Take My Breath Away

You feel the air forcefully pulled out of you, surrounding you until the world is lost in the blur of your very own breath. Every gasp is a failure, only serving to throw your lungs deeper into agony. The barely discernible form of Zaheer looms before you, a look of hatred and determination boring into you as he takes your breath away.

This is it you think. But you are ready to lay down her life for the Air Nation. Sorry Asami.

Your life flashes before your eyes, changing as you blink in and out of the Avatar State.

...

Water flows through your chubby three year old fingers. The ground beneath you trembles with your laughter. The fireplace burns with your excitement. Naga's little tail wags as she barks happily.

.

"What makes you so sure your daughter is 'the one?'" the snooty man asks. You don't like the tone he takes with Mom and Dad.

You literally burst through the wall. You'll put this man in his place. "I'm the Avatar, You've gotta deal with it."

.

Master Katara looks at you and smiles. "Congratulations," she says. "You are a waterbending master."

.

"It's alright Toza, she's with me." Bolin smirks at the crotchety old man. You just met this boy, but you already know that he's an amazing friend.

.

You and Mako are sneaking into the Equalist rally and Mako wraps his scarf around you.

He makes you feel warm. You promise to save his brother.

.

A beautiful girl is draped on Mako's arm. "This is Asami."

Your heart stops when those emerald green eyes lock onto yours with a friendly smile. "Mako's told me a lot about you." This beautiful girls voice makes your skin tingle, makes you feel like you're out of breath. You're scared and bristle up, offering nothing but a terse hello.

.

You and Asami are laughing as you hop out of the Satomobile and onto the race track. You can't help but think about how stupid you were for being so brusque with this amazing girl. Mako made you feel warm, but Asami sets you on fire.

But then you overhear Hiroshi, and a pit opens in your gut.

Your heart breaks when you take away the father of the girl who takes your breath away.

.

Asami is teaching you how to drive and you think about how glad you are that this friendship has gotten so close. "I've never had a girlfriend to hang out with and talk to before, except Naga," You smile nervously. "This is nice."

Asami smiles back and is about to lean in when her eyes dart to the side. "Vine, vine!"

Maybe another time.

.

Team Avatar has traveled to the Earth Kingdom and is showcasing airbending in hopes of new recruits. You, Bolin, and Asami laugh heartily as you toss Mako up and down. "This isn't what we rehearsed! Korrraaa!"

You look back at Asami and feel proud that you are the one to makes your love laugh. Because that's what it is now. You realize that you love her.

This girl who makes your heart feel like it wants to explode every time she looks at you. Every time she places her hand over yours. This girl who leaves your lungs empty, who makes you feel free.

.

You are about to save the Air Nation and know that the cost may be your life. You wrap your arms around Asami, knowing it's likely the last chance you'll get.

You pull back and look into those green eyes that take your breath away.

You recall the time she taught you how to drive, how she leaned in.

Maybe you could take away hers.

But you get nervous.

"Be careful," she says.

"I will." But it's a promise you can't keep.

Because now it's Zaheer taking your breath away.

And you wish that she could do it one last time.