The Good and the Bad: Kainora

Chapter 9: To New Beginnings

Jinora had a difficult time waking up. She had no motivation to get up at all. Not when there was anything important to do but relax while the airships flew as fast as they could to shake off any potential pursuers the Earth Queen might've sent. Especially when there was the warmth of a boy beside her. And especially when she knew she was destined to be with him. Jinora had been sleeping against Kai's shoulder all night. Meanwhile, Kai had put an arm around her waist while they had been sleeping. His hand was resting on top of hers. Touched by this affectionate gesture, she couldn't help but think back to chain of events that brought them together. Now that she knew the Red String of Fate tied them to each other, she was determined to not let him go. 

Ever. 

Meanwhile, Kai was just beginning to stir. She pulled him closer to her and kissed him on the cheek. Instantly, he was awake, with his blazing green eyes looking down at the girl by his side. 

"Hey." 

"Hey." He pecked her on the cheek. Kai took a closer look at Jinora. "You look better today. Slept well?" 

"Um, yeah, I think so," she replied, a light blush coloring her cheeks. "All thanks to you." His compliments, no matter how big or small, always warmed her up. 

Kai smiled. "That's good. You'll need lots of energy to train all of these new airbenders." He turned and looked at the sunrise. "So, are we..." He wasn't sure if he wanted to say it. He looked back at her.

C'mon Kai, I know you want to say it. 

"-yes we are," Jinora smiled in return.

"It's just that I wasn't sure if you were saying it without thinking-" 

"-Kai," She said softly. "It's okay. I'm here to stay." As the sun kept rising into the sky, Jinora allowed herself to be engulfed in Kai's warmth. While she reclined her head into his chest, he wrapped his arms around her in a protective manner. It had been a long time since anyone held her like that. This small gesture from her major crush felt so wonderful, so close, she was definitely not going anywhere for the time being. 

Kai cleared his throat. "When did you start noticing me?" Jinora turned and looked back at him. Their faces were mere inches apart from each other. She couldn't help but be captivated by his bright green eyes. 

"Well," she began, a blush working its way into her cheeks. "It all started when I first saw you, right after we put on that airbending show." Kai looked at her in surprise. She giggled as she saw Kai blushing ever so slightly. 

"Really? Well, you were pretty slick with that glider. I've got to learn how to do that." 

"Thanks. Anyways, that's when I started crushing on you really hard. I'll even tell you this secret: I've been reading books for as long as I can remember, and I still couldn't find anything about..." Jinora wanted to say the word, but was it going to blossom into...

...love?

"...romance and all of that stuff." She put her hands over his. 

Kai let out a small laugh. "Well, you're not going to find everything in a book. Sometimes, you've just got to go with your feelings and hope they take you to the right place." 

"Did you know my idea of romance before meeting you was riding into battle on a dragon and jumping into a volcano?" This time, they both laughed; big, hearty, and spirited laughter that drove away any worries they had in their minds. 

Jinora managed to get herself under control before continuing. "So what's your story, huh?" She nudged Kai. "When did you start looking at me?"

"Well..." Kai rubbed the back of his head. "...other than my adopted family, no one has ever been very nice to me." He turned to Jinora. "Also, I've never really had anyone I could trust...until you came along." Jinora could've melted on the spot. She stared at him intently.