Entry tags:
closed | puts on disney soundtrack
Who: Bolin and Naruto
When: June 12
Where: Dunyaland
What: A very heterosexual afternoon.
Rating: P for Pure
[ There hadn't been a lot of time between Naruto's declaration that he was going to meet Bolin RIGHT NOW, so the earthbender is a little disoriented as he stands outside of the gates of the theme park. His jacket isn't buttoned up properly, leaving his t-shirt visible. He's sans Carrier as well, as he usually is because Yun is the devil incarnate and can probably topple an entire rollercoaster on her own.
But he's also disoriented because everything is so cool. There are couples and children all around him, crowds of excitement, and even fun mascots, but his gaze doesn't waver from the large machines rocketing through the sky. Enprise has a lot of things that Bolin has never seen before, weapons and magic and monsters, but this is by far the most eyecatching. He's immediately staring at the rollercoasters and trying to figure out how a human had even come up with something so wild and exciting!
He's so ready to go!
(And later, he'll be happy to go through the stall and play the games, remember the festivals in the Southern Water Tribe. Thinking to himself that he definitely needs to make sure that Korra gets to experience this as well.) ]
When: June 12
Where: Dunyaland
What: A very heterosexual afternoon.
Rating: P for Pure
[ There hadn't been a lot of time between Naruto's declaration that he was going to meet Bolin RIGHT NOW, so the earthbender is a little disoriented as he stands outside of the gates of the theme park. His jacket isn't buttoned up properly, leaving his t-shirt visible. He's sans Carrier as well, as he usually is because Yun is the devil incarnate and can probably topple an entire rollercoaster on her own.
But he's also disoriented because everything is so cool. There are couples and children all around him, crowds of excitement, and even fun mascots, but his gaze doesn't waver from the large machines rocketing through the sky. Enprise has a lot of things that Bolin has never seen before, weapons and magic and monsters, but this is by far the most eyecatching. He's immediately staring at the rollercoasters and trying to figure out how a human had even come up with something so wild and exciting!
He's so ready to go!
(And later, he'll be happy to go through the stall and play the games, remember the festivals in the Southern Water Tribe. Thinking to himself that he definitely needs to make sure that Korra gets to experience this as well.) ]
no subject
He barely remembers what he sees on the way there, jogging through the crowds and nearly tripping on a family's two children as he approaches the gate. The truth is that Bolin was one of the first people he'd met here and he's become a fast friend, so picking him out of a sea of unfamiliar faces is no difficult thing- but there's just so much to look at. By the time he's sidling up on the guy's left, Naruto's head has tilted back in awe- eyes locked on the towering machines and the cacophony of sounds. Before this, his only experience with festivals had been those of a traditional variety- sometimes there were games, but mostly there were merchants and food vendors, the occasional performance. This is a whole other level.
Above them, a ferris wheel turns.]
Ehhh!? No way- Bolin there's people in there! Look look!
no subject
[ Bolin has a pleased grin on his face, because he's never considered that people might come up with ways to throw themselves around in the sky just for fun. It's obvious that the population of this world are creative, and peaceful enough that they can divert resources to these kinds of endeavours. It's a good thing, and he'd like to see that kind of peace continued anyway.
Now that Naruto's here, he puts his hands on his hips and looks at the entrance with a calculating gaze. ]
So, do you have tickets or something?
[ Apparently some Heroes got them for free after working at the park. ]
no subject
The idea of paying for admission to attend the equivalent of a public festival is a little beyond him, so until Bolin mentions it, it honestly hadn't occurred to him. As they ease away from their gawking Naruto's head lifts, turning to the gate that stretches out on either side and the stone columns that connect them to one another. Well, that'll be easy.]
Here c'mon.
[His knuckles bump Bolin's shoulder, a bid for his attention and an invitation to follow him. On the other side of the nearest column they're hidden from view- and Naruto grabs two of the gate's poles, kicks off of the stone, and swings himself up in one fluid motion. It leaves him crouched at the top of the column, a simple hop away from landing inside the park, and he leans forward to extend an arm. Bolin is broader than he is, and a little taller, but he knows how to move. This'll be nothing.]
