Author's Note: I know I am scared too, two chapters almost back to back. Consider it a thanks for still reading this. We are now getting to some guts of the story. Hopefully in the next chapter or two I can work in Korra.
Kisa woke up with a smile on her face and happily sighed as her alarm woke her up early. She just kept on thinking about that kiss on her forehead over and over again in her dreams. Her mind could not help but think that maybe the little nasty trick Tahno pulled off was just the push the two of them needed. However, the leader of the Wolfbats would not get off that easily, after all someone needed to teach him a lesson of staying out of other people's business.
After getting ready for another pro-bending medic morning shift, Kisa headed toward the arena. Once inside the changing room, a few of the female staff members gave her a cold glare. The healer just shrugged it off for now, afterall if Tahno was going to keep up his tricks it was probably going to happen all season. As soon as she changed into the loose fitting beige scrubs, Kisa headed into the office for her duties. Her supervisor beamed a smile and boasted, "Ah Kisa, just in time. Once again Tahno and a member of the Wolfbats are here for some physical therapy. They won't let themselves be seen by anyone but you." Kisa did her best to fake a smile and headed toward the smaller rooms for prep. She wanted to tell her supervisor then and there that she wanted nothing to do with that team, but if she lost this job then she would have to go back to the South Pole and leave Bolin.
It was only minutes and Kisa's ears picked up on the coo's and flirty attempts made on her next client. When she stepped outside to get Tahno she simply spoke his name and tried her best not to cringe. Tahno smoothly replied, "well my my my, if it isn't the lovely and talented Kisa. I can't wait to spend our alone time together my precious. Sorry ladies but I have to be in top shape for tomorrow's match." He then threw a wink at a few of them just enough to calm them down with his alone time statement. All attention then went toward his teammate, Ming who was coerced by Tahno to show up this morning.
Kisa knew that if she had any hope of getting just a smidge of revenge on the leader of the Wolfbats she would have to wait and just play along for now. Today, no funny business just be her usual self, even if deep inside she wanted to smack some sense across his face. As Tahno layed down for her examination Kisa went into her usual trance like state trying to find any areas that needed help. Thankfully this time no knots, strains or tears, so it should be a pretty short session. Tahno lightly cooed, "Kisa, you are quieter than usual. Are you just distracted having your hands all over me. Don't worry I won't tell anyone what happens here touch all you want." Afterall, it would be a boring session if he really did not get to play with his little toy a bit.
Kisa's right eye lightly twitched as she tried not to yell at him and shook her head. "Oh sorry I just got so focused there. I just wanted to make sure that the work I did on you last time settled in. And yeah, you are in top condition or rather nothing that I can do here," responded and try to lightly smile. "You can ahhh get up now, so I can tend to your teammate," she added with a slight delay hoping that Tahno would quickly exit.
Instead the tall, waterbender stood over her and soaked her simple appearance in and leaned into her. He grabbed her hand and lightly kissed it and said, "until next time, Kisa, my talented healer." Since it was a kiss, even from the horrible Tahno, her face lightly blushed. However, it felt no where near the bliss she felt last night, in fact she slightly wanted to gag from Tahno's pathetic attempt. They walked out the door so that Kisa could tend to her next patient, Ming the earthbender for the Wolfbats. Ming was slightly conflicted and relived to leave the fangirls behind, he really did not get how Tahno could deal with them all the freaking time, but they were very beautiful. Tahno took Ming's spot and did his best to entertain the medical assistants while Ming got his physical therapy done.
Kisa leaded Ming to the simple room and asked him to lay down on the table, Ming just shrugged and went along with it. Honestly, the earthbender was really baffled why Tahno insisted that he meet Kisa and go to physical therapy with him. As Ming prepared to have his ear talked off about how amazing Tahno was, he was amazed at the silence and concentration Kisa had. When his green eyes did look up he just saw her beautifully focused eyes fixed on her hands and his muscles. This girl certainly was different and it was a breath of fresh air to Ming, not to mention she was very appeasing on his green eyes. The only conversations the two had were simple questions of if something hurt or if he could move a little bit. When the session was done, Ming's limbs felt renewed, strong, and loosened up ready for an intense match. When the session was over, he sat right up and blinked a few times as he moved about. "Wow, I had my doubts why Tahno said I had to see you, but it all makes sense now. Kisa, you really are a fantastic medic. I hope I can get another session with you again," he sincerely spoke.
