Aylin was at Air Temple Island, relieved that Korra was getting so much better and being like herself again. She still could remember the somber feeling in the air as everyone waited for Korra to get better as the Air Acolytes tended to her.

Mako was the worst of them all. He was constantly pacing and asking questions about Korra. Was she safe? Was she feeling better? Was she okay? Was she in pain? Could he see her?

Tenzin had rather patiently told him that she was being tended and would have his answers soon when the air acolytes were done. Mako seemed almost hysterical and Aylin knew he was trying to hold it in for his sake. When they were told that Korra would be okay, that she had a few scrapes and bruises that would fade in a day, Mako had nearly plowed them down in his rush to get to Korra's room.

It seemed as if he was on fire and was trying to get away from it but Aylin knew he wasn't. He was running to the fire that called to him. One that he could not ignore nor obliterate no matter how hard he tried. Aylin felt relieved that she was okay and noticed that tension in the air, while not completely gone, was lifted.

When Mako had gone, Asami seemed to wait a few moments before following him and Aylin wished she could say something, anything to help Asami but knew she couldn't. She had never been in a love triangle and would never how to react.

What if Bolin was the one who was in love with another girl but was with her? Could she live with that? Could she live with the idea that when he was with her, he was thinking about the other one? She didn't know and didn't want Asami to suffer but knew it was too late for that.

Korra was eating as if she hadn't eaten in months while everyone stared at her, worried yet relieved. "Mmmm, mmmm. The food tastes amazing, Pema. I'm finally starting to feel like myself again."

Mako was sitting near Korra, watching her every move, making sure she wasn't overexerting herself based on how he looked at her.

"We're so thankful you're home safe." Pema said as she stood up. Aylin automatically stood up alongside Asami to help her since she was pregnant.

"Let us help you." Asami said as they each carried off empty plates and cups to the kitchen. "Korra, I realize you've been through a lot but I need to know everything that happened."

"Well, first off..."

They didn't hear the rest of the conversation as they went inside the kitchen. Pema had filled up the sink with water and soap and Asami and Pema had rolled their sleeves to wash them. Aylin didn't need to push up her sleeves because she always wore short sleeved shirts and leggings under mid- thigh skirt and her ankle shoes.

"Ah!" Pema yelled painfully as she grabbed her pregnant stomach. Asami and Aylin reacted instinctively, dropping the dishes as they reached for her.

"Pema."

"Are you alright?" Asami asked worriedly. Aylin hoped nothing was wrong with the baby.

"The baby is just...kicking really hard is all. I'm fine." Her face was etched with determination and pain and Aylin briefly wondered if she really was okay.

"Should I go get Tenzin?" Aylin asked, holding Pema's arm carefully.

"No reason to worry him. It's nothing." Pema said offhandedly, touching her stomach before they returned to washing the dishes, albeit reluctantly.

"Can I get some hot water? Korra needs more tea." Mako announced as he stepped in, carrying a teapot.

"You're a firebender. Boil it yourself." Pema and Aylin glanced at each other, stopping their work on the dishes as they heard the anger and resentment in Asami's voice. Asami was still ignoring him, drying the dishes almost angrily.

If Aylin thought about it, Asami was kinda right. He was a firebender. He could boil it himself but then again, he was worried about Korra and Aylin could only partially not blame him for worrying.

Pema touched her shoulder and Aylin knew the signal she was making. She wanted them to leave to leave Mako and Asami alone.

"We're going to step out in case you two wanna talk." Pema said as Aylin followed her as Asami and Mako looked at them. Aylin saw the face Pema made and wondered if Pema knew what was going on or knew that Mako was in trouble.

Aylin sat down next to Bolin and he immediately wrapped his arm around her waist, kissing her cheek warmly. "Welcome back."

She smiled and leaned into him. He smiled and continued to eat with his other hand as Tenzin and Chief got up and left. Bolin had given her a quick rundown of what had happened and she had widened her eyes and looked to Korra who just shrugged and got up just as Asami came storming in the living room and out.

"What's up with her?" Korra asked but Aylin just shrugged as they all got up.

"Well, we got to go." Bolin said as they all stood up, noticing the carefully the hidden defeated note of his brother.

"Where?" Aylin asked as they all headed out of the kitchen.

