Comfort was something in their relationship that was very important and something that had started it in the first place.
Bolin had slipped away from the others celebrating the fall of the Equalists. He, for once, didn't feel all that cheerful. He had been through so much and it had taken a toll on him. Trudging through the forest on the island, he found the perfect rock, next to a free flowing waterfall. The sound was tranquil and a deep contrast to the last few days of drama. Climbing up on the boulder, the teen closed his eyes and just tried to relax.
Wind swept through the trees and it splashed small droplets of the falling water onto Bolin's legs. On such a hot day it spawned the idea for a swim. Without a care in the world, he stripped down to his underwear and jumped into the small pool of water.
It was refreshing as he floated on top of the water and felt the current from the waterfall. Through his content state Bolin didn't notice someone else come up from behind.
The general hadn't been one for the partying either. He hadn't meant to follow the teen, but he was simply curious about what he planned to do.
Iroh watched from the top of a tree as the other climbed up onto the rocks under the falling water. Bolin's face crunched up, now deep in thought. He looked sad and confused and when a tear fell from his eye, the general found himself getting up.
With the cold water hitting his back, it reminded Bolin of the pain and coldness he had felt throughout the last months. How Korra had broken his heart. How he had almost lost his bending. How much he had been in physical pain as well. It had all been forgot and pushed away until this moment. He was finally alone and everything was quiet and he just felt like he could let go.
The tears streamed down his face as the pain came back with ferocity. Then, there were suddenly arms around him. Strong arms. He thought for a moment it would be Mako, but when he turned to look back through his tears, it wasn't.
Iroh sat behind him and held him close to his chest. When Bolin didn't run away from his comfort, he rested his head against the other's and closed his eyes. There were no words needed to understand each other as fingers intertwined and their lips met softly.