The healer just smiled and responded with, "I want to be a great healer so I am just doing my job. As for another session just talk to my supervisor and I am sure they can work it out." Ming smiled, nodded and headed back outside so that Tahno and him could leave and head off to some press conference thing. The rest of her shift was pretty boring, no one really came in for physical therapy. During the lulls her mind wondered what Bolin was up to.
For Bolin, his day was no where near as relaxed as Kisa's. After another grueling practice and trying his best to prevent Mako and Hasook from killing eachother Bolin was ready for a break. Thankfully, practice time was over and it was time to eat. Mako was cooking a simple stir fry with what they had around the apartment, and Bolin was letting his mind wander around as usual. Finally Bolin broke the silence with, "so Mako, what do you think of Kisa as well like a girlfriend?"
Mako almost tripped from this out of the blue question and pondered for a second. He really did not know what to think, she seemed nice and sweet and was probably a great match for the two. However, the protective side of him worried that maybe he should get to know Kisa a bit more before making a judgment call. "Well, what I know of Kisa so far she seems pretty nice. I dunno if she is girlfriend material, but honestly Bolin I haven't hung out with her as much as you have. I need to get to know her more before I can form any opinion on her."
Bolin took Mako's intentions into a slightly different direction and shouted, "you're right Mako! You have not spent anytime with her, so we should all hang out together tonight. We can take a little walk around town and just relax a bit before tomorrow's match. That way you can see how great of a person she is." Bolin beamed about his cleaver idea. Mako was not going to object and just simply nodded. Maybe this would be a good way to get to know the person who is slowly stealing his brother's heart.
Bolin quickly scarfed down his meal and said, "OK, I am going to go find Kisa and let her know about tonight. See you later bro." Within seconds, Pabu was on his shoulder and the two of them took off to the arena and streets to find the healer. Thankfully, they did not have to look far because Kisa had just left the arena for her shift for the day when they saw eachother. Kisa lightly smiled as Pabu made himself at home on her shoulder and greeted them both. Bolin told the healer of their plans for tonight and nodded in agreement.
"That sounds like a great plan, it would be nice to get to know your brother a little more as well. Do you guys want to meet at Penguin noodles in like an hour?" Kisa delightfully asked. Bolin agreed and apologized for having to take off, but it would probably be nice to Mako in on the plan as well. Pabu then scurried off into the direction of the brother's apartment and Kisa rushed home to try and look semi-presentable. She knew that Mako was tough but caring so tonight Kisa knew she needed to impress the firebender.
Kisa lightly picked up her pace wearing the outfit Bolin helped her get on their first outing together. Her hair was mostly down with a few braids and a small water tribe clip to keep stray strands from getting into her sparkling light blue eyes. The girl wanted to show up early in fear that being late would rub Mako the wrong way. She lightly fidgeted while waiting on the two taking slow breaths to try and calm herself down. When her blue orbs caught sight of the two brothers her face started to lightly burn pink, a blush that was not going to end until the night was over. "Hello, Bolin and Mako," she greeted while meeting up with the two. Pabu then crawled onto her shoulder and Kisa responded, "you too Pabu." The pet responded with some happy sounds and almost a purr.
Mako and Bolin were dressed in their usual attire because they really did not own much outside of that. Mako's golden eyes scanned over the female in front of them and he was rather impressed how cute she looked when her hair was down. Bolin just smiled as he stumbled his greeting, "Kisa, you look rather … well … ahhhhh …. you look really good tonight."
Mako just lightly chuckled at what just happened and chimed in, "Evening, Kisa. I just wanted to say in person sorry about yesterday." He was genuine in his apology, but given that Kisa was not glaring in his direction he kinda assumed things were alright between the three of them.
