A/N: YAY! Broh week is finally here! In this story, Bolin and Iroh have an established relationship.
Comfort
The pounding in his head was unbearable; it rattled his skull with immense repercussions and the jolts of pain made his stomach lurch. Bolin waited as the violent wave passed, leaving just a stinging ache its wake. Breathing deeply, he pushed himself into an upright position, grunting and gritting his teeth the way.
He placed a hand on his head, warily opening his eyes. Bolin saw that he was sitting in the middle of a white room, no windows and a door without a doorknob. He carefully scooted around to the wall behind, expecting nothing but a white wall. His eyes went wide when he saw Iroh lying on top of a ragged blanket.
The general looked in worse condition that he felt, his face littered with scratches and bruises, both sleeves torn from his jacket, his shoes were missing, and pant ripped off at the knees.
From what he could tell, his chest was only slightly moving and his breaths seemed shallow. Bolin carefully pushed himself on his hands and knees, not trusting his legs to carry him. He shuffled over to where Iroh lie, the damage looking worse the closer he got. Sitting cross-legged, he brushed the general's soot-filled black hair back off of his face.
The Earthbender gently ran his fingers over Iroh's face taking in all the scratches that marred it. There was a swollen purple and black bruise on the left side of his jaw, most likely the result of a punch. He spotted a dark red cut that reached across his collar-bone and, after pulling back his torn jacket, all the way down his chest.
Bolin couldn't believe this, he'd managed to escape with only minor cuts and scrapes, but Iroh, the greatest, most talented Firebender he'd ever met, was almost beat to death. And Asami, he gasped, Asami, she wasn't in the room with them; who knew what condition she was in, like himself, or Iroh, or even worse. He immediately stopped his thoughts, Asami was a brave, strong woman, and she would be okay.
Pulling his mind to other things, he tried to remember exactly why they were here. The new Team Avatar had cleaned out a recently destroyed Future Industries warehouse. It had been the warehouse that held the old Equalist weapons, but after investigation they noticed that the weapons had been removed before the building was destroyed. Immediately, they determined that the Equalists were behind all of this. As Team Avatar, joined by Chief Bei Fong and her metal benders, Tenzin, and General Iroh, was cleaning out the pieces of rubble looking for any clues or signs that could tell them why this had happened; Naga barked.
Korra, Naga being her pet, had gone out first to see what her polarbeardog was worried about. She arrived to see Naga barking towards the edge of the forest, sniffing around the ground before barking again. "What is it Naga," Korra asked.
The polarbeardog had been barking in the same direction and sniffing around on the inside of the forest. Korra followed until they both came across footprints embedded in the snow. "Guys! Guys, Naga found a trail," Korra called out to the warehouse just yards away.
Quickly, everyone filed out of the wrecked building and rushed over to where Korra and Naga stood. Korra hopped onto Naga's saddle, ready to take off whenever possible. Looking out into the woods, her hands gripping tightly onto the saddle, Korra felt Mako grip her wrist. "No," Mako spoke bluntly.
"What! What do you mean no," she spluttered. Mako's grip was unrelenting and his gaze serious.
"I mean no, you can't go, the city needs its Avatar and we can't afford to let you go off and fight Equalist," he explained.
"He's right Korra, you can't go," Tenzin agreed. Huffing angrily, she slid off of Naga and plopped down on the snow-covered ground.
"Then who's going to go, we can't lost this trail, it's the only evidence we've got," Korra inquired.
"If it is alright with everyone else, I will go," General Iroh stepped forward. No one made any objections, he was the general of the united forces and this was kind of his job, so how could anyone have stopped him.
"Then I'm going too," Bolin announced as Iroh climbed onto Naga. He slipped on the saddle behind the general.
"Are you sure about this, Bo," Mako asked, obviously concerned.
"Of course, I'll be fine," the Earthbender reassured. At the last-minute, Asami decided that she was going too, it was her warehouse they destroyed, and she wanted to know why they were after Future Industries.
With that, they took off following the trail through the woods. After a while, Naga stopped just outside the fencing of a huge factory. They were Chi-Blockers blocking the entrances, and many others just roaming around outside.
The three were ready to fight and Chi-Blockers were easy enough. With the help of Bolin's earthbending, they climbed over the electric fence, and were quickly met by a batch of Chi-Blockers.
They took out majority of them before more began to appear, though they still had the upper-hand and were able to fight them off. It was until the mecha tanks appeared that things evened out. Bolin's earthbending was the only thing that really phased the machines, so he took care of them while Iroh and Asami stopped the oncoming Chi-Blockers.