Grab hold.
no subject
Luckily for Naruto, Bolin's pretty used to living on this side of the law, and the nostalgia alone is enough to get him to grin and go along with it.
Even if the other man is smaller than him, Bolin doesn't hesitate as he grabs one of the poles like Naruto had, pushing himself up to extend his other hand to Naruto. He'd seen the younger boy take down a dragon after all, survive the thing collapsing on him, and taken one of Naruto's punches to the face. ]
Okay!
[ He doesn't have any doubts that the other boy can hold onto him. ]
no subject
He grins, an impish but genuinely pleased expression, and Naruto flashes a single cheesy thumbs up before hopping off, landing solidly inside Dunyaland and precariously close to a honeysuckle bush.]
Ta'da!
no subject
Except that, as swift as they might fancy themselves, they're still in plain view of everyone around them. Bolin doesn't even get a chance to issue a remark to Naruto before there's a whistle and the sound of park guards yelling at them to stop. And Bolin does, the cold shock of being caught freezing him. ]
We gotta go!!
[ But only for a second, before he's grabbing Naruto's hand and darting off with the younger boy, looking for a spot to hide themselves. ]
no subject
The pair round a garbage can, ducking behind a themed rest area and the group of teens sharing a towering dessert and that's when he sees it. Their salvation. A ride attendant has her back turned, attention on a young boy that's talking to her, and there's no line!]
This way this way! [It's louder than a whisper, but Naruto isn't about to start shouting when they're trying to avoid detection. His hand tightens around Bolin's own as they sprint out from cover to duck onto a boat ride- taking off in a floating bird and into the relative safety of darkness. Whew! Looks like-] We made it'attebayo!
no subject
Well, they have now, and it takes Bolin a moment to stop reflecting on how fun the chase was to actually take a look at the ride they're on.
The darkness slowly fades from the tunnel as it lights up with red and pink heart shaped bulbs. Subtle. ]
This is pretty romantic. [ He's giving the decor an amuse glance. Then, he turns an eager expression back toward Naruto, reaching out to clap the other boy's shoulder. ] Hey, that was pretty fun!
no subject
As their swan-queen takes them through the first arch of the tunnel, Naruto isn't even thinking about the romantic nature of the scene. He's just surprised by the way it all looks. There's something akin to awe on his face as his head tips up, taking in the fake sea of stars and dozens of heart shaped lamps. Red and pink lights are everywhere, throwing color around in a way that reminds him of springtime back home, if maybe not quite as pretty.
When Bolin's hand comes down on his shoulder Naruto finally tears his eyes away, smiling easily and sinking into the- wow these seats are pretty comfortable actually. There's even a little cushion on the back.]
I thought we were gonna get caught at the end there, for sure. [The laugh has his head shaking.] It's been a long time since I snuck in anywhere, I'm gettin' outta practice.
Good thing those guys were slower than us huh?
no subject
[ He heaves a little sigh, but it doesn't steal the energy out from him. He's still fairly jittery from the energy following the run—he wants to run more. They're escape had been so short, and the way his heart had started pounding felt good. It reminds him of the adventures he would get into with Korra and the others back in Republic City; the easy kind of trouble that didn't hold their lives and safety in the balance.
It's about time he drags Korra on another adventure he thinks. ]
Hey. [ He starts, gaze focusing in as he returns from his thoughts to look at Naruto. ] Is it weird that your best friend is old now?
[ The personification of tact would weep. ]
no subject
Bolin asks, and Naruto thinks immediately of seeing Sakura-chan and Sasuke teaming up to take on a dragon. He thinks about the easy way they stand around one another, the way they talk and move, comfortable as he's never seen them before. If any part of it is weird, it's probably that. To know he's missing out on something really big.
His expression scrunches thoughtfully and the boat, now securely on its leisurely track, bobs and slows. Around them the the water sloshes and stills.]
Mostly they still seem like the same people'attebayo. They still seem to like the same things. Sakura-chan is still scary when she's mad and she still cares about us a lot, and Sasuke's still a jerk without even trying.