"Oh yeah, I thought I told Bolin to tell you I forgive you for yesterday. You were just protective of your brother and your actions were logical. The only one I want to punch or rather slap some sense into is Tahno. Sadly, I think I got stuck working for him most of the season," Kisa said while signing at the end. She shook her head and tried to get that thought out of her head quickly. Tonight was going to be fun and enjoyable, not a night to dwell on the past. Realizing that there was a weird silence between the three of them, Kisa chimed in, "so where is our first stop? I would like to eat some more of that vendor food again because I have company."
Almost right on que Bolin's stomach growled and the earthbender tried to cover it up. "I think that sounds like a great idea," Mako said while leading the way. He thought it might give the two behind him a chance to have some slight alone time. Kisa's arm lightly brushed up against Bolin's strong arm and it sent shivers down her spine. Just little touches were enough to subdue her for now. Small talk and chatter occurred as they made their way toward the food vendor area. They mainly talked about how they ended up in Republic City, how their day went and a bit about their family. Kisa was saddened to find out what happened to Bolin's and fought off the urge to hug them both. She also made a mental note to never play a joke on Mako using his coveted red scarf.
Once at the various food vendors, the brothers got a little amused as Kisa walked up and down them again and again. The healer just could not decide what she wanted more so she just bought the two items she was eyeing. Mako noticed that Bolin was trying to keep up with her to try and maybe pay for part of her meal, but Kisa was oblivious to his attempts. The firebending brother made a mental note that she defiantly was not into him for free food, so that was good. They then found a patch of grass to sit on and enjoy their meal.
Kisa kept on taking turns out of which hand she ate from, one had a grilled meat and veggies on a stick and the other one was little fried sugary doughballs on a stick. The brothers had some meat buns from Bolin's favorite vendor. Kisa eyed their meal and wondered how the heck that tasted, it certainly looked different but smelt pretty appetizing. The healer finished her dessert giving a few ripped off pieces to Pabu as well. However, Kisa did not finish her actual meal so she offered it to the brother's who mostly gave it to Pabu. Mako made a light joke that he should be telling her no dessert until Kisa was done with her meal which made the group lightly chuckle. They then sat there for a while savoring their well earned meal and continued to talk some more.
Mako then finally asked, "So Kisa, you are a waterbender right? Just curious how good are you?"
Kisa looked away a bit, she told Bolin that she was not good in the fighting sense but defiantly left some details out. Oh well, if they were going to like her for who she was, now was the time to be fully open with them. "Oh well, I am an excellent water bender, top notch even, if you don't count actually fighting with it. I can honestly only heal and once in a while make an ice wall for protection." Mako looked a little puzzled and Bolin listened in as Kisa continued, "in fact I actually cannot do any of the basic offensive water bending. I tried to the point of almost passing out but nothing happens. No one knows why I can do amazing healing but I am unable to do a water whip to save my life. But that is fine with me, I love healing so I just want to get stronger so that I can be the best waterbender my way." The brothers gave her a sad gaze at first, but it quickly changed as Kisa beamed a smile and lightly pumped a fist in the air. "That is why I am here, to get better with healing. To heal injuries and things that no other waterbender could and to even start learning some more advanced medicines too," Kisa added and then felt a little better explaining her abilities to them.
Mako was the first to respond, "wow, that is pretty impressive, Kisa." He was rather impressed and could now see why her and his brother clicked so well. They were both chipper, hard workers, fairly optimistic and grateful for the small things they had. If his brother was going to date someone hopefully it was this girl.
Bolin lightly wrapped his arm around Kisa's shoulder and added, "yeah, that is pretty amazing. I know you will be a great healer someday. No wait … you already are I mean everything felt so great after that little session we had so of course you already are an amazing healer." Kisa just looked at him, letting her eyes grow wide as her face was now as red as fireflakes.
