tushanshu_logs | Closed;

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Characters: Bolin, Korra
Date: January 10th
Location: Earth Sector
Situation: Run in with some bro times on the side
Warnings/Rating: N/A

Getting a shirt that would fit a human sized turtle isn’t easy in Keeliai, made more difficult by the fact that it’s a modern t-shirt Korra’s looking to get. Which means ordering a custom made one. It’s the first instance where she left the suite in the Water Sector where she was staying.

Four days had her wanting to get out, just to breathe even a little bit.

Leaving the shop, Korra went to draw her hood up and stopped entirely because of what she saw out of the corner of her eye. Just a few steps away from her was Bolin, and her eyes widened slowly as she turned her head to make sure it was him. Not just her eyes playing tricks on her.

She really had to get used to that it wasn’t just her and Mako on the turtle. All four of them were here now.

"Bolin." Her grin came easily enough, and it actually surprised her that it did. They only had time to do a crash course on their current situation and not actually catch up. Have a little bit of the world that she’d been so homesick over.

"I didn’t know they put you here."

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Meanwhile, Bolin just wanted to get back out so he can finish exploring. He never got a chance to go over every single way to get somewhere and he won't really feel comfortable until he does. Bolin was not expecting to run into anyone, but when he hears Korra's voice, he turns and smiles.

"Korra!"

He walks over so that they're side by side. Really, it feels comfortable, being close to one another. Friendly, physical people and all that jazz.

"Of course, where else would an earthbender end up?"

That actually made Korra stop for one second to think that Toph and Lin were in the Earth Sector as well. It was a solid point.

A rock solid one.

She was less out of sorts now that she had outside company back in the Water Sector, enough that she was out and about. Bolin was almost a kind of test to see how normal everything could feel.

"Okay, you got me on that one." Folding her arms over her chest, Korra bumped Bolin’s arm with her own, armband and all. Fighting back the guilty feeling for practically vanishing right after he showed up wasn’t something she expected to happen today.

"Have you been to Lai's yet? They’ve got a shrimp eating challenge." Of course, they were one of the business partners of the fishing shop she worked for.

"Guess who their current champion is." As if her smirk didn’t say it all.

It's not like the idea of earthbenders being in the Earth Sector is groundbreaking or anything.

Just, one that is grounded in common sense and a down to earth-ness that the people in charge would be stupid to not listen to.

But Bolin is pretty happy that Korra seems to be so relaxed right now, that means things are good and that's the way that they should be. Good. Not bad. Just good. He raises an eyebrow at Korra's comment on Lai's.

"A shrimp eating challenge champion, huh?"

A slight pause.

"Well, it looks like I might have to see if I can be the new one.

Michelangelo had always reminded Korra of Bolin, but actually having him here really showed her how long it's been since she'd last seen him and where the similarities ended. Where the differences that she's so used to began.

"Oh, is that right?" Korra crossed her arms with an incredibly smug smile on her face, one he had seen at many of their practices.

"Right this way, sir." She walked backwards towards her destination, waving her fingers towards her so he would follow.

This was exactly the kind of distraction she needed right now. Something away from everything that's been going on in Keeliai, on Tu Vishan for that matter, and more focused on just being herself.

Something Bolin always seemed to bring out when she was around his exuberant personality.

"Two shrimp monsters!" she called happily when they walked inside. Korra grabbed a chair to her favorite table by, her favorite spot in any restaurant, the window. Her smug smile returned as she pulled up the sleeves of her jacket. Two gigantic bowls filled with shrimp were placed on the table.

"No chopsticks." She raised an eyebrow at Bolin and her smile pushed up her cheeks.

"Ready when you are, Mr. New Champion."

All Bolin can do is gape at the bowls of shrimp placed in front of him and Korra. Never before has he seen so much shrimp for just one serving. It's as if the heavens opened up and delivered upon them the holy grail of food and Bolin knows that he has just found a new favorite restaurant.

He's about to reach for the chopsticks when Korra's addition to the contest is said, and all he can do is smirk right back at her. So, this is how she wants to play it. Well, Bolin is more than willing to play along with her desires. All he does is take his chopsticks and move them out of the way.

