Visiting a new friend

onedoesnotsimplyship:

/It’s a hangout./ He agree’d to the terms of being taken out once and awhile, even he needed to unload and relax. / Call me anytime when you are free yourself. I’d believe I’ll at least have time to escape and spend time with you. Even go out to eat again./ He liked that idea a lot, because who knew when the next time he’d be able to get out like this and actually relax, even eat something hearty. /You’ve already done a good job keeping my mind off work anyways./

/Forgiven./ Were the only words that came from Bolin’s apology, thinking nothing of it again. The young man seemed a little tense when his hand brushed against his again, but he merely assumed it to be of surprise or just nervous from having just lightly scolded him on the name. He laughed with Bolin, not sure why he was laughing, but it kinda did just feel funny. Sorta?

Iroh wasn’t nearly as fast in eating like Bolin, he took his time and ate cautiously to make sure that the soup wouldn’t spill on his suit. Cleaning the thing was always such a huge hassle and inconvenience, especially when he just got it fixed from the battle with Amon. /By all means, be yourself. We aren’t in the palace or anything…and trust me..Commander Bumi’s manners are far worse then what you just did there../ Truth enough, he actually has done worse and by that it was him getting drunk and dancing all over the table at a royal dinner. Oh, the face his mother made…Oh, that. Face. /Your manners are just fine. I like that we are different..I might be a little too proper..honestly. / He sighed with a small smile and shrugged his shoulder.

Smiles even more to hear the story of Bolin and pro-bending, this was the type of conversation where he liked to see the young man smiling and excited to speak about something he was so fondly about. /I would have thought you and your brother would make it to the top, you’ve both worked very hard to reached it. Bolin you’ve always had purpose..least I believe that so./ Rubs the hand gently with his again, having moved it over to touch Bolin’s again. /I’d love to see your battle with the Wolf-Bats. Who knows..if you are in ever need of a firebender, I wouldn’t mind joining, even getting a few points from a Pro Bender such as yourself./

Bolin smiled fondly at the thought of seeing the General again.  He felt at ease when he was with him and looked forward to getting to know the firebender a lot more.  ”You’re welcome” he took a swig of noodles and finished chewing before he spoke.   “I’ll have to come up with better ways to spend our time then, there’s so much stuff I could show you really.”

The Earthbender laughed hard at the image of Commander Bumi’s antics.  ”Wow he’s quite something isn’t he?  Isn’t he your dad?” He smiled at Iroh as he realized how nice it must have been to have Bumi as a father.  Not that he could complained…Mako had been a great father figure to him and he was very grateful for it.  But he still did miss his father and wished he had gotten to know him a lot more.

He smiled widely at the thought of teaching a General from the Armada something.  He rose a little as he leaned excitedly closer to Iroh with wide eyes and huge smile.  ”Uh huh I can!  Maybe we can go sparring sometime!  Mako use to be my sparring partner but he hasn’t been wanting to lately…because…well” his face fell a little but he tried to conceal it “well you know Korra and him are dating and they’re all lovey dovey at the moment heh.”  He glanced at the hand caressing his and the heat rose to his cheeks but he stayed in place regardless.  It felt…nice.  He really didn’t want to read too much into the touches but it did seem suspicious that the General was so touchy when he had said earlier that it had been a while since he had that kind of physical contact.

Nevertheless Bolin welcomed it, turning his hand…transfixed by the other’s fingers and the moves around his hand.  They were so slender and soft, such a contrast to his hands.  Though he could tell that at least they shared the blisters in common, iroh’s from firebending and Bolin’s from earthbending.  It was hard to take his green eyes away from the movements the other was doing with his fingers.

(Source: onedoesntsimplybendearth)

shadyashale started following you

shadyashale:

A bit late for that, isn’t he? Still, Shin’s mouth twists sideways, “Well, I always did say, you’re the boss of you. M’pretty sure your big bro would have choice words about that, but I also think you’re plenty old enough to be makin’ your own decisions.” Heartwarming as the brothers’ relationship was, Shin feels a familiar stomach churning disgust whenever he thinks of them, backlit with glowing stage lights and wearing the same sickening, maddening smiles flush with health. Shin says wryly, “Sure, friends. One that has to sneak around and you can’t admit to having. I’m a bit old to be playing dirty little secret, doncha think?”

“What? No!” He looked alarmed that the older male would think Bolin would do something like that.  ”I wouldn’t hide you, Shin!  I mean…what kind of friend would I be then?!”  Mako would understand, he was sure.  After all, friendships were important…weren’t they?  ”I think I’ve proven I’m old enough to make my own decisions” he gave Shady Shin a wide smile before putting an arm around the other’s shoulder and laughing slightly “I mean I fought my fair share in the revolution, I think I should be allowed the liberty to know what friends to pick don’t you think?”  

