Competing in Relationships

Kota was walking down the streets and later was encountered by Tarrlok, "Beifong!" he hollered as he approached the earthbender.

"Councilman," Kota said in a neutral tone.

"Have you seen Avatar Korra, she hasn't been around for quite some time," Tarrlok asked.

"Well to be fair, she joined the fire ferrets long before your task force." He said, "So, how goes the interrogation of those chi blockers? I have been informed about how they have been stubborn."

"Indeed they have," Tarrlok sighed in anger, "They are very tight lipped about Amon and far too loyal to even talk."

Kota heard a honk and smirked as he saw Asami in a satomobile, "Have my mother interrogate them. If they don't talk after that then I don't know what will get them talking."

...

In Republic City, snow is falling outside and in the pro-bending arena in the gym Korra is handling a blob of water and then splits it into two. She then rapidly launches small water bullets in different directions while Bolin raises his right hand to make an earth disc follow his motion. He made it hover in front of him. He throws it at Korra who launches the water blob at the earth disc making Bolin stumble back but then Mako twists around and vaporizes the water with a fire arc and delivers two fire punches.

Bolin uses an earth disc but Mako destroys it with a fire blast but Korra fires water bullets at Mako who jumps over it while Bolin throws an earth disc at Korra who shields herself with water from a nearby tank. Mako fires a blast of flames at the two but they both block with their respective elements but a second fire blasts hits Bolin in the stomach and he is flung backwards. He later falls down but he launches an earth disc at Korra who directs the water blob away. The blob gets hit by the earth disc and she's hit in the stomach but the water hits Mako straight in the face flinging him to the ground but they all sit up and laugh and Mako stands up while taking off his helmet.

"It's been great having you at so many back-to-back practices, Korra." Mako said.

"Feels good to be back, although Tarrlok isn't too happy about my leave of absence." Korra said.

"Hey, you joined the Fire Ferrets before you joined his task force." Bolin said.

"I do feel a lot better." Korra said.

"Okay, come on, team huddle time!" Mako said as he, Korra, and Bolin get into a huddle position.

Bolin smiles at Korra who smiles at Mako who smiles at the three.

"It's our first match of the tournament tonight. I know the three of us haven't been a team very long, but even so, the Fire Ferrets have never been this good. Are we ready?" Mako asked.

"We're ready!" Korra and Bolin said.

"Not quite." A voice said and they turned to see Asami and Kota walking into the practice room with the Future Industries sponsored gear. "You'll need these." Asami said, holding up a shirt with the Future Industries logo on it.

"Hey, Asami." Mako said.

"Good morning, sweetie." Asami said, making Korra annoyed while Kota looks at Mako with a smirk and mouths 'take her to bed.' Mako blushes at Kota's teasing.

"These new uniforms look great!" Mako said.

"YOU look great, champ!" Asami said and they eskimo kiss, making Bolin have a 'Really?' look on his face while Korra shows her disgust but acts normal when Mako turns to her.

"Well, teammates and Kota, I'll see you before the match tonight. Asami and I have a lunch date." Mako said as they left.

"Okay, we'll check you guys later, you know, we'll see ya when we see ya." Bolin said, waving at the two.

"Korra c'mon let's go," Kota said.

"Right," Korra said, picking her bag up.

"So, Korra. There they go, here we are, all alone in the gym." Bolin said.

"Kota's here too, you know." Korra said.

"Oh, yeah. I knew that. Here we are, the three of us. Together." Bolin said.

"Look, we need to head back to Air Temple Island so Korra can continue her Airbending training with my dad." Kota said.

"Yeah. I gotta get back to doing it. See ya!" Korra said as they leave and Bolin is now alone and he's disappointed at his failed attempt.

'Mako and Bolin's Apartment'

Mako and Bolin are in their attic and Mako is making dinner while Bolin is giving Pabu a bath much to the Fire Ferret's protests but Bolin manages to put Pabu into the tub of water but Pabu rises back up and shakes the water off his fur looking defeated.

"Work with me here, Pabu! You wanna look spic and span in your new uniform, don't you?" Bolin said and then turned to his brother. "So, what do you think of Korra, in a 'girlfriend' sort of way?" Bolin asked.

"She's great! But I think it makes more sense for me to go for Asami." Mako answered.

"I was talking about a girlfriend for ME! Leave some ladies for the rest of us!" Bolin said, annoyed.

"I know, that's what I thought you meant." Mako said.

"Well...?" Bolin asked.

"I don't know, Bo. It doesn't seem like a good idea for you to date Korra." Mako said.

"You just said she was great two seconds ago." Bolin said.

