Hey, guys. I've decided to make this chapter revolve around Bolin. So enjoy.

Disclaimer: I do not own Legend of Korra.

Chapter 17

"Hello Mako, Korra, Asami… Where is your partner Miss Sato?" Doku asked as the three teenagers sat down in front of his desk.

"What? That's absurd." Asami exclaimed. "We're not dating." She said nervously.

"My apologies." Doku said. "During our previous appointment I saw you two engaged in an intimate kiss; I assumed you are both in a relationship." Doku explained.

"No, no. It was just a misunderstanding- HOLY SHIT WE FORGOT BOLIN!" Asami shouted as she stood up.

"He'll be fine." Mako reassured. "He's a big boy. Plus Tenzin and Pema are there to watch after him." Mako paused and thought for a brief second. "I hope…"

Back at the Air Temple, Bolin was pouting on the steps of the pavilion; angry that his friends and brother forgot him.

"What's wrong, Bolin." Tenzin asked the earthbender as he sat down on the steps next to him.

"Mako, Korra, and Asami forgot to bring me to the appointment with them." Bolin pouted.

"I'm sure they didn't mean to." Tenzin reassured him as he placed a warm and welcoming hand on his broad, tense shoulder.

"Yeah, I know they didn't." Bolin sighed as he played around with some stray pebbles beside him. "I just get sad when they do, though." Bolin started. "I always get the short end of the stick." Bolin threw the pebbles into the bushes out of frustration.

"Go on, son." Tenzin urged, curious of what the young man has to say.

"When I was dating Korra, I saw her and Mako kiss during the pro-bending tournament." Bolin began. "I realized then that Korra used me to make Mako jealous because he was dating Asami at the time and… Tenzin?" Bolin asked.

"Yes?" Asked Tenzin with a smile.

"Can I talk to Pema? I need a woman's point of view." He stated.

"Of course, son." The airbender said as the both of them stood. "She's in the garden with Terensu."

"Thanks." Bolin said tersely.

"Anytime." Tenzin said then walked to the gazebo to meditate.

"Pema?" Bolin asked.

Pema looked up to see the young earthbender walking up to her; green eyes clouded with questions. "What's wrong dear?" Pema asked. "Here sit down." Pema sat the young man down on a stone bench then sat down next to him herself.

"The Krew left without me. I'm fine with that; don't get me wrong but…" Bolin took a deep breath. "It reminded me of when I was dating Korra… When she kissed Mako at the arena during the tournament." He paused to think. "She used me to make my brother jealous because he was dating Asami." He began as Pema listened intently. "I was heartbroken because I thought I'd lost the girl I love to my brother." Bolin sniffled and held back tears. "I love my friends, I really do, but sometimes I think they expect too much from me; take my friendliness and kindness for granted." A single tear fell from his left eye.

"Sometimes I think about what the future holds for me." He continued as the one named Terensu sat down next to him, but he didn't seem to notice. "I think about it every day, in fact. Will I even have a future if I don't stand up for myself?" Bolin began to cry. "I just can't stand to see my brother sad if I told him off. He's looked after me and cared for me when we were out on the streets." Bolin let the tears fall to the ground. "But sometimes I think that he forgets that I have feelings, too." Bolin sighed. "I know Mako and Korra love each other, but I feel sad when I see them because I always think back to the time when they kissed…" Bolin looked up. "… But I always stay strong because I don't want every little thing to get to me. But sometimes I can't help but feel anger inside when I see them kiss, when I see ANYONE kiss." Bolin exclaimed. "That night I was gonna ask Korra to be my girlfriend and that I love her… But she doesn't love me back."

"Son," said Terensu getting Bolin's attention. Bolin looked at the man of around 45. He wore the normal acolyte clothing of red and orange that was hanging on his left shoulder like a sash; his pants were orange and stopped at his knees as his shoes ended there.

He has pale skin, toned arms, and broad shoulders. He was quite buff as Bolin examined him. Not just was his chest toned, but the rest of his body; much like an earthbender except for the blue arrow that ran all across his body. But the one quality this acolyte carries was his striking green eyes that reminded Bolin of his.

"Do not stare into the future, for it bears the emotions you currently feel. And do not dwell on the past, though it may be content an joyful, it also carries the pain and sadness that you must overcome in order to live in the moment, and moments to come." Terensu said in a deep voice.

Bolin stared into the acolytes green eyes and saw his reflection. He saw his disheveled figure; his unkempt hair, and his red, puffy eyes.

"Are you okay, dear?" Pema asked as Bolin nodded.

"Yeah… Yeah I am." He said confidently.

"I see myself in you, young earthbender." Terensu began. "Your disposition matches mine. You are a kind natured young man of…" Terensu looked him up and down. "… Sixteen years of age, who is humble and forgiving, but strong and sturdy." Terensu said with a glint of happiness in his eyes. "Do not let earthly attachments be the cause of your emotional demise because you are as robust as the earth you bend, as tranquil as the air that dries your tears, as bright as the fire that lights your spirit, and as hush as the water of the lake that is your mind." Terensu pointed to his forehead. "You are not your brother, you are Bolin. Do not worry or grieve over the life of others, for it is not worth the pain and suffering you will experience."

Terensu looked at the garden in front of him. "Imagine this garden is your relationship with your sibling." He gestured to the vast land of fruit and vegetables. "If you stop caring for the garden, the food will stop growing. But if you tend to it, the food will grow."

"So you're telling me that if I stop caring about my brother, our relationship will die?" Terensu nodded. "But if I can be strong and focus on now, and be happy for my brother, I can let go of all my worries and anger and be… Content?" Terensu nodded.

"Go forth, young earthbender, and be yourself." Terensu stood and went back to picking vegetables.

Pema turned to Bolin. "Are you okay, hun?"

Bolin, without warning, hugged here tightly then kissed her on the cheek. He let go then looked at her. "I'm more than okay. I'm enlightened." Bolin then got up and walked away with his head held high; a new man from this day forth.

As Bolin turned the corner, Terensu smiled. "This is a new day for you, young earthbender." He mouthed as he continued to tend to the garden.

I wanted Bolin to spiritually grow as a character but still be himself. I hoped you all like it.

Rate & Review and I'll see you guys soon.

-TheClaudMaster