( oh. welp. that's what's happening now, he guesses. the enthusiasm gets a bit of a laugh out of him, and he unspools the scarf from around his throat to drape around them both. not much, but it'll help. he ruffles at bolin's hair affectionately, because although he is definitely too cool for hugs, he's never too cool for comfort. )

Yeah, yeah, I know. Remember that next time you're talking back to me.

( his sweet baby brother has started getting the occasional attitude problem and mako has absolutely no context for how to deal with it. puberty? barely knew her! why can't he just stay eight years old forever? )

Huh? Oh — I mean, I guess. Sometimes. I don't really think about it.

( being warm is pretty low on his hierarchy of needs, all things considered. well below all of what bolin needs, to be sure.

and it's not like he really talks to other firebenders about whether or not they're freezing in this weather. mako knows he's skilled, tremendously so for his age, so maybe that's the difference. saying that outloud would be a little too much like bragging, so instead he just rubs the back of his hand under his nose. )

It... probably depends on the bender. That's like asking if earthbenders ever get dirty.

( it absolutely is not. but it's the closest frame of reference he has. )