"Yeah, Korra is a great athlete and the Avatar and stuff, but I don't know if she's really 'girlfriend material'. She's more like a pal." Mako said.

"Bro, you're nuts! Korra and I are perfect for each other: She's strong, I'm strong; she's fun, I'm fun; she's beautiful, I'm GORGEOUS! Okay, I don't care what you think, I'm gonna ask her out." Bolin said.

"Look, it just isn't smart to date a teammate, ESPECIALLY during the tournament. Keep your head out of the clouds and your priorities straight, okay?" Mako said.

"Yeah, yeah, I know. Gah." Bolin said and he turned to Pabu. "You know what I'm talking about, Pabu. I'm talking about REAL love." Bolin said and Pabu looks confused.

'Air Temple Island'

Kota, Korra, Jinora, and Ikki are feeding fruit to ring-tailed lemurs in the snow.

"How's it going with the tall, dreamy Firebender boy, Korra? You've been spending A LOT of time together lately." Jinora said.

"Oooh, yeah! Tell us about the MAGICAL romance!" Ikki said.

"What? Listen to you two. I-I'm NOT interested in Mako or any romantic stuff. Besides, he's all about that prissy, beautiful, elegant, rich girl." Korra said.

"You just described Klutz and your feelings say otherwise." Kota said, agreeing to his sisters.

"Oh, whatever! But... let's just say for a second I AM interested in him. What do I do?" Korra asked.

"Well..." Kota was about to say something until he was interrupted.

"Ooh, I just read a historical saga where the heroine fell in love with the enemy general's son, who's supposed to marry the princess. You should do what she did!" Jinora said.

"Tell me!" Korra said.

"She rode a dragon into battle and burned down the ENTIRE COUNTRY." Jinora said.

"I don't think that's healthy," Kota said with confusion.

"Wait, it gets better. She then jumped into a volcano! It was so romantic!" Jinora said.

Kota later sighed in disappointment.

"Uhh..." Korra is lost for words.

"No, no, no! The best way to win a boy's heart is to brew a love potion of rainbows and sunsets that makes true lovers sprout wings and fly into a magical castle in the sky, where they get married and eat clouds with spoons and use stars as ice cubes in their moonlight punch. Forever and ever and ever!" Ikki said while Airbending upward in a circular motion out of excitement.

Kota again sighed at the naivety of his younger sisters.

"The volcano is starting to make more sense to me now." Korra said and just then a laugh is heard and they turn to see Pema. "Oh, hey, Pema." Korra said.

"How long have you been standing there?" Kota asked.

"Long enough. Korra, trust me, I know what you're going through. Years ago, I was in the exact same situation, with Tenzin." Pema said, shocking the three except for Kota.

"Daddy was in love with someone else before you?" Ikki asked.

"Was it Koko's mom?" Jinora asked.

"That's right." Pema answered.

"So, what did you do?" Korra asked.

"Well, for the longest time, I did nothing. I was so shy and scared of rejection, but watching my soulmate spend his life with the wrong woman became too painful. So, I hung my chin out there and I CONFESSED my love to Tenzin, and the rest is history." Pema explained.

"Wooow!" Korra, Jinora, and Ikki said in awe.

"But at the cost of my mother getting angry," Kota said, "Though to be fair, they grew apart as I got older."

"What did Lin do?" Korra asked.

Kota chuckled and started to walk away, "Ask Dad, though he may avoid the question..."

'At the Pro-Bending Arena'

"Folks, after a year of waiting, the Pro-bending Championship is finally here! Tonight is the first set of matches in our single elimination sixteen team bracket. I gotta tell ya, these are the most tenacious and talented bending trios this arena has ever seen!" The announcer known as Shiro announced.

"Introducing our first team, the Future Industries Fire Ferrets!" The ring announcer announced and the crowd started cheering. "And their opponents, the Red Sands Rabaroos!" The ring announcer introduces and the match between the teams starts.

"What an explosive opening volley. Both teams quickly recover and unleash a barrage of bending. I am astonished with the level of improvement displayed here by the Fire Ferrets. No wonder the Avatar has been absent from the papers lately. She's obviously had her nose to the grindstone in the gym. The Ferrets advance into Rabaroo territory and are holding nothing back. Nice sprawl there by Mako. Bolin strikes, Ula dodges, and all three Rabaroos are down. The Fire Ferrets easily take round one!" Shiro announced.

"Round two!" The ring announcer said.

"The Rabaroos are looking for payback and they go straight after Bolin. Korra comes to his defense and water whacks Umi back into zone two! The Ferrets are on fire tonight and they win round two!" Shiro announced.

"Round three!" The ring announcer said.

