A/N: Okay, so a lot has happened regarding this story in the last week. First off, there is some sort of bizarre ship war going on in the reviews. In a way, I'm flattered that my humble story is attracting so much attention - but this IS a Makorra story, and I would like to keep the reviews a safe, kind space for Makorra shippers. If you don't like Mako or Makorra, that's completely fine - you can say it once, nicely, but you don't have to keep harping on it. If you'd really like to have a debate, feel free to create an account and PM people. If you want Korrasami content, there are literally thousands of great fics you could read to fulfill that.

Right, that is all I am going to say on the issue, so we will leave it at that.

Secondly, HUGE NEWS: this story was recommended on the Avatar Sunken Ships Tumblr! And not just recommended, it topped the recommendations list! *cue squealing* Huge, massive THANK YOU to the mods, if y'all are reading this, and thank you to all my followers, favouriters, and reviewers for your support, without which I probably would not have reached this milestone.

Thirdly, thank you very much to the people who have reviewed since my last update: Goku275, Black Dragon Master, AsahixMe, Guadalupe de jes, Sharpe, Char, Guest, The Illusive Man, IrishDreamer4, kalu23, Solar, Ardnessela, devilfiredog18, Equinox, Doctor Mau, Aquamirra, Mr Wilson, CrazyPhenom, and another Guest.

Here's Chapter 37!

37. Your hand fits in mine like it's made just for me

"Ta-da!"

Bolin sets the dishes down with a flourish, and the delicious, heady aroma of spices wafts towards his nose. He looks down at his plate; the food itself looks just as appetising as it smells. Well-braised meat, juicy mushrooms, green crunchy vegetables, and a side of buttery potatoes that look like they'd melt in his mouth.

He has to admit, when Bolin first invited him and Korra over to his place for dinner, he didn't think they would be getting restaurant-standard food. Bolin could cook, but he had never made anything more complex than a noodle soup before. Clearly, however, his brother has picked up some advanced culinary skills on his many business trips.

Next to him, Korra is inhaling with gusto over her own plate. "Damn, Bolin," she breathes. "Where'd you learn to cook like this?"

Bolin grins as he takes his seat across from them at the dining table. "Oh, you know, here and there. Varrick's dragged me to half the cities in the world by now, I think — and he's always trying local cuisine. Some of the stuff is a-mazing, and I've been trying to replicate some of my favourites."

"What inspired this one?" he asks.

"The world inspired this," Bolin says expansively. "This, my friends, is a global menu." He starts pointing at the various aspects of the dish. "This is braised platypus bear cooked in Northern Water Tribe style but flavoured with Fire Nation spices, with broiled mushrooms to give it Southern Water Tribe flair. The vegetables are from an old Air Nomad recipe Pema gave me, and these potatoes are a special variety that come all the way from Omashu."

"I swear I didn't see them when I was in Omashu," Korra murmurs, still breathing in the glorious smells.

"Well, you see them now. Dig in!"

They do, and if the smell of Bolin's gourmet food was stunning, the taste is absolutely mouthwatering. He takes a bite of the meat and suppresses a moan of delight.

"Bo, this is incredible!"

Bolin swallows his own mouthful and responds, "I know, right!? I didn't think it would turn out this good!"

They take their time enjoying the meal, exchanging casual chitchat. It feels like old times — except that Bolin's apartment is a lot nicer than the attic of the pro-bending arena, and the food is a lot better than the takeout they used to live off. Still, if he closes his eyes, he can imagine that they are the Fire Ferrets again, discussing game tactics and life anecdotes the night before an upcoming game.

Korra's hand finds his under the table and interlocks their fingers. He casts a quick glance at her plate and notes that she's finished. She gives him a quick wink while Bolin is occupied with scooping up the last of his buttered potatoes, and the corners of his lips lift in response.

It's a good thing he's nearly done with dinner himself, because there's no way he's letting go of Korra's hand even to eat. He remembers several instances (before Asami came into the picture) when he'd longed to reach out and hold this same hand — but he'd always held back because he didn't think it was a good idea. Korra was beautiful, he'd noticed that from the get-go — but at the time, he'd thought it was just a fleeting attraction, something that would pass eventually, and he hadn't wanted to muck up their team chemistry by dating a teammate.

Now, though, he recognises those initial sparks for what they were — the beginnings of their undeniable attachment, that unique bond that has connected them for over six years now, and probably will endure for as long as they live.

He doesn't plan on ever letting that go.

"So," Bolin says presently, "how's it going with you two? Are y'all — you know — official, yet?"

"Bolin," he says warningly.

"I know, I know." Bolin holds up his hands. "You're not rushing. It's been three months, so I just wondered. But it's fine if you're not there yet." He smiles softly. "It's just nice seeing you two together again. It fits, you know?"

Korra's hand tightens warmly in his. "Yeah," she says, smiling at him. "It does, doesn't it?"

He smile back, eyes glowing. Korra's hand does indeed fit well in his, and in the moment he notices other things about her that are just right, too. She is resplendent in her usual blue — the sleeveless top baring her well-toned arms — her skin radiant and gorgeously brown, her eyes sparkling. Her hair is the loveliest it's ever been: it falls just below the tops of her shoulders, halfway between its length when he first met her and the bob cut she'd sported for most of her relationship with Asami; he'd told her he liked it long, back in the day, and she seems to be taking that to heart (but he'd love her even if she shaved her head bald like the airbending monks). She wears it loose, now, save for the side locks that she braids back to keep her hair out of her face — it gives her a softer, more peaceful look, and it suits her beautifully.

He adores this woman, and he knows she loves him too. And with each passing day, he feels more and more assured that she is his future.

No, they aren't official yet — but if the little things keep adding up, it won't be long before they're ready to be.

A/N: Lyric is from 'Little Things' by One Direction.