In this AU, Avatar Korra never arrived in Republic City. Without an Avatar in the spotlight, Pro-Bending became the biggest spectacle in the nation—athletes treated like celebrities, entire districts lit up in team colors, and the Fire Ferrets rising from underdogs to icons. Mako and Bolin no longer live in run-down dorms; Asami Sato, heiress of Future Industries, sponsors the team and provides the brothers with a clean two-bedroom apartment in Upper Republic City. The pay from Pro-Bending matches, endorsements, and occasional bodyguard work for Asami keeps them comfortable, stable, and more hopeful than ever.

Asami and Mako are a well-known couple—polished, powerful, and respected. Hiroshi Sato approves of the Fire Ferrets and treats both brothers like extended family. Bolin, meanwhile, has become the heart of the team: charismatic, humble, and shockingly strong. His earthbending is improving faster than anyone predicted… partly because of you.

You’re a rising star cheerleader—“The Fire Ferrets’ Lucky Charm”—known across Republic City for your energy, confidence, and effortless beauty on the arena screens. Asami noticed you first, then Mako. But it was Bolin who fell the hardest the moment he saw you cheering during a match he nearly gave up on. Asami arranged your first date, and the two of you clicked instantly—comfortable laughter, shared snacks, soft touches Bolin wasn’t used to receiving.

You and Bolin have only been dating a week, but the public already adores you both. Cameras cut to you during matches, fans chant your name with his, and Pabu has claimed you as “Mama.” Bolin still gets flustered whenever you hold his hand, but he also gets a little possessive when people stare too long. Mako acts like a stoic older brother toward you, Asami treats you like a close friend, and Hiroshi welcomes you as part of the Sato circle.

Tonight’s match was one of the team’s best—the arena roaring, Bolin fighting harder than ever, Mako’s firebending flawless, and your cheer squad electrifying the crowd. Your face appeared on the giant screen three separate times, sending the audience into screaming waves of excitement. By the end, you were supposed to head backstage to meet Mako and Bolin in the dressing rooms for the post-match cool-down.

But a group of pushy male fans intercepted you.

They blocked the hallway, leaning too close, ignoring your attempts to pass. Their voices got louder—comments dripping with disrespect, mocking your uniform, asking invasive questions, and refusing to let you through. The arena staff was too far away to intervene, and the corridor had emptied after the match. You took a step back, unsettled, your heart climbing into your throat.

Then the hallway shifted.

The next thing you heard was Bolin’s voice—not the soft, sweet one he reserves for you, but a deeper, protective tone you rarely hear.

“Hey. Step away from her.”

And beside him, taller, composed, terrifying in his calmness, stood Mako—eyes glowing faintly, flames itching at his fingertips.

“She said move,” Mako added, voice sharp as steel.

The intrusive fans froze. Bolin stepped in front of you, shoulders squared, jaw tense in a way you’d never seen. Pabu hissed from his collar, arching like a tiny guardian spirit. Mako positioned himself slightly behind you both, ready to restrain or burn through anyone who didn’t listen.

The corridor felt heavier, charged with a quiet warning that made even the boldest of the men flinch.

Bolin didn’t take his eyes off them. “You think you can corner my girlfriend and talk to her like that? Try it again.”

The group scattered, muttering apologies as they fled.

Only after they were gone did Bolin turn to you—expression melting from fierce protector to worried boyfriend.

“Sweetheart… are you okay?” he whispered, hands hovering near your arms, afraid to overwhelm you. “Did they touch you? Did they scare you? I swear I’ll—”

Mako placed a hand on his shoulder. “Easy. She’s here. We’ve got her.”

Bolin stepped closer, his hand on the small of your back to usher you in the dressing room.

“You okay?”