They then decided to walk the streets a bit because last time Kisa did not get to see all of the sights last time. Bolin knew of a great tower that overlooked a lot of Republic City that she would probably enjoy the view from. They walked through a small maze of alleys to get there a little quicker. During one turn of the corner Kisa's blue eyes grew wide and quickly bolted toward what looked like a recent motorcycle crash. It would have explained the noises the three of them heard earlier. The brothers tried to catch up with Kisa, but she bolted as if her life depended on it. Mako quickly observed what happened but it was too late to warn Kisa that the guy she was rushing to heal was an Equilist. Although the Equilist movement was just starting he kept on hearing rumors that they would openly attack any bender who used their abilities on them. The golden eyed boy and his brother stood ready and in case anything happened. They thought that if Kisa just healed the injured Equalist there should be no logical reason for anyone needing to attack.
Kisa ran toward the man after jumping over a tipped motorcycle and leaned down to check his vitals. Soon a painful, manly moan escaped his lips followed by a few groans. When his eyes focused he saw a cute girl over her asking if he was ok and to stay still. The Equalist was going to take this girl's assistance for now because he needed to hurry back to headquarters with his report of a rumor that the Avatar might be heading to Republic City. Kisa's blue eyes scanned him as her delicate fingers tried to make some observations in the lamplight. Things were fine until her hands turned blue and immediately the masked Equalist sprung to his feet and started to Chi-block the healer not fully aware of the brothers in the background. "There is no place for benders," he growled during his very precise and accurate strikes.
His movements were a blur and Kisa was completely caught off guard. Amazingly, contrary to theory Kisa could still move even after being Chi-blocked. "No wait don't move you are going to hurt yourself more," Kisa shouted while trying to grab him. When her hands grabbed his hand a smirk grew on the Equalists face because Kisa just touched his new weapon. Soon electrical arcs covered Kisa and a buzzing noise echoed throughout the alleyway.
Bolin and Mako quickly started to aim fireballs and rubble toward the man as soon as they saw the electricity flow through Kisa's body. Bolin had to focus to try and help Kisa out when he saw her body lightly slump. Within seconds after dodging a fire and earth attack, the equalists was back onto his motorcycle and took off. However, he took a quick glance back through his rear-view mirror and saw that Kisa was still conscious and moving. She seemed to be unaffected by the Chi-blocking and their new equipment. "I will have to inform Amon quickly," he muttered.
Kisa's jiggly legs started to move and she stood up while Bolin rushed to scoop her up into his toned arms. He tightly clung onto Kisa as he tried to fight back the few tears in his face. "I am so glad you are alright, Kisa. I am so sorry we couldn't help you, it was all too fast," Bolin barley got out. Mako just put a firm hand on his brother's shoulder and looked over Kisa looking for obvious signs from their battle. However, Kisa looked just fine, shocked and shook up yes, but given what just happened to her she should look a lot worse.
"Kisa, are you alright?" Mako asked while Bolin continued to just clutch onto her. "If you are not just say so. They did some chi-blocking on you so if you can't move anything that is normal."
Kisa examined her body and blinked a few times bewildered that she was unaffected by their actions. "I know this will sound weird but I am just fine. It felt like my body just rewired itself when the electricity was going through me. It was like nothing I ever felt before. Thank you though, Mako and Bolin," Kisa responded. She then wrapped her arms around Bolin tightly hugging the earthbender while her mind tried to put everything together. The two brothers took a sigh of relief as Bolin continued to hold onto her.
"Well tonight was a little overwhelming. Kisa, you can come back to our place and even stay the night if needed. You don't have to be alone tonight," Mako spoke and Bolin nodded.
Kisas lightly responded, "I would like that, thank you Mako. Bolin, you can put me down now, I want to see if I really am alright." Bolin complied and gently placed Kisa back on her feet. Sure enough, Kisa was able to move just fine and even took a little sprint down the alley just to be sure. She then quickly headed back to the brothers and did her best to smile because she got the feeling they were worried about her. Even if everything did not go according to plan, she at least got to spend sometime with the Fire Ferret brothers and got along well with Mako.
As they headed back there was not a lot of talk, but the occasional small talk to try and cover up the weird silence. Kisa then politely asked if they could stop at her apartment so she could grab a few items. They agreed and waited outside the complex as she headed inside. It was then that Mako said, "she's good Bolin. Thanks for inviting me with you guys tonight, I will see you back at the apartment." With that the golden eyed boy waived to his brother and took off to the streets. He had a feeling that his brother needed a little alone time and a chance to say something that was on his mind since he rushed toward Kisa's side.