"With the Rabaroos down two rounds, they'll need a knockout to win, and with the way the Fire Ferrets are playing, I don't see that happening. These Ferrets are working together like a well-oiled bending machine. Bolin passes Adi back into zone two and the Ferrets get the green light to advance. The Rabaroos are just fighting to stay at their feet at this point. Out comes Adi, and Ula, and Umi!" Shiro announced.

"All three rounds go to the Future Industries Fire Ferrets to win the opening match of the tournament!" The ring announcer said and the team cheers.

"Already a good start." Kota said.

"That's what I'm talking about! Thank you, thank you very much. Thank you all, you fans!" Bolin said.

The trio return to the changing area.

"Nice first start. Keep it up and you'll win the championship." Kota said.

"Yeah. We really connected out there in that ring." Mako said.

"I know! I feel like the two of us have been connecting really well OUT of the ring too." Korra said.

"Oh, shit..." Kota said, knowing what Korra was going to do.

"Uh, sure." Mako said.

"So, I was thinking we should spend some time together." Korra said.

"Oh, we've been spending lots of time together." Mako said.

"I mean outside of the gym, and not while searching for kidnapped family members or fighting chi blockers." Korra said.

"I don't know. Asami and I have..." Mako was cut off.

"Look, I really like you and I think we are meant for each other!" Korra said abruptly but then quickly turns around and hides while blushing.

"Korra, I'm sorry, but I just don't feel the same way about you." Mako said.

"Forget I ever said anything..." Korra said disappointed.

"It's nice to tell him about your feelings, but that was a bit much." Kota said.

Just then Asami enters the room with Pabu on her shoulder.

"Congratulations, guys! You were so amazing out there." Asami said kissing Mako on the cheek and Korra and Mako looked uncomfortable at each other.

Korra sits down and Bolin sits next to her.

"So, Korra, I was thinking, you and I...we could get some dinner together, sort of a DATE situation." Bolin said.

"Oh, that's really sweet, but I don't think so. I don't feel very DATE-worthy." Korra said.

"Are you kidding me? You're the smartest, funniest, toughest, buffest, talentedest, the most incredible girl in the world!" Bolin said and Korra chuckles.

"You really feel that way about me?" Korra asked.

"I felt that way since the moment I saw you! Trust me, I know we're gonna have so much fun together." Bolin said.

"You know what, I could use some fun. Okay, sure." Korra said.

"Yes! Who's the luckiest guy in the world? Right here, Bolin!" Bolin said as they left.

Mako watches them while holding onto Asami who clings herself into him and rests on his shoulder but Mako is still thinking about Korra and Bolin.

"Why do I have a feeling this won't end well?" Kota asked himself as he left the room.

'At Air Temple Island'

In Korra's room Korra is getting ready for her date with Bolin.

"Korra, are you sure you want to date Bolin?" Kota asked.

"I don't see why not. We're just gonna hang out together. No big deal." Korra said.

"Bolin's nice and all and I know you wouldn't do anything to hurt him, but I'm concerned you're doing this to get back at..." Kota said.

"Mako?" Korra asked.

"Basically." Kota answered.

"Don't worry. It's nothing like that. We're just gonna have fun tonight. Besides, I think it might help with getting my mind off Mako and that way, no one gets hurt." Korra said.

"I hope you're right." Kota said.

"Everything will be okay. See you later." Korra said as she left the room.

'With Korra and Bolin'

"So, how do you like it?" Bolin asked, slurping his noodles.

"Hmm, it's delicious and totally authentic! I didn't realize how much I missed the Water Tribe grub." Korra said.

"That's great, 'cause this is my favorite joint. See? You love Water Tribe food, I love Water Tribe food, just another reason we are so great together." Bolin said.

"They are good noodles! Hey, who's that creepy guy over there, who keeps glaring at us?" Korra asked pointing at a young man sitting at a table with a girl in each arm and guys are with him and he has a smug look.

"That's Tahno and the Wolf-bats, the reigning champs, three years running. Don't make eye contact." Bolin said but Korra looks straight at Tahno who gets up and walks over to the two along with his teammates. "Uh-oh, here he comes. Now, don't mess with this guy, he's a nasty dude." Bolin said, eating his noodles.

"Well, well, well, if it isn't the Fire Ferrets. Pro-bending saddest excuse for a team. Tell me, how did a couple of amateurs like you luck your way into the tournament? Especially you, Avatar. You know, if you'd like to learn how a REAL pro bends, I could give you some PRIVATE lessons." Tahno said but Korra stands up close in front of him.

"You wanna go toe-to-toe with me, pretty boy?" Korra asked.

"Go for it. I'll give you the first shot." Tahno said, smirking.