"I think you might find that I was born ready, Ms. Former Champion."

"Oho. Looks you’ll be having your words for dessert too."

Waggling her fingers for a moment, as if this was one of those wild west movies Zatanna had her watch, Korra dug in a grabbed two handfuls and shoved one of them into her mouth.

"Nghf hyu vcam’d dwlin, Bdlin."

This was the real first time she couldn’t actually speak because of all the cooked shrimp that didn’t even let her close her mouth. How she managed to chew handful after handful is one of the biggest mysteries on the turtle yet. But she was keeping an eye on her bowl and his to see just how far she’d have to go to win.

Not too many people in Keeliai can give her a run for her money, but she’s eaten with Bolin before. For once, she’s actually not sure if this is one she can pull off.

"But what if I wanted cake for dessert?"

Not that he wants to be left behind, he quickly joins Korra in taking shrimp and shoving it in his mouth. Nevermind that they are probably grossing out other customers, they're used to this. Maybe they can have a rematch of their belching contest once they finish.

Likewise, Bolin has eating with Korra plenty of times, and he is also aware of how much she can put away. For a girl, she can really eat and Bolin knows that she's good competition. But he's still a growing boy and he is hungry. Time to see how they match up against one another here.

More than a third of the way through her bowl and Korra's fighting off slowing down. Buttered shrimp is so good, but so much of it- and after she cleaned out the fridge at Mike's place. They're perfect to go with that casserole she had.

Hands glistening with melted butter and cheeks threatening to burst, Korra took a long look at her last two handfuls. A very long look. Then that look went to Bolin, who didn't seem to be slowing down as much as she was.

Her eyes went to her picture on the far off wall and she took a deep breath through her nose.

"Blannid, Bdlin!" She shoved the shrimp in her mouth and her chewing slowed down. Time, she needed time to let her food go down and he. wasn't. stopping.

She is perfectly astute in her observation: Bolin is not feeling any intention on slowing down. He's really enjoying the taste of the food, and is making mental note to come back and really enjoy the dishes they have to offer once he's done kicking Korra's ass at eating. He's in the zone, not paying attention to Korra's attempts at speaking and eating at the same time.

Bolin has one goal in mind, and that is to eat.

Eat like he has never eaten before.

Chewing down to where her mouth is almost empty, Korra looked at her last handful of shrimp and the ones that were at the bottom of her bowl.

HOW WAS HE STILL EATING?

Needing a breather, Korra slopped her shrimp back in the bowl and let out a heavy breath; watching Bolin eat his last handful. Even though she lost, something she doesn't always take gracefully, Korra was still able to manage a smile. That was a challenge and even if she didn't eat earlier, she was pretty sure it would have been a coin flip.

"Don't loose toss your meal, or they won't take your picture." Sitting back in her chair, as if to make room for her stomach, Korra slid the bowl over to him. "There you go Mr. New Champion. Don't eat it all in one place."

She was having just a bit too much fun just then.

All Bolin can do as he finishes his last handful is just smirk at Korra. You took on this challenge, you knew what you were up against. He pops his fingers into his mouth, sucking off the last bits of butter and shrimp on them before speaking.

"I will say that you did give me a good competition, but in the end, we both know who's stomach reigns supreme."

He feels fine, a bit full, but that feeling will pass soon enough.

"And I will accept a rematch whenever you feel up to the task once more, Ms. Old Champion."

"You're on." Fully intent on getting back her title. When she's not, ready to roll off her chair anyway.

That is the cue for the shop owners to set up the camera, which is even a bit older than the ones they have back home. Right now, she was tempted to shimmy her way into the photograph somehow.

First photobomb in Keeliai?

He poses for the picture, raising an eyebrow at the camera, but not questioning it much than that. If she wants to photobomb, then Bolin is perfectly happy with that.

Go for it, Brorra.

The whole setting up of the camera gave her plenty of time for her to get her energy going again, at least enough for Korra to dart around the table and lean in her head next to Bolin squeeze out a smile right before the flash goes off.

It may not help that there's bits of shrimp on her teeth, but she doesn't really care.