Things were going really well, none of them sustaining any serious injuries, they were easily able to handle the mecha tanks and Chi-Blockers, but katana-wielding ninja assassins were a different story. The ninja assassins had appeared out of nowhere and their attack was relentless. Iroh and Bolin tried their hardest to keep them away from Asami, the two could barely throw any attacks as is and the poor girl wasn't going to last much longer.
The general took a nice hit with one of the swords, leaving a long cut down his chest. He was weakening, Asami could barely breath, and Bolin couldn't get any attacks, the three were hopelessly overpowered. That's when the mecha tanks threw out their electric ropes, shocking all three and leaving them crumpled on the ground.
Bolin couldn't remember anything after that, he'd passed out and woke up in this room. It felt like déjà vu, being shocked and waking up locked in a prison, the only difference this time was he wasn't tied up to Iroh.
The Earthbender finished checking over Iroh, and when finished he found the only serious injury was the cut on his chest. The general must've felt him, because soon after that his eyes fluttered open. Bolin felt relieved to see his eyes open, proving that he was still alive. This confused him, he'd known the whole time Iroh was alive, and he'd checked his pulse several times.
"Hey," Iroh croaked, offering a weak smile. Bolin smiled down at the general, gently taking Iroh's right hand in his.
"Hey, how you feeling," Bolin asked.
"Not so good, it hurts everywhere," he replied. He watched carefully as Iroh attempted push himself up, almost halfway there he cried out in pain falling back to the ground. Bolin stuck him arm out under Iroh's head in an instant, wanting to prevent him from hitting the ground. He placed his head down on the ground softly; the Earthbender noticed Iroh cradling his arm, gritting his teeth in pain.
"What is it," –did I miss something, he added silently.
"My shoulder, I fear it may be dislocated," Iroh explained. Bolin didn't know what to do, he was okay with cuts and scratches, but broken bones he had no idea. The injured man noticed his worry, and offered a smile.
"I'll be fine Bolin, I've dealt with this kind of injury before," Iroh reassured, hissing quietly as he rotated his shoulder. Bolin relaxed a little, but he knew Iroh was in no condition to move nonetheless try to escape. But he wouldn't fret too much, Mako would come get them as soon as he noticed their absence, he only hoped that would be soon.
Bolin moved over to sit next to Iroh, close to his head. Getting comfortable, he carefully put a hand under Iroh's head and good shoulder, then pulled him up so his head rested on his lap.
"There that oughta feel better than the metal floor," Bolin said kindly.
"Thanks," he responded, smiling. They sat in a comfortable silence, though Bolin could see that Iroh was struggling to keep his eyes open. Every once in a while, the general's eyes would shut but he'd quickly open them, Bolin watched a few times before saying anything.
"Sleep, you need it, and I need some too," Bolin said, faking a yawn, "I'll wake you if anything happens." Iroh looked grateful and immediately closed his eyes. Within minutes, the general was out, sleeping comfortably with his resting on Bolin's thigh.
Though he'd told Iroh he was going to sleep, he knew he wouldn't, he was too alert, too worried. What if they never came to save them? What if they get captured trying, or worse? What happened to Asami? Will Iroh be okay? How are they going to get of there? He couldn't stop the questions from scaring him more, he knew they were ridiculous, but anything could happen.
In the middle of his panic attack, he yawned. Maybe 'Roh has the right idea, he thought. As he closed his eyes, Bolin pushed all the negative thoughts out of his head and remained positive. It's what had got him through everything else in life.
Bolin awoke to the sound of the door opening; he jumped, throwing his arms up ready to fight. He only saw a Chi-Blocker reaching into the room. "Water," the masked face said, then closed the door leaving them alone.
Iroh was awake, head still resting on his leg, he was looking at Bolin. "Go ahead and get it, I'm fine," he instructed.
Carefully, Bolin scooted from the general, holding his head and setting it gently down on the ground. The Earthbender used the wall for support as he pushed himself onto his feet. Once he was confident with the ability of his legs, he wobbled over to where the water lay. He picked up the metal pail, trying not to let any of the water spill over.
"It's in a pail so let's see if can get you sat up, okay," Bolin said kneeling next to Iroh. The Earthbender braced one hand around his hip and another around his neck, lifting him upwards while Iroh pushed himself with his good arm. Easily enough, they got Iroh into a sitting position.
