Rare Earth Element

Chapter 11- Short Explanation

”You should really try this, Bo,” said Irulan offering him a fork with a piece of wolfboar steak pierced through it, tomato-pepper sauce dripping from it, staining her platypus-bear egg salad. “It’s really healthy; it’ll help your muscles grow.”

Bolin, who was busy slurping cherry-gingerale looked up, releasing his straw from between his lips. It was only hours ago he engaged in a very similar scenario with Korra, but the air was different; there was less burping. However, a strong, invisible force pulled his eyes to affix upon Irulan’s lovely visage while she ate, watch her lips as she spoke or laughed. As Irulan stare back into Bolin's emerald eyes, she felt her cheeks growing warm, and seemingly a “haze”, was drawing her slowly away from the “friend” forcefield.

”Make my muscles grow, eh? So…you've been checking me out, in my Fire Ferret uniform, haven't you?” Bolin asked with playful arrogance, pushing his glass to the side. “You like how my uniform fits me? Think the colors go well with my complexion?” Pabu, spying opportunity, pounced onto the straw, knocking the liquid remains over. Irulan giggled, trying her best not to choke.

”Oh great,” Bolin grumbled, slightly embarrassed, watching his pet lick away on the table. “Sorry, Irulan.”

”Sorry for what? It’s not my table,” Irulan shrugged nonchalantly, waving her fork towards his lips again. “Now are you gonna take a bite, let it get cold, or let Pabu get it?” she asked with a bright smile and wag of her brows, her wild, curly hair framing her countenance.

'She’s amazing,’ thought Bolin, finally taking the meat between his lips, refusing to break eye contact. Chewing slowly, he observed the look of approval in her silvery grey eyes, her smile growing wider with each move of his jaws. He never realized that something so simple as sharing food could make someone so happy.

”Is it good?” she asked, using the same fork to feed herself. “It's one of my favorites.” Bolin nodded, swallowing carefully. He and Mako had never eaten anything so rich and flavorful, mostly because they could never afford it, but it wasn’t the taste of the food that made his smile increase in width. It was most likely the company. However, there was still a question that was lingering in his mind...

”What's wrong, Irulan?” he asked, reaching across the table, taking her free hand, dressed in metals rings on every finger into his own. “Why were you so upset, standing on the bridge all alone?”

Sighing, Irulan lifted her eyes, meeting his green, curious gaze. Her mind shifted back to a time when they were ruffians, stealing bread and doughnuts from bakeries so they could survive through the night. He’d always protected her regardless of the situation. She had hoped and prayed that his kind heart hadn't turned to steel as hers. Upon seeing him that night, in a state of brokenness had confirmed that it was okay that her “crush” had evolved from childhood attraction to full-on love.

”That depends; are you gonna tell me who you were here with earlier? I’ve been trying to put two and two together …”she trailed off, caressing his thumb with hers, enjoying the innocent embrace. “And don’t hold anything back, please?”

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