I guess it's just weird to be left behind.
[It's been so long since he's felt that way. Maybe that was the sensation he'd been running from so far.]
You don't have that with any of your friends here huh?
no subject
[ Though a lot had happened in that month, it certainly doesn't compare to the years of difference between Naruto and his companions. As much as Bolin had a hard time trying to piece together how Sasuke must feel, looking at Naruto, it's a lot easier for him to make a guess at how the younger boy must be feeling.
Because Bolin already feels small in comparison to the likes of Korra, Asami, and Mako, with all of their big dreams and passions. The three of them are transformative, and Bolin isn't, though he's spent time trying to catch up to them, to try and wrestle all four of them onto the same plane. It hadn't worked, but he'd made the decision to join Kuvira's army and make changes in the world on his own, rather than continuing to sit by and just admire others. (Apparently it hadn't worked - he'd made the wrong decision.) So he can imagine this vague feeling, stretching and becoming wider as the years of experience increase.
Even though he's excited to see all the things his friends will accomplish - they'll be amazing, he knows it - Naruto's right: it's weird to be left behind. ]
You haven't really been left behind though. [ He points out, really thinking about it. ] I mean, it's not like you died - wait!
[ Then, he sits up. ]
Have you asked them anything about future you though? What you're like? Do you have kids?
no subject
[He makes a lot of noise, but mostly he's just embarrassed. Though he's asked a few questions about the future, they've all be about whether or not his friends are happy. Even now he still feels like it's the most important thing. He knows that he'll become Hokage one day, but Naruto had decided long ago that he would give up that dream if meant sacrificing Sasuke in the process. That he made it as far as they say, and that Sakura and Sasuke are content in their lives together-
Naruto wants a lot of things. But that's the thing he needs.]
And anyway I didn't ask about the rest. What if it ruins something? I'm in the middle of a war back home I can't get all distracted when I go back. [He's about to fold his arms when a lightbulb goes off. Naruto leans in conspiratorially, a look of smug satisfaction on his face before he admits-] I'm gonna get a lot taller though. That one's for sure.
What about your future? What changes after a month?
no subject
Bolin however, shows no such consideration, breezing past Naruto's question with an easy ] Oh, not much. My brother's two ex-girlfriends end up dating each other and it's great—anyway.
[ He's not done with you, Naruto, and he leans forward to grab both of the blonde's shoulders, eyes sparkling in the pink light, interest obvious. ]
I doubt you'd get distracted. [ Naruto comes off like an incredibly dedicated guy. ] How can you not want to know! What if you end up with the girl of your dreams? It can't upset things more than meeting your friends from the future already has.
no subject
The reason he isn't hinged on it is because there's a part of him that still feels uncertain about the fight he's in right now. As much as Sakura and Sasuke tell him about the peaceful future they create together, it's nothing more than wishful thinking for many of their comrades back home. It's further away for him than the immediacy of Neji's death, and knowing he'll have to say goodbye to his father's ghost. Naruto's response is owlish in his confusion.]
But the girl of my dreams was Sakura-chan and she was never gonna end up with me.
no subject
And immediately Bolin reels back, regretting having pushed the issue. He slides back to his end of the swan, looking sheepish and apologetic, despite the fact that Naruto doesn't sound heartbroken in the least.
Then again, Naruto's still fairly young. He's got all the time in the world to chase after cute girls. Bolin at his age was making plenty of stupid romantic decisions. ]
Well, I guess it's nice to keep some of the mystery. [ He guesses. ] It might feel forced once you know what's supposed to happen.
no subject
Sasuke finally has a home.
What is there to feel regret about?
Naruto stretches, lets the idle curiosity about his future bubble around in him, and then lets it go.]
