Twenty Seconds Of Insane Courage

Korra takes a deep breath of cool night air as she leans over the railing on the outer deck of the airship. It was dark and calm with only the soft glow of the moon peaking through the clouds as they passed. Meanwhile her mind is a jumbled mess. Just an hour ago she announced to her friends and family that she would be using herself as leverage to get the airbenders back from Zaheer. Of course everyone voiced their concerns. But it was Asami's reaction that she couldn't seem to shake. Mako and Bolin had looked at her with concern. Asami had looked like her entire world was crumbling as she choked out the words that there had to be another way.

"Hey you. I've been looking for you." Korra glanced over briefly to see Asami coming to rest against the railing a few feet away. "Yeah I couldn't sleep" Korra continued to look out at the rushing darkness. Fighting the tears burning the corners of her eyes.

"Korra I..." Asami starts.
"I'm sorry I didn't tell you before I told everyone else" Korra could feel the lump forming in their throat as she fidgeted with her fingers. Trying to find the best words.
"I just knew what you would say and this decision was already hard enough. I know I wouldn't have been able to tell you no..." she trailed off. Stopping herself before she revealed too much.

Asami stood quiet for a moment. She knew all the things she wanted to say. She wanted to tell her to stay. That she had been slowly falling in love with her best friend for the past year. But she settled for what she knew was safe. What wouldn't jeopardize their friendship. "I'm sorry if I came off angry. I just don't know what I'd do if you got hurt. I know this wasn't an easy decision."

Korra wiped the heel of her hand over her eye to catch the tears that shes failing to keep at bay. "I'll be careful Sami. But I still have one thing I need to do before we get there" standing up straight and steeling her nerves. It was now or never. Zaheer was unpredictable and desperate. Of course Korra hoped she would make it out in one piece. But she also knew what was at stake. She finally forced herself to look at those stunning green eyes that always made her heart skip a beat. I can't do this without letting her know how I feel. But how do you tell your best friend who is also a girl that you are in love with her.

"Can you just close your eyes for me?"
Korra could feel her courage waning as she looked into those jade eyes. "Please"
Asami nods and does as she's asked. Turning so her back is resting against the railing before closing her eyes. Korra takes a deep breath before stepping forward. Memorizing Asami's features as she stands there quietly. The way her long lashes rested on her cheeks when her eyes closed. How her full lips held that color crimson so well. She's my entire universe and she doesn't even know it.

"Korra?" Asami quietly asks snapping Korra back to the present. "I'm here" she replies quietly, reaching out and running her thumb softly across Asami's knuckles. She half expected Asami to pull away but the only response she got was goosebumps erupting over pale skin. It's now or never Korra. She sucks in a deep breath before closing the gap and pressing her lips against Asami's.

Asami's breath hitches as she feels lips pressing against hers in a soft kiss. Korras kissing me? She felt like her brain was short circuiting for a second. Is this a dream? There's no way she's kissing me. Does this mean she feels the same way I do? Then Asami was yanked back to reality when she felt the loss of those lips as the night air dried the kiss left there. Her eyes snap open to find Korra retreating, panicking and stumbling over her words. "Sami... I'm so sorry... we've gotten so close and... these feelings have been so overwhelming... Korra clamps her hand over her mouth, fighting back tears and the urge to run.

Without wasting another second. Asami closes the gap between them. Cupping the sides of Korras face before crashing their lips together in a frantic kiss. Korras head was swimming as she attempted to make sense of what was happening. One second she was panicking. Worried that she just ruined their friendship for good. Now her best friend was sliding her arms around her neck and pulling her into an earth shattering kiss. This is really happening. Why are you just standing here not moving like an idiot? This could be your only chance Korra. Get out of your head and do something! It was like a spark of electricity ignited in her brain and she could think again. Wrapping her arms around Asami's waist and pulling her closer before deepening the kiss. Putting into it everything she wants to say in the short time before they reach Laghima's Peak.