“So Shin, you don’t have to sneak around.  You call me any time, that’s what friends are for after all.  To be there for one another.” And for once he really did mean it, Bolin didn’t want to forget about all the friends that had his back when he was a poor street rat, running around trying to get food like everyone else in the alleys of Republic City.  ”We’re a family remember?  That’s what we use to say back in the day…”

(Source: onedoesntsimplybendearth)

Visiting a new friend

onedoesnotsimplyship:

/I suppose given my title..and due to the fact that Korra has only met me once at least, would probably lead to that assumption. Once they get to know me better, I’m sure they’ll drop that thought. /He was surprised that Bolin had been paying that much attention to how he distinguished himself in his mannerism. /You really have been paying attention to how I act. /Then again he also noticed a few things about Bolin, but he just kept that to himself, smiling with his eyes closing a little.

/It’s not all that impressive..it was more the less expected that I would become good at my age and time, Mother and my grandfather’s sister were very…expecting to see to it, even my grandmother has been working to ensure I did well./ And that sadly left him with almost little to no life at all outside of his job. / Bolin, enjoy the responsibilities you have right now, because with so many to care for, there are also so many tragedies to uphold./ His voice went a little quiet on the last part. He forgotten about the letters he would also have to send out to the fallen warriors of his ship.

/I might be a general and part of the royal family..but my life isn’t all that interesting either..least not to me, Bolin..then how about this..how was the life of pro bending..I’ve always wondered about it..Tenzin sent me letters often in details that Korra was attending one..so I’ve been interested to know about it./ He changed the subject, instead with going on something he knew and probably gave the young man more to talk about, then his past. He’d ask that another time…since they weren’t that close, yet.

/And I would not mind battling along side with you again, Bolin./ He caught that general word slipping from the young man and leaned into him, chest nearly touching from the back. /You said general./ He whispered into Bolin’s ear./ I thought we came to an agreement that you wouldn’t call me that. / Hand quickly patted hard at Bolin’s hand a physical warning.

/I hope that my mouth isn’t blown off first. This looks very spicy./ Said the general that was staring to the bowl of hot soup that had quite a bit of red in the soup coloring, but none the less it looked very delicious. / Thank you for the meal./ He bowed his head in thanks and dug the chopsticks into the bowl, scooping up some of the noodles to place into his mouth. /Mm~/

Bolin nodded at the General’s word of advice.  He knew that the General had many responsibilities to upheld and admired him for being so strong when so many people relied on him.  ”I will, though hopefully you’ll let me take you out more often so you can forget responsibilities for a while.  I’ll try my best to keep your mind off them.”  

The Earthbender froze completely when he heard that soft voice against his ear, it was so soft and still commanding.  He shivered slightly at the contact and his face immediately went pale.  ”S-Sorry” he stammered and completely hated himself for doing so.  He sounded so unsure when he did, something that Bolin was not used to being. His hand twitched when the General touched it and he laughed nervously at the closeness between the two of them.

The boy wasn’t much for manners as he dived his chopsticks in his mouth, a mouthful of noodles making his cheeks puffy.  ”c’mon I’oh, yo ar’e a faerbend’er.” he spoke as he started chewing, and then remembered who he was eating with, turning his face to the side to finish eating and drinking a glass of tea that Narook had placed in front of them.  ”Sorry, that’s considered rude right?  I need to learn some manners…” he laughed happily.  The truth is Mako and him had never worried about things like manners, not when food was so rare when they were young.  They often looked like hungry lion-vultures when they ate.  

“Oh about Pro-bending, it’s great!  Before that period in my life, I felt like I didn’t really have a purpose…that I had nothing to look forward to.  But with pro-bending, I got a second chance to be somebody, you know?  It’s not everyday that two street rats make it big.” he gave Iroh a sad look “though I really hope they open the Arena again, I would love to have a second go at the Wolf-bats.”

(Source: onedoesntsimplybendearth)

Visiting a new friend

onedoesnotsimplyship:

Iroh held his breath in a little at those green eyes looked up at him, they really suited Bolin. It was a lovely shade of green and it complimented him very well. When he looked into those eyes, they held so much innocence but at the same time a hidden strength that most wouldn’t have saw with how much the young bender joked. He snapped out of his starring to nod to him. /…Alright, but if you do start feeling unwell, just tell me. / He quickly patted Bolin’s other hand and moved it away back down onto his side.

