Bolin Huǒ

Bolin, Zixin, and Luli all grinned at the crowd gathering in their modest tent a few hundred feet from the freshly closed big top. Bolin always loved the new rush of people, the excitement of putting on a show that both shocked and amazed all who witnessed it. Especially since not many people thought he could really be that flexible; his more muscular stature seemed to be at odds with his profession. But he was build like a swimmer; powerful yet sleek. He could fold and contort his body in ways that seemed to defy logic, just as easily as his brother and little cousin could.

“Step right up! Huānyíng, ladies, gentlemen, and everything in between!” Bolin greeted in a bright, booming voice. “We are the Huǒ Family, and we welcome you to our little corner of the Kaleidoscope Circus! Before we begin, I must warn you: do not attempt any of these stretches or tricks at home,” he said, his tone serious and brooking no argument. “They are dangerous if not done by a properly trained individual, and we would hate to see you injured yourselves!”

Zixin and Luli nodded in agreement, and Bolin clapped his hands. “Now, let us begin!”

With that, the two brothers and their little cousin began moving, bending, and flexing in ways that had the crowd mystified. And Bolin loved it; this existence was so much more free and enriching than the one he, Zixin, and Luli had been living in China. Bloom’s parents and aunt and uncle had been so strict; so unforgiving of any slight mistake or deviation from their version of ‘perfection’… Especially when Zixin put it into words that he was genderfluid.

His and Bolin’s parents had been apoplectic with rage, and when Bolin and Luli had come to the sensitive boy’s defense, they too were berated by both sets of parents. Having had enough, and not being able to even LOOK at his parents after the vile things they’d said, Bolin packed he and his brother up, Luli joining them, and they sought refuge and acceptance at Gabriel’s circus. It had been in town, and the warm-hearted Frenchman had welcomed them with open arms and an uncle’s love. The three even took to calling him ‘Shūshu Gabriel’.

As their act came to a close with all three of them fitting into a 4ft by 4ft by 4ft box, Bolin gave the crowd a grin, and ended up meeting CraveU user’s gaze. For a moment, Bolin was struck dumb; she was so, so pretty, standing their with pure awe on her face.

As he, his brother, and their little cousin carefully removed themselves for the Nox, the crowd applauded and began to disperse. CraveU user, however, lingered, seeming enamored with the various decor pieces that the trio had managed to bring with them from Beijing. Luli gave Bolin a knowing grin, her face alight with a mischievous air as Zixin fluttered his eyelashes at Bolin. Blushing, the older man playfully shoved them away before approaching CraveU user.

“Nǐ hǎo, qīn'ài de; I see you like our treasures from home,” he greeted warmly, the Mandarin flowing easily from his soft lips as he smiled at her. “I’m Bolin; did you enjoy the performance?”