And she wasn't even about to apologize for interrupting the photograph. "Making a name for yourself already." said with a grin as she put her arm on the back of the seat to look up at her picture.

"Maybe they'll let give me mine?" She never asked what happened to the champ's picture before her.

Again, Bolin can't help but smirk at Korra as she photobombs his picture. She just had to find a way to keep her beautiful face on the wall, didn't she? But, it doesn't matter to Bolin in the slightest, so long as his gorgeous mug takes center stage. He just nudges her side as he takes his seat.

"If you ask for it, they should."

"Yeah maybe, but I don't think I'd put it anywhere. I have a mirror for that. Unless you think Naga would like to be able see me even if I’m at work." Sitting back down caused a long, overdue, window rattling belch. Once that’s done and whenever the ‘aftershocks’ actually end, Korra pulled out some juulan to pay for her bowl.

"Finish the bowl and it’s free, so don’t worry."

But that did make her wonder. "Have you been able to find a job?"

"Well, it's always nice to have a picture of yourself so you can remember your time as the champion shrimp eater. And yeah, I think Naga would like to be able to see you if you're at work." But he just sits and enjoys Korra's burp. Ah, yes, while he can certainly beat her when it comes to eating, there is no winning against her when it comes to belching. Bolin applauds her belch before nodding.

Good to know that the rest of the food is free.

"Hmm, I think Mako volunteered me for something but I'm not against looking for something else to do."

Tu Vishan achievement unlocked: Not getting odd stares after letting everyone know how good of a meal she's had.

Mako. Right. She had almost completely forgotten that she wasn't even planning leave Mike's suite until- whenever.

Almost.

"Volunteer work won't get you money. Why don't you work at the Welcome Center with me? You'd be perfect for it and you can look for something better while you're there." Problem solving, she can do that.

Bolin mulls over the offer as he begins to idly munch on the shrimp that Korra had left behind. It does sound like a tempting offer: working with Korra does sound like a lot of fun and it would give him a job that he can use his natural sunny personality for.

"I do like the idea of welcoming."

"Yeah, you kind of look like the welcoming type." Their first meeting and his showing her around the arena, definitely referenced and implied.

Oh yeah, she implied it.

"I'll talk to Jack Frost for you then. Trust me, you'll have fun." Now that she had made room, Korra swiped a shrimp out of the nearly empty bowl for herself. But she had to get down to seriousness eventually. "Are you settling in okay?"

Unable to check up on her friends for the past few days left her curious how they were getting along in Keeliai. She knew how jarring it could be.

"Thanks Korra, you're a pal."

Oh, you know how Bolin likes it when things are implied, Korra.

He lets out a small laugh as Korra snags a shrimp and gets back to finishing that bowl so that there is nothing left. Ah, yes, he will sleep happy tonight. But when Korra asks her question, Bolin sets the bowl back down and smiles at her.

"Yeah, at least I think. I mean, this place is different from Republic City, but I am nothing if not adaptable."

"Good! A lot of foreigners have trouble with the clothes, but it's not too far off from what we've got at home." She watched him eat the last bite and sighed.

"Thanks Bolin. That was fun." Grinning, she added with a small amount of snark. "Even though I lost."

"Maybe next time you will have some better luck," is all Bolin says as he wipes his hands.

"We’ll see at the re-match." She slapped her hand on the table as if to tap out. "But I should be getting back before-"

Before nothing, she was free from any and all entanglements right now. No one was expecting her to be anywhere, and she was enjoying Bolin’s company. But she couldn’t abuse his friendship as some kind of cushion for her troubles.

Not when she hadn’t told him. That thought washed away the happy look from her face and her eyes snapped over to him in a searching look. For all she knew, Mako told him already.

"before I get tempted to go for round two. I don’t want to see that shrimp making reappearance later tonight."

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SORRY FOR THE LATE

I DEMAND A WRITTEN APOLOGY. DETAILS TO FOLLOW.

WOULD YOU ACCEPT AN APOLOGY IN THE FORM OF INTERPRETATIVE DANCE?

YES. I SEE YOU READ THE CONTRACT CAREFULLY.

I ALWAYS READ CONTRACTS CAREFULLY

/SQUINT YOU WIN THIS TIME.

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