against an imaginary attack. Every so often, he would see an 'opening' and dig in for just long enough to lift three discs, and hurl them into the net with enough force to hit the wall behind it.
With his back to the hall and the intensity of his focus, Bolin didn't even notice Korra standing in the doorway behind him. She waited until he had exhausted his supply of discs and started collecting them again before speaking: "I could have sworn that Fire Ferret practice ended a half hour ago," she called out. She grinned when Bolin yelped in surprise and dropped the disc he was reaching for.
"Korra!" He exclaimed, turning quickly and wiping the sweat from his brow. "I thought you were getting lunch!"
"I did," she replied, holding up a brown bag in proof. "I've been gone for a while, Bolin. Or did you not notice?"
"Yeah..." he trailed off and rubbed at the back of his neck. "I guess I kind of lost track of the time." He sniffed at the air. "Are... those dumplings I smell?" He asked hopefully, leaning forward slightly and pointing at the bag.
The Avatar laughed. "You guessed it. Come on, let's put everything away and then we can eat upstairs. My treat."
"Yes ma'am!" Bolin agreed enthusiastically.
They got the gym back in order quickly and were soon making their way through the hallways to the attic where Bolin and Mako lived. Several corridors later, they were ascending a twisting wooden staircase that opened up into the attic of the Arena's southwest tower. It appeared to be more storage space than living quarters. Extra barbells and weights were heaped in various piles around the room, and the only thing that seemed even remotely homey was an orange couch in one corner that looked like it might be harder than the floor.
Still, it could have been worse. All four walls were nothing but windows, and sunlight streamed in. Because of this, the room was brightly lit and significantly warmer than the Arena.
"It's not much, but it's home," Bolin said cheerfully as Korra inspected her surroundings.
"Where do you sleep?" She asked, not seeing any beds. Maybe they sleep on the couch?
"Up there." Bolin pointed to a loft that wrapped around three of the four walls that was wider at the far end. Korra had assumed that it was just more space for storage, but the brothers probably had beds up there. It made sense; if the attic was still partially used for storage, it probably provided some extra privacy.
Bolin let her look around for another minute, then made an 'after you' gesture towards the couch, and the two of them flopped down next to one another. This is softer than it looks, Korra realized as she reclined backwards with a sigh. After another moment, during which she realized Bolin was staring at her with a pathetically eager expression of anticipation on his face, she opened the bag and began pulling out their meal.
"So, putting in some extra practice time all by yourself?" Korra inquired, handing Bolin's dumplings over to him.
"Hey, having space to train by yourself is a luxury around here!" He countered, reaching for his food. "Not all of us have an entire Island to practice on." He dug in then, shoving first one, then a second whole dumpling into his mouth. Bolin munched happily, blissfully unaware of the fact that Korra had stiffened and looked away at the mention of Air Temple Island.
With a tremendous gulp, he swallowed the mouthful. "Speaking of the Island, I thought you were heading back there after you grabbed something to eat. I wasn't really expecting to see you again today. Not that I mind of course," he added quickly, "Spending time with my buddy Korra and eating dumplings are two of my favorite things!" To prove it, he gobbled up another one.
Oh Bolin. Korra smiled weakly and pushed aside the thoughts of Amon and the Equalists. "Actually, something happened while I was out..."
"Oh? What happened?" Bolin asked curiously, looking up from his meal when she didn't continue.
"Well... I got run over by a moped, then invited to dinner," Korra recounted slowly. It sounds so bizarre when I say it like that.
"You what?" Bolin exclaimed. He threw his food down and leaned in close, beginning to poke and prod at her, "Are you ok? Does this hurt? Do you need to lie down?"
Korra laughed and fended him off. "I'm fine Bolin, really. Just some new bruises to add to the ones that you gave me during practice today," she reminded him.
"Well ok..." Bolin grudgingly leaned back. "But what kind of a jerk runs someone down and then asks them out?" He demanded suddenly. "The nerve of some guys. You hit him right?" Korra burst out laughing. "What?" Bolin's brow furrowed in confusion.
"First of all, it wasn't a guy, it was a girl. And I didn't hit anybody. I accepted. It's an apology dinner," Korra explained. "Plus she's apparently a fan."
"Of... running people over?"
Maybe. "No, of Pro Bending! She recognized me. She knew I played for the Fire Ferrets."
"Really..." Bolin said speculatively, his voice taking on a new tone entirely. "And this girl, she's... good looking?"
Gorgeous. "She's pretty." Oh come on, just pretty? Korra frowned. "I don't know what you're thinking, but whatever it is stop thinking it." Actually, she knew exactly what Bolin was thinking, and she didn't like it.
"All I'm thinking is that it would be nice of you to introduce us someday, that's all!" he insisted, putting his hands up.
"Uh huh." Korra wasn't convinced. She knew how Bolin acted around his fangirls. But why do I care? She asked herself, puzzled by her irritation. Maybe Asami was a fan of Bolin, and would like a chance to meet him.
"Anyway," Korra continued, resisting the urge to glare at her teammate, "The reason I came back here is because I have no idea where we're going and I was hoping you knew the place. It's called... Kuang's Cuisine?"
Bolin whistled and his eyes widened. "She's taking you to there? Wow."
"Wow what?" The Avatar prompted.
"It's one of the classiest restaurants in the city! It has a dress code and everything. Real formal. You have to be rich just to afford nice enough clothing. You can't even stand outside of it if you're not dressed properly. I know, I've tried." He raised an eyebrow. "Who is this girl?"
I'd like to know the same thing, Korra thought, amazed. "All I know is that her name's Asami and she and her father had a reservation, which he couldn't make anymore. You think she's rich?"
"She has to be," Bolin reasoned, returning to his meal.
"Huh." Well... She did seem very sophisticated. "So, where is this place?"
"In th' rish par' of th' city," The Earthbender managed around his mouthful of dumpling. He swallowed. "I can tell you how to get there, but you're on your own for the dress."
Korra sighed. I hate dresses. "That's ok, I can ask Pema for help with that. She's been saying that I need some nicer clothes for when I have to 'mingle.'"
"Well then, in that case good luck, and let me know how it goes," Bolin said earnestly. His expression turned sly, "And, you know, if you could, put in a good word for me." He waggled his eyebrows, and Korra nudged him, laughing despite herself.
"I'll keep that in mind," she conceded. "Thanks Bolin."