"Korra, don't. He's just baiting you. If you hit him, we're out of the tournament." Bolin whispered.

Korra whistles and then Naga comes bursting through the window roaring loudly at Tahno making him fall over but his teammates catch him and they walk off while Korra and Bolin laugh.

"Whoa, ho, ho! I've never seen someone harass Tahno like that! YOU are one of a kind, Korra." Bolin said.

Korra and Bolin are drinking cocktails and Bolin lets out a burp and is ashamed but Korra burps even louder making Bolin burp again and louder this time and Korra burps again and is even louder this time and they start laughing but the couple next to them give a look of disgust and horror.

Korra and Bolin are now on Harmony Tower with other couples and they look at the view of the city and Korra is enjoying the view while Bolin enjoys having Korra with him.

'With Kota'

Kota makes his way over to the arena and he finds Mako sitting on a plate of stairs near the entrance.

"Mako? What are you doing out here? Shouldn't you be training for the tournament?" Kota asked.

"Huh? Oh, yeah. I'm just taking some fresh air to clear my head before the match." Mako said.

"I see." Kota said.

"Have you seen Korra?" Mako asked.

"Not after she left, no." Kota answered.

"She's probably going out with my brother. I told him it was a bad idea." Mako said in a bitter tone.

"Do you...have feelings for Korra?" Kota asked.

"What? No! That's crazy! You were there when I told her I don't feel the same way about her." Mako said.

"Yeah, I heard you." Kota said and just then he saw Korra arriving at the arena. "Korra's back." Kota said, walking up to the Avatar. "So, how was it?" Kota asked.

"We had fun. Nothing went wrong." Korra said as they walked for the arena but Mako stands up looking sternly at Korra.

"What kind of game are you playing?" Mako asked in slight anger.

"Uh, pro-bending? We've got the quarter-final match." Korra said.

"No, I mean with Bolin. You've got him all in a tizzy and I know you're only using him to get back at me." Mako said.

"Here we go..." Kota said face palming.

"I am not. We're just having fun together. What do you care about anyway?" Korra asked.

"I'm looking out for my little brother. I don't want to see his heart get broken." Mako said.

"Wait a second...you're not worried about him, you're jealous! You DO have feelings for me!" Korra said.

"What? Jealous? Don't be ridiculous!" Mako said.

"I'm not touching this! I'll see you two in the arena." Kota said walking into the arena.

"Admit it! You like me." Korra said.

"No, I'm with Asami!" Mako said.

"Yeah, but when you're with her, you're thinking about me, aren't you?" Korra asked.

"Get over yourself!" Mako yelled.

"I'm just being honest!" Korra countered.

"You're crazy!" Mako yelled.

"You're a liar!" Korra yelled back and they glared at each other and stormed into the arena.

"Oh, hey, Mako..." A stranger said but Mako ignored him and they both went into the arena through different doors. "Oh..." The stranger said.

'During the Match'

"Eight teams have been eliminated and eight advance into the quarter finals, which get underway way tonight. The rookies are about to take on the former and longest-reigning champs, the Boar-q-pines. Youth clashes against experience in a battle for the ages, or rather OF the ages." Shiro announced as the bell rings signaling the start of the match. "Korra dodges and, OOH! Slams right into her teammate! Down goes Mako and Bolin and Korra!" Shiro announced.

"This is not turning out well..." Kota said shaking his head.

"Round one goes to the Boar-q-pines!" The ring announcer said.

"You were supposed to defend while I attacked!" Mako snapped.

"I had an opening, so I took it!" Korra snapped back.

"What is up with you two? Alright, whatever, just pull together, guys." Bolin said.

"The Ferrets looking to mount some offense here in round two. Bolin lets fly a flurry of attacks, he's a one-man bending battalion. The Ferrets are having a rough time finding their rhythm tonight, but thanks to Bolin, they narrowly notch round two. Not sure what's eating them, but this is not the same team who took out the Rabaroos." Shiro announced.

"Round three is a tie! We go to a tie-breaker to decide the match." The ring announcer said.

"The Fire Ferrets win the coin toss! Which element do you choose?" The referee asked.

"I got this." Mako said.

"I know you usually handle these, but frankly, your head's not in the game. I'm gonna take this one. We choose earth!" Bolin said as a platform in the middle of the stage rises with Bolin and the Earth Boar-q-pine.

"Looks like the Earthbenders will collide in the tie-breaker face-off. Bolin goes in for the grapple. Chang reverses. Bolin strikes from midair, knocking Chang to the edge of the circle. Another strike from Bolin, and Chang is in the drink!" Shiro announced.

