Lin had reservations about having Tenzin get involved and when Korra’s presence was made known, she folded her arms and turned toward the Avatar. Lin’s mood dropped considerably as she immediately regretted her decision to agree to Tenzin’s request. She didn’t consider Korra would bring her new found knowledge to the public but it still left her feeling very vulnerable and full of regret. She didn’t think she’d want to involve Tenin. She had been on the fence about it and with Korra having eavesdropped, it only solidified her concern that doing something off the books would endanger her career and possibly Tenzin’s life. Lin would have rather left before she had to deal with Korra and Tenzin’s exchange as it was awkward and tense and more of an annoyance than anything else.

[b]”Alright, goodnight.”[/b] Was all Lin could tell Tenzin as her scowl remained present. She was quick to take her leave, not feeling up to saying anything else. 

- - -

[b]"Oh Mako."[/b] Asami rolled her eyes. He had grilled a rather good steak but it had been a while since she had anything like that since she began to bunk with Korra and the others on Air Temple Island. She was fond of the idea of having something easy to cook and chicken fried rice fitted the bill perfectly. As they started chopping and cutting the ingredients, Bolin kept thinking about Korra and the others back on the island. Asami could tell he wanted to be more persent though and when Mako suggested Bolin handle the chicken, she brightened up. [b]”Yeah Bolin, I’m sure you’ll be great.”[/b] She smiled and glanced to Mako, glad he was trying to encourage his brother to branch out and try new things, even if they did involve fire. She was pretty sure he wouldn’t burn her house down.

[b]”Wow really? Alright, sure!”[/b] Bolin brightened up. Asami gestured to where the indoor grill was and Bolin hurried over and stood beside her. She showed him how it worked, since she wasn’t fond of bringing bending into the kitchen since it wasn’t something she felt was easy to control. And since Bolin wasn’t a fire bender like his brother, she figured that he might want to stick to something basic anyway. Asami told him what the controls did and how they worked and she stepped back to let Bolin grill the chicken. She walked back over to Mako and got the rest of the ingridents. The rice was almost done and soon they could combine everything, sit back and enjoy. As Bolin set to grilling, Asami fetched a bottle of sake, it being a delicate beverage from a far away island.

Asami stood by Bolin again, making sure he was doing okay but she really wasn’t too worried. [b]“I could set you up with one of my friends, if you’re looking to get back out there.”[/b] Asami offered gently. She knew Bolin was pretty good with the ladies and she wanted him to be happy. If he kept holding out for Korra, she wasn’t sure if he’d ever get a happy ending. It was clear Korra had things to deal with and Bolin needed to have more friends to talk to and hang out with. Asami didn’t mean to imply that Korra wasn’t good for Bolin but she knew how much she had damaged him, deep down. All she wanted to do was give him a new, perhaps refreshing relationship. It didn’t even have to be romantic but since Bolin was stepping out on his own, she figured he might like the company of one of her friends. Of course she wouldn’t push the matter if he wasn’t interested in meeting new faces.

As Bolin turned the meat over, he glanced to Asami, still seriously considering her offer. He loved hanging out with Korra, as well as spending time with the air bending kids but he could sort of see where Asami was coing from. He had been so focused on Korra that he almost lost sight of himself. And the same could be said for his own attachment to his older brother. [b]“I think it could be fun, we could even go out on a double date.”[/b] Bolin laughed and then remembered that Mako and Asami weren’t together anymore. [b]“Oops, sorry.”[/b] He said nervously and looked to where his brother stood. He then looked back at the meat, happy with how it was grilled and seasoned. [b]”It would be nice to spend time with some other people, what do you think Mako?”[/b] He asked as Asami took the meat and began to cut it up and mix the rice, sauce and other vegetables together.

He wasn’t necessarily looking to Mako for approval as to whether or not he should go out with someone since he knew it could be friendly and nothing else. Bolin was more asking for encouragement from his brother. Bolin was sure Mako would understand both his and Korra’s situation and Bolin didn’t want to make Korra uncomfortable. Asami noticed his uneasiness and glanced to Mako before putting her head back down. She wouldn’t set anything up if Bolin was really hung up on Korra, as she didn’t intend to hurt someone’s feelings. She just thought Bolin would like a change of pace and maybe it would help him make his own friends and forage his own path. [b]”How’d I do?”[/b] He asked, changing the topic.

Asami stepped back and turned around, holding the large bowl of their finished product. [b]”Pretty good, I think if you and Mako hadn’t become pro benders, you two could surely have become great chefs in any of the top restaurants.”[/b] Asami complimented.

Bolin grinned and did a small cheer just as they heard several loud bangs. A servant answered the door and allowed Korra in. When she entered the kitchen, Bolin smiled gently. [b]”Glad you could make it.”[/b] He said and picked up the bottle of chilled sake. [b]”We were just getting ready to eat.”[/b] Bolin said. Asami nodded and said there was certainly enough for her to join them. The four moved into the dining room to enjoy a nice cultural meal together. Bolin was still mulling over Asami’s offer, knowing it was harmless and well intended. HIs mind felt conflicted. He knew he shouldn’t keep waiting for a girl to like him, and that if he felt like checking with Korra about it, that he really did need to move on. He couldn’t base his life choices on the idea of a future that might never even be. 

Now wasn’t the time to talk about love though.

As everyone helped serve themselves, Asami noticed how Korra had become rather bothered by something. She took a sip of sake and glanced to Korra, not sure if she could help the troubled Avatar. Asami still wasn’t ready to be friends but she was trying, hopefully Korra could as well. [b]”Bolin and Mako helped, I think they are pretty great cooks, maybe we can do something special for dessert.”[/b] Asami commented, maybe something with chocolate. Chocolate was a great way to lift a mood or feel comforted. Bolin was eating and humming, rather pleased with the food turned out. And he was also proud that he hadn't burned anything and now he had Korra, with her around, he wouldn't feel like a third wheel.