Rare Earth Element

Chapter 4- Steal Magnolia

”OMG…Lani…omigosh.., I mean, Irulan…” was all he could muster through a mix of emotions. The alluring young woman facing him, wearing his pet like a shoulder holster had transformed, unrecognizable, but yet familiar. Irulan had become strong, gorgeous…but still very disarming and gentle.

“Wow...just look at you...I mean, just wow,” Bolin yammered on, placing his hands on his temples in disbelief. If only Mako could see her now. Bolin's mind quickly drew back the memories of Irulan being the sweet, selfless one; the one that was often bullied for her darker skin and hair that seemed to have a unique, rebellious mind of its own. He could never, ever forget that hair, the legend that grew from her scalp and enraptured everyone’s eyes with its helixes, twists and swirls. Watching her tuck some ruthless strands behind her ear, he noticed a sparkling earring in the shape of a fleur de lys.

”So, I uh…I guess you’re still wearing your favorite earrings, huh?” he asked, shoving his hands into his pockets, trying to make sure he was talking to the right person. “I remember when you bended those from a piece of old tin,” he asked, still wanting to make sure, she was who he thought.<br>

”Yes, and I made then from a piece of tin that we stole from a busted down building, Bolin. It’s really, me, Irulan…now hurry up and give me a hug because I’m getting cold!” she joked, outstretching her arms. “Hurry up!” Laughing, Bolin stepped into her space, wrapping his arms around her as tightly as he could.

“Oh wow,” thought Bolin, reveling in the strength of her hug, suddenly feeling a magnetic pull between their bodies that made the hairs on his muscular arms seemingly stand on end.

She smelled like patchouli…she always stole patchouli perfume back in their rif raff street rat days. Her body was lean, but felt uncommonly strong with feminine curves to cuddle against on cold night, maybe as strong as Korra’s. Irulan, with Pabu moving from her shoulder to Bolin’s, gently rubbed Bolin’s wide back, feeling the muscles built from years of Earth-bending.

Bolin sighed, closing his eyes, grateful just for the gift of compassion, her hug was providing.