"The Future Industries Fire Ferrets win their quarter-final match!" The ring announcer said and Bolin cheers while Korra and Mako are relieved but they look away from each other annoyed and angry.

"Well, that was close." Kota said.

"Oh, that was a close one, folks! Youth triumphs over experience tonight!" Shiro said.

Later Korra is at the balcony of the arena and Kota is with her.

"That was a close call out there. Thought that was gonna cost you." Kota said.

"Yeah." Korra said.

Just then Mako comes walking toward Korra but Kota blocks the way.

"Korra doesn't want to talk to you right now." Kota said.

"Look, I know she's angry, but I just need to talk to her." Mako said.

"It's okay, Kota." Korra said and Kota backs off.

"I'm gonna go," Kota said, walking away.

When Kota was gone, Mako spoke up, "Korra, we need to talk. Look, sometimes, you can be so infuriating, but I..." Mako was cut off.

"Just save it, Mako, okay? You already made it clear how you feel about me." Korra said.

"No, I haven't. What I'm trying to say is; as much as you drive me crazy, I also think you're pretty amazing." Mako said.

"So, you DO like me?" Korra asked.

"Yes, but, I like Asami too. I don't know. Things are complicated. I've been feeling really confused and..." Mako was cut off as Korra kissed him on the mouth shocking him but he kissed Avatar back making her blush.

The two later pulled away and saw Bolin carrying flowers and he made a shocked expression. Korra then looks down in shame after looking at something behind Mako who turns around to see Bolin standing carrying the flowers for Korra and he starts to burst into tears and runs away crying while dropping the flowers.

"Bolin, this isn't what you think!" Mako called but Bolin was gone. "Great! Look at what you did!" Mako berated Korra.

"You're blaming ME?!" Korra asked, insulted.

"YOU kissed me!" Mako yelled.

"YOU kissed me back!" Korra yells back and Mako growls in anger and then runs after his brother. "Go on. Say 'Well played, Korra'." Korra said.

'With Mako'

Mako arrives at Narook's Seaweed Noodlery, trying to find his brother.

"Morning, Narook. My brother here?" Mako asked and the man named Narook points to where Bolin is and he's sitting slumped across a table depressed. "Thanks." Mako said walking for his brother. "C'mon, wake up. Taking you home, bro." Mako said and Bolin looks up at the Firebender and sniffs sadly and dejectedly.

"Don't call me that. You're not my brother! You're a brother betrayer! The only one I can trust anymore is Pabu! Pabu loves me!" Bolin said sadly pointing at Pabu who is lying on a bowl on the table with a big stomach indicating he ate noodles.

"You're a mess. We've got the biggest match of our lives tonight. Let's go." Mako said as he puts a hand on Bolin's shoulder but Bolin slapped Mako's hand away.

"No! I'm not going anywhere with YOU! You traitor!" Bolin yelled.

"Guess we'll have to do this the hard way." Mako said as he picked Bolin up and hauled him onto his back.

"No...! Why...?" Bolin asked sobbing.

"Told you dating a teammate was a bad idea." Mako said.

"YOU'RE a bad idea! Put me down! Put me down!" Bolin cries while Pabu gets off the table and slowly follows the brothers.

'With Kota'

Kota was in his room, thinking about how Mako and Korra interacted. He later realized something and started to sigh, he got up and went to find Mako.

'At the Pro-bending Arena'

Korra returns to the locker room, happy that she and the team were able to make it to the finals despite Bolin getting injured.

"That was pretty much the coolest thing I've ever seen!" Bolin said.

"Thanks for not giving up on us. We never would have made it this far without you. I owe you. Big time." Mako said.

"Don't mention. So...I know things are confusing right now, but I hope we can still be friends." Korra said.

"Definitely." Mako said.

Just then Kota comes in and looks at Mako with a glare. 'His glare reminds me of Tenzin's,' Korra thought as the said air master's son walked up to Mako, "You and me, outside, now."

Mako gulped at Kota's death glare and complied. When the two were in a private place, Kota kept his scorning gaze at Mako, "Did you kiss her?"

"W-well..."

"Don't you FUCKING lie to me," Kota said in a threatening tone, "I felt your heartbeat rise as you started to talk, so don't bullshit me and tell me the truth, NOW."

Mako gulped as he confessed to the older earthbender, "Korra and I kissed," Mako said, "I'm sorry, please don't tell Asami-"

"Oh, I'm not telling her," Kota said, he later gave Mako an evil smirk. "YOU are and I'm gonna be lenient and give you some time to tell her. Just be happy with your current predicament 'cause I could've done something worse."

Kota turned around and walked away, still angry at Mako for pulling off a dumb stunt like that.