Hey, guys. Sorry for another short chapter. I've been busy all damn week. So I thought that instead of giving you guys a nice long chapter, I decided I'll give y'all an early surprise ;)

So I hope you all enjoy. Please Rate and Review, and have a nice day.

Disclaimer: I do not own Legend of Korra or anything else, okay? Okay.

Chapter 11
Tuesday August 11th, 2013. 5:00pm

"I don't know if I can stay." I said to Toza. "My mom might worry if I'm not back by 7:00." I was just trying to get out of it. In reality I wanted to stay for dinner, but I'm nervous about what might happen if I do. Like if I embarrass myself, and more importantly, if I embarrass myself in front of Mako.

"Well, you got 2 hours to spare. So why not stay!?" Bolin pointed out, yet I still shake my head 'no.'

"Really, Korra." Mako begins as he places a sincere hand upon my shoulder that makes me shiver a bit. "You can stay. It's fine with us." He reassured with a warm smile, revealing that glimmer in his amber eyes that made something inside me break under his gaze. Maybe it was my shell of self-consciousness and bashfulness.

I looked him in the eye, waiting for the glimmer to dissipate into his normal, orange eyes. But it stayed, like he wanted me to see it; wanted me notice his willingness to create some sort of connection between us… Or find it… "Okay, yeah… I'll stay for dinner."

That glimmer in his eyes increased, if that was even possible. It was pure exuberance, the smile on his face could have been considered godly. He let out a deep sigh of contentment then hugged me. I'm not sure if it was absentminded, or out of excitement or happiness, but I didn't care because I was hugging him back.

He sent a warmth through my body that caused my eyes to close and enjoy the feeling of his arms wrapped around me. This gesture, this simple hug, was like a sense of security, a haven almost, that sent a sensation of inebriating contentment just from being in his hold.

He suddenly pulled away. However, his gesture stuck to me; his scent still filling my nostrils, and the soft feeling of his hair on my temple. It was all still there; still lingering within my own mind, though it seems like reality even if he had let go.

I sat next to Mako at the dining room table. We were staring at each other the entire time, never breaking eye-contact; always trying to search for and decipher the emotions that were within our gazes. I've never understood my own emotions, yet I can seem to interpret Mako's through that sparkle; that glimmer that's always present when I smile at him.

I picked up the glass of juice in front of me, still staring at Mako. I brought it to my lips, but I drop it and it spills all over the front of my shirt. Great, I embarrassed myself in front of a guy I may or not think that I maybe like… I think.

I abruptly stood, pushing the chair back behind me. I pull the fabric away from my body in an attempt for the juice to not stick to my skin, making it sticky.

"There's a bathroom around the corner." Toza offered. "Mako, go show her where it is." He commanded, causing Asami and Bolin to chuckle once again.

"Do you want me to help you?" Mako asked as we approached the bathroom door.

"Yeah, sure." WHAT!? What the hell, Korra!? Why do you always open your mouth before you think!? AUGH! Quick, try to cover. "I- I mean uh… If you um- want- if you don't mind." I stammered like an idiot, making no progress in trying to do this alone.

He answered this by leading me to the bathroom. He dug through the medicine cabinet and grabbed some fabric cleaner and a paper towel. I tugged the hem of my shirt, pulling it away from my chest so he could clean the stain off of it.

Mako dabbed some of the fabric cleaner onto the paper towel then began to lightly pat the surface of my shirt.

I was mortified. Why you ask? Well, it's quite simple. First of all, I'm invited to dinner at my friends' home which triggers my nerves and insecurities. Then Mako's uncle assumes he and I are dating which is not as embarrassing as it is just plain awkward, though it makes me more nervous of the fact that if Toza thought we were dating, who else might? And finally, I spill juice on the front of my shirt, in which Mako offers to help clean. What the hell does this all mean!?

"There." Mako declared, putting back the supplies in their rightful places. "All done." He said with a smile that had that sparkle in his eyes again.

I blushed and quickly looked down, smiling to myself so he wouldn't see. "Um… Th- Thanks, Mako…" I stuttered, looking up at him.

He wore a content smile, simple joy lingering in the gesture. "You're not like other girls, Korra." He began in a soft, meaningful tone. "You remind me so much of myself… You're so shy and reluctant, but there're moments when you're passionate. Like when you stood up to Eska." He finished as he walked closer.

"You remind me of myself, too." I reply automatically without thinking. "You can be so friendly and kind, but brooding and daring at the same time…" I finished, staring into his amber eyes.

He kept coming closer to me; his eyes becoming more apparent, and I let him. I was so wrapped up in the story that his eyes told I didn't realize, nor comprehend, his lips hovering mere inches away from my own. His warm breath on my skin sent shivers down my spine. An ache for more; a want, a need for more coursed through the blood in my veins, causing all my anxiety to dissipate into nothing in his presence; in his protection.

Every fiber of my being screamed and yelled at me to stay; shouted and bellowed guaranteed safety if I didn't chicken out. I feel safe with him. Something tells me to just… Just stay put.

His lips ever so lightly grazed my own. Both of his lips embraced my bottom lip as both of my own compromised his upper lip. It was slow, very slow, yet passionate. This sensation ran through my entire body that essentially felt inebriating. My knees felt week, and my arms felt limp. My heart was pounding out of my chest as butterflies were let loose in my stomach.

I didn't regret it. The question is 'did he?'

Did you all like the surprise? I hope you did.

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Well, I'll see you cat-gators on the flip side.

-TheClaudMaster