"Thank you," the general placed a small kiss on Bolin's lips. A light pink blushed spread across Bolin's cheeks and he smiled kindly. Reaching over he picked up the pail of water and assisted Iroh in holding it up to his lips. He drank gratefully, taking as much as he could, and then passed it over to Bolin.
When they finished, Bolin placed the pail back over by the door and sat back down next to Iroh. "Are you feeling any better today," the Earthbender asked.
"A little, the water certainly helped, but my shoulder still aches, and I think this cut is infected," Iroh explained. The long slash across his chest had a light red around it and it looked swollen.
"Do you think they'll find us," Bolin blurted. Iroh gave him a confused look, than softened with a reassuring smile.
"Of course Bolin, do you think Mako would not notice your absence, I'm sure they're searching for us now," the general encouraged. Iroh wrapped his good arm around the younger boy and pulled him close. Bolin was wary of the general's injuries, but still accepted the comfort.
"They'll find us Bolin, I promise."
Korra sat hugging her knees up to her chest as Mako paced around the dining room of the Air Temple. Tenzin had received the phone call from Lin of Bolin, Iroh, and Asami's disappearance just an hour ago, and Mako wasn't taking the news very well.
Pema, with Rohan, and the kids sat in a row next to her at the table; Tenzin had left to the Police Station to offer more help; Mako was basically running around the dining room, forbidden to go anywhere else, for fear he may burn something, or someone.
"I can't just sit here, while my brother is gone, captured by Equalists, or his bending being taken away, or, or, or," he growled stopping himself from going any further. Rolling her eyes, Korra stood and walked over to where Mako was standing. She grabbed his hand in hers, squeezing it tightly.
"Bolin will be fine, he's got Asami and General Iroh with him," Korra assured, "So just relax and let Lin do her job." She placed a small kiss on his cheek, smiling brightly.
"I know, but it's just I've protected him all his life he's never had to deal with this kind of stuff, I just don't know how he'll manage it," Mako explained.
"I'm sure he can manage it perfectly fine."
"I don't think I can manage," Bolin whined, "I need food, I'm withering away." Iroh chuckled at the Earthbender lying face down on the middle of the floor from his place on the tattered blanket.
They'd been trapped in that room for what seemed like days, the only other sign of life was the masked Chi-Blocker who delivered their pail of water. After receiving their water, they would sit quietly, wrapped in each other's arms, and praying silently that they would be saved soon. At night, which was basically when either of them felt the need to sleep, Iroh would lay down on the blanket, Bolin next him, letting the general rest his head on his leg.
Both of them offered a comfort to the other, it made the situation much easier. That was until Bolin was taken from the room and brought back looking ten times worse.
Everything started out normally, the water had not yet arrived so the two talked about random things to keep their minds off of stuff. When the door opened the two benders expected the traditional "Water" and the pail being set down just inside the door, but instead two Chi-Blockers and a ninja-assassin entered the room. Before either could react, the two Chi-Blockers grabbed Bolin, tying his hands together and gagging his mouth.
Iroh was defenseless, despite his injuries, the ninja-assassin had him at blade point, one move and his neck would be cut open. Bolin tried vigorously to escape their hold, but they had rendered his arms useless, and all he could do was flop around as they gagged him. Remained patient, he watched nervously as the Earthbender was drug from the room, leaving him alone with the ninja-assassin.
He pressed his blade up against Iroh's throat slightly drawing blood, his uncovered eyes threatening. "Don't think I'm not afraid to cut you again, General, "he hissed, "It'll match the other right…down…your…chest. X marks the spot, huh?"
Iroh flinched as the cold blade of the sword ran down his chest. Swiftly, the ninja-assassin pulled the sword back and put it back its sheath. Glaring at him the whole time, he exited the room, leaving Iroh alone.
He couldn't move, couldn't think, and couldn't breathe right, until Bolin returned. Iroh sat on the blanket knees hugged to his chest, just waiting for Bolin to come back through the door.
It took hours, than finally the door opened. The Earthbender fell inside the room, sliding across the floor; the gag was gone but his hands were still tied. As quickly as he could, Iroh rushed over to Bolin, untying his wrists and helping him sit up. He wrapped the younger boy in a tight hug, soothing him as the tears began to spill. "It was terrible, Iroh," Bolin murmured into his torn jacket.
"They told me who they were, and what they wanted, but then they started to beat me for answers. I tried to stay as vague as possible, not even answering some of them, than they got meaner," he began, "When hurting me didn't work, they tortured Asami, right in front of my eyes, I couldn't- I didn't want to tell them anything, but poor Asami."
