Rare Earth Element

Chapter 5- Then the Earth Stood Still

Korra , was the reason why he'd wept. Korra, was the reason for his broken heart and innocent flower petals kicked mercilessly into the ground. Being Irulan’s embrace, made him feel whole, adored, like a complete person. Her sudden kiss on his cheek brought back many fond memories of late night talks in cold, abandoned places, sharing one mattress and one shoddy blanket.

”It’s okay, really,” Irulan replied, said, ruffling his dark brown hair, her polished nails gleaming in the lights of the city. Bolin hadn't said a word about who or what he'd been so distraught over, but his green, red-stained eyes, could tell no tales.

“What's okay?” he asked, in test. Smiling, Irulan, gazed at her handsome friend, feeling her heart skip a beat.

“Crying to ease the ache in your heart, it’s okay. Earthbenders aren’t always hardhead bullies y’know,” she added with a shrug. “Only the Bei Fongs.”

Upon hearing those understanding words, Bolin stepped away, taking a good glance at her. Her outfit was …unique. A cleavage -baring sports bra under a leather vest and matching pants was probably a little more revealing than what most women would wear, but judging by the size and shape of her muscles and the metal bands that wrapped around her arms, he figured no sleeves could contain her. She’d grown, evolved even. She was certainly not the chubby-cheeked girl that aided and abetted in their crimes of survival.

”Thanks,” he said, turning his head, blushing. “So, uh…you’ve been checkin’ up on me and my brother?”

Irulan smiled, shrugging sheepishly. Leaning his head down, Pabu asked for a rub. In sweet compliance, the lovely girl did as such.

“That’s what old friends do, I suppose,” she began, staring into Pabu’s eyes. “And it’s moreso for you than Mako…Mako’s his own biggest fan,” she added with sarcasm. “Besides, you fill your uniform out rather nicely.”

Bolin’s ears perked at the way she said ‘nicely’. “Oh?” he asked, combing his fingers through his hair. “Is that right?”