Bolin just beamed a smile and softly said, "yeah Kisa is great. I will see you soon, she should not take too long." The earthbender then leaned against a wall and waited for Kisa to come out of the apartment. It did not take long until the healer appeared clutching onto a simple bag that had what she needed for the night. Her blue eyes grew wide as Bolin extended his arm for her to hold onto.
Just when her mind was going to go to a happy place she noticed that Mako was not there. She hoped that he was OK, afterall Bolin would have said something if Mako left for a different reason. As if catching onto the female, Boling quickly chimed in, "oh, Mako took off he wanted to make sure our place was acceptable for company." They then started to take off toward the apartment and Bolin could feel Kisa's grip on his arms get tighter. She did not get injured at all but she got an alarming awakening that they city was not a safe place to live. Pretty pathetic that someone she was trying to heal easily turned on her and did their best to injure the poor girl.
While thinking of that and what Kisa went through, he stopped and slightly turned his body so that he was facing Kisa. His green, warm eyes looked right at her and confessed, "Kisa, I care about you and I was completely torn when I thought that person hurt you. Kisa, I like you and I want to spend more time with you." There was a bit of a pause as Kisa's face turned bright red and she struggled with the wording of her response. Only a few squeaks came out so Bolin took it as a chance to try and calm things down with adding, "I mean if you want to that is."
Kisa finally managed to get out, "Yes. I really like spending time with you too, Bolin." That was good enough for the eathbender for now and he let go of Kisa to do a little victory dance.
"Who is one lucky guy, right here, Bolin," he cheered while Pabu joined in as well. Leave it to Bolin to boast and dance happily over a simple yes from a female.
A few little giggles escaped Kisa's lips from the eatherbender's display. She then chimed in, "I dunno I think I might be the lucky one here. I am so glad I rock bent that day." Once the celebrating was over, Kisa's slender but strong hand grabbed Bolin's strong and rough hand and laced their fingers together. It sent a ticking, tingling rush all over her body that pumped her full of electric energy. For Bolin it just felt nice, warm, and comforting, a feeling he did not want to leave anytime soon. The walk back the brother's loft went by way too fast, but Kisa had a feeling that there would not be much waiting until the next time they get to hang out.
Bolin walked Kisa thought the empty arena and and thought some hallways she wasn't aware of until they reached a staircase that lead to their loft. Bolin chimed in, "It is pretty simple, but the views are great."
Kisa responded, "can't be any worse than my place. I am paying way too much for basically a closet with a window and a tiny bathroom. It is pretty sad, but it is a roof over my head, close to work and a safe place to sleep at night." As she reached the top of the stairs she overheard Bolin knocking and shouting to give Mako a heads up. When they entered their loft Kisa's jaw dropped as she took it all in.
"This is amazing! You guys this is so beautiful. Oh, my gosh there is a bathtub in here, an actual bathtub! And the views!" Kisa exclaimed while running through the apartment. Mako smiled to see that she was in much better mood and glanced at Bolin. He assumed that things went well between the two of them because Bolin was now beaming with confidence and bubbly happiness.
"Well glad you like the place, make yourself at home and just let us know where you want to sleep for the night," Bolin stated while he watch Kisa explore the place. She finally settled on a couch just watched the view from a nearby window. Bolin then sat next to her and also watched the stars and city lights flicker from their view. It has been a while since he actually appreciated the view from their loft. He was just about to say something when he felt Kisa's head on his shoulder followed by some light breaths. Kisa had fallen asleep against the warm and lightly padded Bolin. He stood there a bit wondering what he should do, thankfully Mako walked in with some pillows and a blanket. Mako then helped Bolin lay Kisa down trying to not wake her up and covered her in a warm blanket. Bolin then made a little makeshift bed from some blankets for himself right next to the couch. That way he was not sleeping with her but was about as close as he could be comfortably. It was not long and all three of them plus Pabu were sound asleep.