Disclaimer: I'm never really sure if this thing is necessary or not, since if I owned Legend of Korra, I wouldn't have to be writing fanfics about it.

Author's Note: I'm probably far from the only person who ships Bolin and Asami due to feeling bad for them after the finale. This is pretty much just how I imagine he would ask her out.

Smooth Work

"So, Asami," Bolin said casually, sidling up to her. "You're not… busy later, are you?"

A smile flickered across her face. It was hard to ignore that it still hadn't been too long since the Equalist conflict had been resolved, and Asami had been doing her best to not think too much about her father, but Bolin's cheeriness certainly made things easier.

And at the moment, it was quite clear that he hadn't lost the slightly flirty side of his personality, either.

"You're asking me for a date, aren't you," she stated rather than asked.

Bolin pouted as Asami turned her attention back to the sink. Tenzin and Pema had been gracious enough to allow her to return to Air Temple Island for a few days after they'd retaken it, and while they didn't require her to help out with chores, she didn't mind helping them out as often as possible. After she rinsed off another cup, the sparkle had returned to Bolin's eyes; despite the slight pause, he was clearly determined for her attention.

"And why shouldn't I?" he parried.

"The fact that I was dating your brother doesn't bother you?"

The question could easily have been interpreted as sarcastic, but there was a faint grin on Asami's face indicating that it had been in jest. Bolin shook his head rapidly in response.

"Come on, Asami! I've been dumped; you've been dumped. I'm an awesome earth bender, and you're a really great fighter yourself! We have tons in common."

She couldn't help laughing at that. Even if it was unintentional, Bolin's earnestness was quite humorous at times. What would have sounded like mere flattery from anyone else was legitimate praise coming from him, she'd learned.

"And you're not just doing this because you feel sorry for me?"

"Of course not!"

It likely wasn't completely out of obligation, and therefore Bolin probably didn't even consider that idea. He did seem surprised at the suggestion, but Asami still felt that he'd made the offer at least partially because he felt bad for her.

But no, she had to remind herself, assuming everyone was overly concerned about her bordered on self-pity. Asami had never liked feeling sorry for herself, even right now when it would have been more understandable.

And Bolin was honestly a nice guy. Just as Asami had still wanted to like Korra after Mako's feelings had changed, she did think that Bolin really wanted her to have a good time. It was with that thought that she rinsed out the last cup in the sink, dried off her hands, and put an arm over Bolin's shoulders.

"All right, then. I'd love for you to take me out somewhere."

Bolin's arms shot up in the air as he cheered. He was practically skipping as he hurried off to get ready to leave, and Asami's smile widened. Sure, Bolin may have been the complete opposite of what had attracted her to his brother, but that certainly wasn't an unwelcome quality.