Bolin began to cry harder, Iroh only held him tighter, running a hand through his messy black hair. "Are they ever going to save us," Bolin asked suddenly.
Iroh sighed, placing a small kiss on his forehead. "I don't know, Bolin, I don't know."
They spent day just lying together on the torn blanket, sleeping mostly and not moving unless the water arrived, in which Iroh always insisted he would get up to get.
That was the thing about their relationship; they both provided the comfort when the other needed it. Staying wrapped in each other's arms for days on end, just trying to stay calm until their rescue team, was what made them strong.
Iroh awoke to the sound of the door opening, he watched expecting the water pail to just be set down inside, but then it completely opened up revealing two Chi-Blockers. He reacted quickly standing up from where he was lying, sending two attacks toward the Chi-Blockers. To his surprise, the fire disappeared as one of them stuck their hands out to stop it. "Relax man, it's just us," one of the Chi-Blockers said.
They pulled off their masks revealing Mako and Korra. "My apologies, Avatar Korra, the last time Chi-Blockers came into our cell, well it did not end well," Iroh explained.
"W-What's going on," Bolin stuttered, quickly waking from sleep. He immediately saw Mako and Korra standing in the middle of their cell, and gasped.
"Iroh, I think I'm going crazy, I see Mako and Korra in Chi-Blocker uniforms, standing in the middle of the room," Bolin whispered, not to secretly. Korra laughed heartily and Mako smiled, seeming relieved that Bolin was alright.
"No there here," Iroh assured.
"Maybe we're both crazy, but that's good enough for me," he jumped up wrapping the both of them in a hug, "It's so great to see you guys again!"
"It's great to see you too, Bolin, but we need to get out of here," Korra insisted. Korra and Mako put their masks back on and headed out of the room, Bolin and Iroh following suit. The halls of the prison were in pure chaos, smoke, screaming, shouting, fire, were everywhere.
"We had to create a bit of a diversion to get in here," Korra explained. They stayed in a tight group, not wanting to lose anyone else. Soon, they came across a giant cloud of smoke; Korra quickly sent a jet of air through it, knocking out the door on the door other side of it.
All of them ran through the clear air, getting out the door as fast as possible. "Come on we have to meet Lin and her metal benders by the warehouse," Mako shouted over the roar of noise.
"Wait! What about Asami," Bolin called back.
"Mako got her out earlier, let's go," Korra answered. Without another word, they ran through the forest. Korra and Bolin decided it would be best if they created an underground tunnel to travel through, to avoid being seen. While they worked on the tunnel, Iroh and Mako kept it lit, they were able to travel much quicker and safer this way.
It wasn't too long before they arrived. Asami, who was unconscious, Lin and some of the metal benders were standing outside the destroyed building. "Good you're here, let's get out of here," Lin said.
A Metal Cop Blimp sent down ropes for everyone, pulling them all up. Once the hatch closed, and everyone was safely inside, Bolin couldn't have felt happier.
The night air was cool as Bolin stood on the balcony outside his room. A week had passed since there rescue, and everyone was adjusting nicely. Asami was in the infirmary being healed by Katara, her injuries were very severe and Katara was happy to help.
Bolin told Lin and Korra of what their captors had told him. Lin easily put a stop to their, very weak according to Korra, plan and the city was at peace once more. Iroh decided to stay in Republic City for the time being, seeing it was best that the United Forces were here in case of any other threats.
And now, things were finally relaxing, Bolin could breathe easy and worries were off his chest. He closed his eyes and smiled at the night sky. A pair of arms snuck around his waist, and a familiar laugh reached his ears; Bolin opened his eyes to see Iroh standing behind him. "Hey," the Earthbender said.
"Hey, what're you doing out here it's the middle of the night," Iroh asked, placing a kiss to his neck.
"It's nice out, and I really like the view," Bolin explained. Iroh hummed in response and pulled him closer.
"Oh and thank you for being there for me," he continued.
"Think nothing of it, besides what kind of boyfriend would be if I didn't," Iroh smiled.
"Not a very good one," Bolin answered. With that, he turned to face the general; Bolin wrapped his arms around Iroh's neck and pulled him in for a heated kiss. This was one of the many things he loved about Iroh, he always knew when Bolin needed a shoulder to cry, a leg to stand on, or just to feel loved. And now he couldn't have felt more loved.
A/N: It took me three days to write this monster, this is the longest one-shot I've ever written, good god! Well, I hope you like reviews are greatly appreciated! Please R&R!