Lin has known him literally all of her life. Tenzin, he has known her for as long as he can remember, being only a year her elder. Each has witness the other in sadness and happiness, in the good times and bad. They shared secrets and fears, prides and faults. And knowing each other so well, a friendly match of sparring was in itself, a beautiful spectacle.
Earth and air danced in a long chain of attacks and counters. A flash of burnt orange and yellow of Tenzin's training robes would contrast the color of Lin's long black hair, after being knocked loose out of its half-braid and freed to the wind. The ground would shake in response to her. The wind would howl in response to him. Each would have a set determination in them to be their best and give their all in order to eventually get the better of the other.
This time, the grounded element came out the winner. It was not much of a surprise, really, Tenzin had a thought invading his young mind since he meet her that morning. It affected his concentration enough to give Lin the victory. Being the child of such a perceptive woman that is Toph Beifong, Lin knew there was something on his mind, but decided that he wouldn't have the audacity to admit to her what it was if she were to ask. She did care for him of course, but if whatever was bothering him was important, it would present itself eventually. That was, at least, her train of thought.
"Good fight! But next time Feather Feet, try to defeat me." As she turned to leave after her victor's remark and a small smirk to compliment it, Tenzin's hand caught her arm. He turned her around to face him again, gazing at her with such a strange, powerful look in his eyes. The intensity of everything he was speaking without a sound changed the environment around them in an instant. Lin now knew what exactly had been bothering him all day, and at first was not prepared for it. Not until he brought his hand to brush against her jaw, then lost his fingers in her hair as he delicately cupped the back of her head to bring her in for a kiss, was she prepared for what he silently told her when he locked eyes with her.
"I love you."
And she told him the same when she started kissing him back, sliding her arms around his neck as she stood flushed against him. For the seconds that they poured out their affections for one another held each other the world seemed to slow to a near halt. The sounds of a gentle breeze and a small, relaxed sob she made against his lips sent chills up his spine as if he were listening to a beautiful instrumental.
After gently breaking apart, he spoke of how he just admitted his passion for her, captured her heart, and defeated any insecurities or fears she had with love.
"I think I just did..."