/I’m hard to read? / He rubbed under his chin in thought about that./ Well..Besides of what I’ve said. I am the son of commander Bumi and the fire princess. Fire Lord Zuko was my grandfather and for most of my life I’ve been living on the fire island, until I graduated from my training as a commander of the armada. /He continued to think of what else to say./ Is..there anything else you’d like to learn of me..and..by all means Bolin, I’d love to learn more about you too, please converse with me too./ He didn’t want this night to only end up with him speaking, he wanted to know about Bolin too.

/Like I’ve said Bolin, I believe you’ve proven yourself more then capable of actually being able to handle yourself when it comes to fighting. I do not see how anyone cannot trust an honest and strong individual like yourself. If I had to go into another fight, I’d like you to be along my side in aiding me./ And that was the absolute truth. Feeling the brush against his hand, Iroh moved his to glide his fingers against the skin of the knuckles, smiling fondly to the young man. / Just because I am a general and of the royal family..does not mean that I am not anymore of a person and you’ve earned my kindness, better than my wrath./

“No no, they say you’re hard to read.  I don’t really think so though!” He smiled  brightly as he stared at the General again “I think some people just look mysterious and such, I guess you would classify as one that does that.  But you’re pretty open with what you’re feeling.  Like for example when you’re happy the corner of your mouth twitches a little even if your whole face remains emotionless.  Like my dad use to say, it’s the little details that count.”

He gave a nostalgic laugh at the thought of his father and gave Iroh a small smile as he stared wide eyed at the history of the fire lord’s family.  ”That’s so impressive! I mean not many people get to be General at such a young age, must be tough for you and lots of responsibilities.  I admire you sir!  Maybe one day I can be that responsible to care for many as you have.”  

He stalled at the mention of him…he didn’t really liked talking about his past because well…there wasn’t much to speak about besides the fact that they did illegal things until they got the pro bending gig…and even then… “My life’s nothing of interest really” he waved his hand dismissevely at the General “Mako and I had been doing the same routine since we were very small…nothing important.”  

The boy’s eyes widened at the praise and he felt his cheeks go red once again.   Bolin turned his head away from the firebender, very much aware that his hand was still gently touching the other’s.  He acted as if he was trying to clear his throat, anything to buy time so that Iroh would not see him blushing again.  ”T-thank you, General…I would fight alongside you anyday.” And this time he gave Iroh the biggest smile he could muster before getting interrupted by Narook with their food.  

“Thanks Narook, it looks great as always!” he said smiling at the man as he walked away and pushing one of the bowls towards Iroh “Get ready because you’re about to have your mind blown!”

(Source: onedoesntsimplybendearth)

Visiting a new friend

onedoesnotsimplyship:

/I’m from the fire nation, I believe I can take on spicy food quite well./ Or so he boosted, but the sound of foreign food was very appealing to him, then the traditional ones he normally was accustomed to eating, unless it was with Bumi then it became an all out drinking war, which ended with him either throwing up or falling asleep face flat on the table. Sheer thoughts of that was bringing a very unpleasant frown on his features and with that he dismissed the thought and focus back to Bolin who was sitting next to him.

/Sadly, we don’t often get water tribe noodles. The fire nation royal family and in general is very..picky on the noodles they eat./ Especially his mother, she wouldn’t have anything else unless it was made by the rice flour that was grown on the island water spring and only ate them on special occasion’s like birthdays or a celebrated holiday.

Bolin telling him that he was fine did not stop the general from showing concern for him or that he stopped mid sentence and seemed to change what he originally was going to say. / This means a great deal to me too, Bolin./ He admitted without any hesitation to his voice. Before he could actually say something else, Bolin had pulled away and he was stuck in his seat without the young man’s hand in his, not able to resist looking down at the empty hand, that was now left hanging in mid air without the comfort of Bolin’s hand in his.

It actually felt..kinda disappointing to have lost that.

Iroh smiled none the less when Bolin came back, keeping to himself the disappointing feeling of the lost warmth and placed his hand on the table. / I cannot wait. / He said, half with anticipation and the other was his attention to Bolin who was looking at the menu. The hand that was on the table slide over to tug at the top end of the menu and pulled it down in hopes to grab the attention of the young Earth Bender. / Look at me. I should be the one saying Thank you for inviting me. This is important to me too, I really was speaking truth when I said that I wanted to better acquaint myself with you, Bolin./ His voice smoothly stated.

Bolin looked at him, unable to not follow the request any longer.  Green eyes widened a little as he stared at the golden orbs.  He blinked as he realized he had leaned a little into Iroh and chuckled nervously yet again as pulled away slightly.  ”It’s nothing really, I’ve never been better.”  And for once he wasn’t lying, being with another that wanted to spend time with him made him all excited.  Not to mention that ever since he had first met the General he had wanted to get to know the other as much as possible.  So for Bolin this was a dream come true in a sense.  

