The Girl and the Fire Lord

7 The Date - Kaori's POV

I'd gotten a bit caught up in my work and was running a little behind schedule. It had been especially hot and the flowers all needed extra care, so I'd lost track of time. I told him seven, right? That meant I had about thirty minutes to get a bath, get my hair done, get my makeup on, and look presentable. That was doable. Probably. 

I ran a bath and slipped in, trying to melt away my worries. Yasuo was handsome, he worked on my hall, and he seemed kind during the little bit of time I'd spent with him. I convinced myself that I was excited to see him and let a few drops of lavender oil fall into my bathwater. Picking out my outfit went quickly - I chose the first dress I saw in my closet. Makeup would take a little bit of time, so I got to work. As I pinked my lips, I reminded myself of Yasuo's sharp jawline and his cute nose. He had a nice looking face. I hoped he had a nice personality to match. 

I had just finished putting the last pin in my hair when I heard a knock at my door. After taking a few deep breaths, I opened it to see him standing there, hot jawline and all. He was a good six inches taller than me, and his arms were huge. 

"Good evening, Kaori. I love your dress." He remarked. I was wearing a green silk gown with floral embroidery. It looked nice, but I didn't think it was really anything special.

"Thank you. You look nice as well. How was your shift?" I asked. As he talked about his day guarding the hallway - talking to the other guards, making rounds, and escorting some kids from the academy off of the front steps - I found myself letting my mind wander to other things. We walked down the third hallway and then down the main until we finally reached the beautiful doors to the garden. 

"I'm excited to see your work. I've not made it out here much at all." He said, and I smiled at him.

"I think you'll like it! I certainly do. It's so peaceful out here, and I'm grateful to be in charge of it." 

"That's very sweet." He responded as he pushed open the large door and lead me outside. It had cooled off a bit, and the moon was showing just above. As we walked through the garden, I pointed out my favorite flowers and why I loved them.

"And this one here is my very favorite. These are the white dragon bush flowers. They're very difficult to take care of, but the result is so rewarding!" I knelt down and moved one of the blooms to show him its beauty. He reached down, and do my shock, plucked one right out of the bush.

"One for your room, then, Kaori." He said, handing me the delicate flower.

"Oh! Yasuo, that is so kind, but these flowers die almost immediately after being picked. They're very particular..." I said, and I saw his cheeks turn the slightest shade of pink. I really should have just taken the flower and said nothing. 

"I apologize, I should have asked first." He said, and I linked my right arm with his again, letting the flower dangle in my left hand. We walked in silence for a while longer until we came to a bench by the pond. When we sat down, he moved closer to me, and took my hand. 

"You have such an appreciation for your work - it's so admirable." He said, tracing my fingers with his thumb. 

"Thank you. This job saved me from a long life of tiresome work and poverty. I do what I love and make plenty of money to send to my family in the colonies." 

His hand tensed ever so slightly.

"Ah, I didn't know you were from the colonies. That's so unique." He said, pulling away enough for me to notice. 

"Yes, my mother and sister still live there. My father was killed in the 100 year war and I provide for them. I love them dearly, but I'm not able to visit them often." I confessed. When I said the words, my heart hurt with how much I missed them. 

"I come from a family of palace guards. My father was one, his father, his father, and so on." He said coolly. There was a strange tension in the air now that hung thick like molasses. After some short small talk, he stood up and offered me his arm. 

"I've got to be up very early tomorrow morning, and I'm sure you do too. I've had a lovely night, but I'm afraid I've got to end it here." He said. I took his arm, and we began walking back towards the palace.

"I had a nice time too. Thank you for your evening, sir." I said politely. He walked me back to my room and opened the door for me. I gave him a nod and a smile, and then said goodbye. When the door was shut, I sunk to the ground. I felt nothing for him.