"We got to find out what's going on at Republic City and help." Bolin said as everyone rushed outside where the airbending kids and Chief were at.

"Okay, I'll come with." Aylin said, wrapping her arm around his bicep, her body humming with satisfaction.

"We heard explosions. What's going on?" Korra exclaimed.

"Republic City is under attack." Chief said and everyone froze with horror and dread.

"We have to go!" Korra said and no one complained as they started to run to the boat. Bolin pulled her to a stop and Aylin frowned as he yelled, "Go on, I need a minute."

"What's going on?" Aylin asked.

"I want you to stay here with Pema."

She stopped, feeling offended and hurt. "'Why? I can help." She dropped her arms from his and stepped back, blinking back tears.

"No, I mean yes. I mean..." Bolin sighed and walked up to her, gripping her upper arms gently, stroking them with her thumb. "I know you can. I know that and that's one of the things I love about you."

Her breath caught at the L word. "And I'm so proud of you. But I want to protect you and I think this is the best way for you to be safe while the rest of us go find us some bad guys."

"And you?" She said, her anger peeking through. "What about you? Do you think I want you to go out and get arrested or worse? Republic City is under attack and the equalists are throwing bombs. What if you get exploded or something?"

"Aylin..."

"Don't you Aylin me, Bolin." She said, stepping away from him and her heart squeezed at the hurt look in his face. "I don't want you to get hurt. I want you to be with me. I don't want to lose you."

For anything. She covered her face, pushing back to stop the tears from falling. She didn't want to lose him at all. "I just can't lose you, Bolin. Not after..."

I hurt you. After bloodbending you.

"Aylin." He murmured before she felt his hands grip her wrists and pull them away from her face, bending down so he could look at her face looking up at her. "Look at me."

She reluctantly looked at him and saw the warmth in his green eyes. He stood up slightly as she looked up at him. "I care about you. There's nothing that can make you lose me. I won't let it happen."

"But..."

"Shh," He murmured, placing his forehead against hers, his breath swirling against her face. "You won't lose me. You won't ever lose me. You can hurt me, punch me, yell at me, do anything to me but you will never lose me."

Tears fell out the corners of her eyes and Bolin rubbed his nose against hers, his hands cupping her face. "Please stay. I'll come back to you. I want you to be safe. Can you do that? For me?"

She sighed, giving in. Why did he know the words to calm her down? Why was he the one who can get her to do things that she would have never done otherwise?

She nodded and he sighed softly before letting his lips fall against hers, his hands going down to her back before letting his arm slide over her back and waist to pull her closer to him, her arms gripping his shirt tightly as their lips moved against each other passionately. The heat erupting like a volcano between them and suddenly she wanted more, she wanted to be burned by it, by him.

Her body pressed against his tightly, feeling every taut muscle and skin against hers and her body yearned for more. Her arms snaked up to his shoulders and hair and pulled him closer to her and she felt her lips get swollen, her breath coming in fast pants. Bolin's grip on her body was tight and she wanted him to squeeze her more, mold her body to his like a puzzle. She wanted his hands on her body, his lips on hers, his body covering hers like a blanket.

Bolin pulled back reluctantly, still holding her to him and she nearly gasped at the fire in his eyes, setting her already heated blood into flames. He smiled, cheeks flushed and chest moving rapidly against her breasts.

She suddenly felt very vulnerable and shy and hid her face in his chest. His hand came up to smooth her hair and he placed her chin on the top of her head.

"You'll stay?" And the way his voice was so deep and husky made her body squeeze deliciously in anticipation.

"Yes," Her own voice shaky and breathless.

"Thank you," He said before she felt his arm wrap around her, giving a much needed hug and she let her arms squeeze his neck tightly, not wanting to let go.

They stayed like that for a while until they heard Korra call out to him so they could go to the ferry. She tightened her hold on him before placing a soft kiss on his neck which had him tighten his hold on her before letting her go. She stepped back and smiled up at him, trying not to let worry and fear seep inside her soul. "Be careful, okay?"

He smiled a goofy smile and she giggled.

"I'm always careful." He said before stealing a kiss from her plump lips that were still swollen and rushed off to the boat, where Mako, Korra and Asami were waiting. She waved until she could no longer see them, hoping that he would be safe from harm.

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