“So tell me more about you, Iroh.”  He rested his face on his hand, leaning his elbow on the table “You’re pretty mysterious…or at least that’s what Korra and Asami say when they see you.  They say you’re hard to read…”  He bit his lip thoughtfully, He didn’t think that about Iroh and whenever possible he would voice it to them. Bolin’s hand lingered right next to Iroh’s, he knew that showing displays of affection to someone who would see him that way was a bad path to go under.  So he sighed and just relaxed over the fact that for today, just tonight…he was next to Iroh…morning could come and then he could tell himself how much of an idiot he was being.

“Thank you by the way…for trusting in me to fight along side you.”  He gave the General his true smile, glad to have him next to him and feel the slight heat from the firebender.  ”No one has ever trusted me, it felt…good to be able to be reliable for once.” The earthbender’s hand slightly touched the other’s by accident and he wondered for a moment if Iroh was full of electricity that a single touch of his skin would send a bolt surging through Bolin.  He wondered if everyone that touched Iroh felt the same thing too.  ”And well you’re a General…and I didn’t expect you to…be so kind and welcoming for a person like me…”

(Source: onedoesntsimplybendearth)

Visiting a new friend

onedoesnotsimplyship:

In truth he was mostly wishing to get away from the paperwork, but all the same he was hoping to better acquainted with the young man. They never really did get to talk much aside from being tied together and plotting out a strategy of sorts to get out of the prison cell they were being held up in. Now that they had all the time…it was..relaxing to know that Bolin actually still thought about him, friendship wise was what he assumed of course. They hardly knew one another to call this as a friendship hangout, this was more of a..well, mutual term of getting to know one another.

/Thank you. Thought I suppose they would be like that because I wear gloves almost all the time./ This time he couldn’t help but chuckle at the boy’s attempt to compliment him. Iroh followed along idly, with his hand being held he could only really go where Bolin was leading him. He looked around the noodle shop, feeling a little out of place due to his outfit. He felt a little, too fancy being in his general attire, course he just had to bare with it and put up a fort. / I’ve actually once had water tribe food…but that was a very long time ago and if I remember it had to do something with blubber. I’d love to try the food again along with some of the food you like the most too, Bolin./ Taking a seat next to him, he looked to the cook with a greeting nod and smile.

Bolin seemed to turn red a lot, he wondered if it was because it was humid outside and inside, or maybe of another source, whichever the case he worried a little that his friend might have contracted something and was becoming ill, which would have been virtually impossible to have happen. Hand tighten a little more as an added comfort to the young bender’s hand he was holding. /Bolin are you feeling well? You seem to be turning red very often? / He asked with great concern. / If you are not feeling well, I would not mind at all if we stopped what we are doing and I can take you home, your health is always first….Now look at me…/ It wasn’t a command, but more like he wanted to be certain that Bolin was alright. And the young male seemed to have stopped looking at him after he complimented on his hand.

“Really?  That’s great, Harook here has a great variety too!  I think you will enjoy it as long as you like spicy food.” He smiled softly looking at the menu.  His eyes trying to not focus on the body next to his. It’s not like this was the first time they had been this closed…but to be honest Bolin didn’t know what was going on with his hormones, a few seconds ago he had been fine and now…he felt his legs shake a little, anticipation rushing through his whole body.  Maybe it had been a bad idea to sit down…

“I really love the Water Tribe noodles, you should try them.  They’re amazing!” his voice died in his throat as he realized he was making Iroh worried.  Over embarrasment too, it’s not like he was actually sick.  The Boy shook his head, part of it trying to shake off the redness in his face.  ”No I’m fine! Better than fine…I’m great!  I mean this means a lot to me…and…”

He took a deep breath as he heard Iroh ask him to look at him.  And for a second he almost took it as a command, maybe it was Iroh’s firm voice…he wasn’t sure.  But he almost did before thinking twice about it and giving him a nervous laugh…looking down at the menu.  ”Really Gen-…Iroh.  I’m fine.”  He wanted to stare at those golden eyes but at the same time he knew his face would turn an unpleasant color of red if he did.  He decided to buy time then.  ”I’ll go order and pay, I’ll be right back.  Don’t move!” and when he detached his hand from Iroh’s he felt a bit empty.  He disguised his disappointment with a smile to Harook as he paid the food and came back grinning at Iroh.  

Stop worrying him, try to act normal.  It’s not a date.

“So I just ordered the noodles, they should be here soon.  Thanks for coming again…it means a lot to me that you wanted to hang out with me.” He eyes the menu again, his hands playing with the paper material and turning it slowly around, lost in the movements and lost in the thoughts of Iroh and how great those eyes would be too look at every night.  

(Source: onedoesntsimplybendearth)