I guess if it was you you'd try and make it happen right away, huh? [The smile is easy on his mouth. Bolin seems like that kind of guy- eager to make things move. Maybe it's why they get along this way.] But it's good that your brother's okay, huh? What about the rest of your family?
no subject
Though, armed with that information, he's probably change the future already. ]
Oh, uh. I'm pretty sure my grandma and cousins got to evacuate Republic City safely, so they're safe too. [ Bolin furrows his brows. ] Korra probably would've said something if they were hurt.
no subject
Naruto eases back into the swan, relaxing on the sizable loveseat as the tension leaves his shoulders.] I guess we've both got a lot to finish up when we get back though. Better make sure we stay in shape and don't slack off!
no subject
[ Bolin points out, slouching in his own seat, and not minding as their knees knock together. The swan isn't really made for distance, and Bolin isn't shy about being physical anyway, so it doesn't even register.
The romantic music that starts to play just makes him grin. ]
Oh, but I exercise in the morning with my roommate. I told Sakura to join too—uh, not the older one, the little one. [ He nods at Naruto. ] You should come along! Teach me what you know.
no subject
To be a shinobi? [The question is bright between them as Naruto settles in, their weight lining up easily from hip to knee. As the thought sits there, it's hard not to keep smiling. He remembers his first time training with Kakashi-sensei, when he and his team were supposed to take the bells from their instructor. Even back then he'd shirked off stealth and cunning to stand openly in the field and demand a fair fight.] I dunno, some people would say I don't act like one at all. But I guess I could show you a few things!
But but, you gotta tell me how you made that metal stuff fly around! Like when you got it on the dragon's face- and then when you stuck it on my arms? You didn't even touch it! Was that magic?
no subject
But who cares about magic, he's got some lesser version of metalbending now. ]
Uh, I guess? [ Their weapons are magic weapons, right? ] My weapon lets me control metal—where I come from it's called metalbending, but the kind here isn't as good as that.
no subject
One hand lifts to scrub through the mess of his blond hair. Okay okay new mental image- a bunch of guys like Bolin flying through the air and lifting ships up out of the ocean and sending them soaring into bad guys with explosions!!
There are stars in his eyes.]
Ahhhhh can your brother do that stuff too? Can everybody back where you're from? I guess this makes you a metal type? Or maybe steel release... but I've never seen anything like that before.
no subject
Probably totally accurate because earthbending is the best thing ever. ]
No, my brother's a firebender. We come from a mixed family. [ He's a little happy about this, because he thinks his and Mako's respective elements suit them so well. He can't imagine himself bending fire or Mako earth. ] And not everyone in my world is a bender—some people are non-benders. And I wasn't a metalbender back home—uh.
[ Hold up. ]
So first of all, there are four types of bending: earthbending, firebending, airbending, and waterbending. But they all have subspecialties. Earthbenders can metalbend, but I couldn't.
no subject
It's the rest of it he's trying to make sense of.
Their swan rounds a bend lazily and with it a puff of bubbles descends from places unknown. One gets caught in Naruto's hair and- stays there. Clinging for dear life.] You couldn't back home but you can now?
Oh oh! Do you think it's cause your weapon knows you're a earth type?
no subject
[ What is he, a Pokemon?
Bolin mulls it over for a second, wondering about the relationship between himself and his weapon—something that he'd never really had to think about before, when all he'd had to rely on was his body and the earth around him. Self-reflection is not one of Bolin's strengths.
So he just shrugs. ]
Yeah! Maybe. [ Before peering curiously at the blonde, smiling a little at the way bubbles are clinging to his hair. ] What's your weapon anyway?
no subject
[The next question redirects him easily and Naruto tugs on the lapels of his uniform jacket] Remember when we met and I had that real long coat on? With the yellow hood?
I'm not exactly sure what it does, since I can't make magic happen- like explosions or fire or metal or anything like that. So maybe I just haven't figured it out yet. Actually, when I heard we had weapons that really wasn't what I expected at all.
no subject
(Though he guesses... Naruto could throw it at people to obscure their vision!)
He leans forward to brush the bubbles out of the other boy's hair, where they were starting to gather and multiply. ]
What were you expecting?
[ Most of the bubbles pop right upon contact, though one clings angrily to his fingernail before surrendering its fragile existence. ]
no subject
[They're on the same wavelength, really. Bolin's hand brushes the bubbles away and Naruto's arms stick out dramatically- a gesture to- well. Bolin and Swan-chan apparently.]
