Chapter 2
The silence was killing her. She wanted to say something, but the thoughts raced through her mind. What do I say to him? She deeply inhaled, and then gently placed her hand on his knee. She winced nervously, hoping he wouldn't back away, and surprisingly, he placed his hand on hers, turned to her and smiled. Yet it wasn't the smile that she had hoped to see. It was forced, he wanted to cry. "Can we talk?" she asked nervously. He nodded. "Not here though, don't want to wake Bo," she noted.
The two teens removed themselves from the bed and walked out of the room silently. They proceeded to walk through the various areas of Air Temple Island. Everyone had been asleep by now, exhausted from the events earlier. The sky above them twinkled with the thousands of stars that had adorned the darkness. No chattering of winged lemurs and the sky bison had been sound asleep, all silence.
Their footsteps were light, and though they walked side by side, there was still awkwardness between them that made Korra's heart sink. "Mako…I-I-…"she stammered her words. Her mouth felt heavy. "I still have feelings for you. I know we said we'd be friends, but I can't live with just that. I really like you, and being with you every day just makes me like you more and more."
"I know." Mako mumbled.
"What?" She asked surprised.
"I feel the same way. Since you kissed me, I haven't been able to stop thinking about it. Things have been so confusing lately and everything today happened so fast. Korra you're so strong, and so talented and amazing at everything you do, I don't know if we can be just friends. I have feelings for you, but I still need to sort things out with myself."
"Because you have Asami…" Korra sighed.
"Yeah…Asami. The truth is though, not once did I think of her during the attack today. Your safety was all that I was concerned about. When you went after Amon, I wanted to pull you back and keep you with me, but you're so strong willed that I could only say 'Be careful'. When your water tornado thing started losing its juice and you began to fall, I wanted to save you, but I knew I couldn't. Bolin and I could only watch, and it killed me. You fighting the Lieutenant and those chi blockers with Chief Beifong, it was mesmerizing."
Korra blushed and her deep blue eyes began to sparkle. She couldn't look him in the face as they walked slowly. He had stopped, hands in his pockets, thinking. She didn't notice and as she took her next step she felt a strong tug on her arm. She froze mid-stride. Slowly she turned to see Mako's worried face, golden eyes twinkling with honesty.
"Korra..." he continued, "You are the most irrational, rash, spontaneous, craziest girl I've ever met. And still I can't help but be fascinated and amazed by you. When the glass cracked and you fell the second time, I almost cried. I didn't know if you'd make it. My fists were clenched so tight that I bruised my fingers. I full on sprinted to you when I saw you land safely with the chief. I couldn't live with myself knowing I couldn't protect you Korra. You mean too much to me."
"Mako, that's so sweet, but…" before she could continue he pulled her into the tightest hug that she has ever received from him. His arms wrapped around her as her face pressed against his chest. Her arms bound to her side, unable to move. Mako's head gently rested on Korra's shoulder. He loosed his grip, then turned away looking out to the bay. Korra stared at him in awe and splendor. She knew that he shared the same romantic feelings.
Korra tapped his shoulder playfully while inching closer to his face. "Oh Mako," she chimed. "Mmhmm?" She planted her lips onto his, and enjoyed the sensation that was Mako's embrace. Passion sparked and their bodies warm to the touch. It was the moment that he pined for, to have the girl he truly loved and cared about kiss her again, with that same passion, irrationality and spontaneity that drove him mad.
Their lips parted and she gently said, "Mako, it means so much to me that you care, and I care about you too, but I think I can protect myself, and I couldn't live with myself if anything happened to you, or Bolin, or anyone else I care about."
Mako smiled. The two sat down on a patch of soft grass and he slung his arm around her shoulder, pulling her close. She rested her head on his chest, and the two gazed up at the stars and marveled at the reflecting moonlight illuminating the sky.
"Tomorrow, we'll go to Asami's place, and I'll tell her the truth. It'll hurt, but it's hurting the both of us now with this love-triangle." Mako stated calmly. "You're amazing Korra."
"You're pretty amazing yourself City Boy," she mumbled. He chuckled.
She gently nodded, and drifted asleep his chest. Her body resonated with happiness that she could only express through an honest smile. Things were looking out for her, and she could finally see the invisible wall breaking down. It acted as a veil between her and Mako and finally she could see the world through wide open eyes. The world was looking pretty good right now.