A real weapon y'anno? Like a sword, or some shuriken! Just because I already know how to fight that didn't help me take down those dragons very much. There was a girl that had this cool bow and arrows, and then you've got that metal magic, and Sakura-chan's got a big axe!
Mine just covers my head! How's that supposed to help win a war!
no subject
[ He's reaching a bit, and really Bolin is not the person to ask about weapons. He can't wield most weapons like swords and guns, he might be able to throw a shuriken with some practice. Still, he does feel like he should say something to make Naruto feel a little better. ]
Maybe you should just get another one? [ He crosses his arms, looking thoughtful. ] I mean, that's what I did.
no subject
You did that? How? What'd you have to start with?
no subject
That staff I had when we first met. [ The one he'd used to numb Naruto when the other boy had lost his marbles. ] I switched it out for a shield.
no subject
The boy always bringing up the rear.
But in a position like that he'd had nothing to lose, and was unafraid to ask for help from others. To look for guidance from those around him.]
Then- what's your shield do? Does that mean you like it better?
no subject
But really. That's pretty much the gist of it. Bolin's not sure how hot it can get just yet, but the first time that he'd fooled around with it, he'd end up nearly burning his hands. It's obvious that it's a good pair for his first weapon however, because he can still wield it with the pseudo-metalbending when it gets too hot to touch.
All in all, he's not complaining. ]
But mostly I picked it because it's made of metal! So I can change it into different shapes. [ He just has to make sure that the projectiles he forms out of it don't take too much damage, lest the shield become dormant. ] But the staff was good too... I could just numb problematic enemies.
no subject
You know, we really should practice together sometime. You're pretty strong. [Once, all Naruto had wanted was to hear those words himself. For someone to see him, and acknowledge his strength. His worth. When he says it to Bolin he means it, but there's also a genuine warmth to be found. Naruto enjoys the fight- it connects him with his body and it connects him with other people. There are things he will only ever learn about Bolin from one fist to another, and here, he realizes just how much he wants to know them.] Did you fight a lot back home?
no subject
He's more genuinely pleased this time, face warm with happiness from the compliment. ]
Yeah, all my life. [ In response to Naruto's question. Though, despite his history as a fighter, he doesn't communicate through fists like the younger boy. (Unless he's fighting with Mako.)
That aside, he sighs a little, looking out at the tunnel and the cute statues of cuddling mouse and cat characters before turning back to Naruto with an eyebrow raised. ]
We've been talking about fighting for a while though. Do you always talk about work during your dates?
no subject
His mouth opens, reply at the ready before he's even processed what he's replying to- and then the laugh is startled right out of him. If they didn't know each other well enough to have been through this song and dance already, Naruto might have sputtered and gone red in the face. He's always been easy to work up and equally easy to read- but they've had this fight before and it always ends in Naruto yelling and Bolin backtracking. Its just something they do. He scrubs at his hair once more.]
Ahaha- sorry sorry! I guess I don't really think about it like a job'attebayo, it's just the way life is back home.
You must be getting pretty bored huh?
no subject
[ His answer, good natured and easy. Bolin's used to fighting, and it's an obvious part of his life. Wake up, eat, mess around with his friends, fight a little, save the world. A usual day. It doesn't bore him to talk about it any more than it bores him to talk about food—and he wasn't serious when he called it work. Most of the people he knows fight for a living, whether with their fists or their minds.
And he doesn't even realise how awful that truth is. ]
Tell me other stuff though! You know, what your family's like and what your favourite colour is.
no subject
So I guess that 'cause they're the Red Hot Habanero and the Yellow Flash, then my favorite color is Orange!
no subject
There had been so much love that he wanted to give to his parents, and it was actually painful to have no outlet for it.
He tries not to be too obvious in this however, sliding slightly to close the minimal amount of distance between them, reaching out to ruffle Naruto’s hair, the other boy’s shoulder bumping against his chest. ]
Orange suits you.