The Girl and the Fire Lord

11 Morning Dew - Hiromi's POV

I wrapped my hair neatly into two buns and pulled a few pieces down to frame my face. Kaori's insistence on walking in the garden again wouldn't stop me from seeing Zuko. I needed to kiss him again. Never in my life had I ever felt so... passionate. His lips set me on fire and I needed more.

I slipped a red and black lace garter on underneath a sheer gown. It was almost see-through, which I liked, and it was sure to win him over. Careful not to wake Hana, I headed for the door. If she saw me heading out like this, saying I was feeding the turtleducks wouldn't cut it. She'd want answers... and I wasn't ready to give them. Keeping me and Zuko a secret felt so romantic. It was something that only we shared- just me and the Firelord.

I scurried down my hallway, past the nicer hallways, and out to the garden door. As I was about to reach for the handle, I heard his voice and nearly melted.

"Wow... your dress-" He said, walking closer to me. He stopped about a foot away, and I closed the gap, pressing myself against him and wrapping his arms around my waist. I let my arms fall around his neck. 

"It's for you." I whispered, and I heard his heart quicken. I wanted him. "Do you want to go somewhere more private today? The garden is lovely, but I'd love some alone time with you." I suggested. I bit my lip and gazed up at him longingly. His arms tightened around my waist, and I felt his hands pull me closer. 

"You can come to my room, I guess. There are a lot of guards there, though." He said, fumbling over his words a bit. He was clearly nervous around me, and it was adorable. I let one of my fingers trail down his chest.

"That won't be a problem. I can be quiet." I said, and his eyes widened. He pulled away, took my hand, and started walking down the hallway. 

My heart was absolutely soaring and I felt faint. It was finally going to happen - after so many years of imagining it. I wondered if he'd ever been with someone before. When we'd kissed, he seemed hesitant, so he was probably new to this whole thing. The idea that I might be his first made me absolutely giddy. I stifled a squeal. 

We reached the huge doors of his room, red with gold accents and a lock only a firebender could open - and a powerful one at that. He squeezed my hand and pulled me in, wrapping my arms around his neck and moving his face close to mine. I looked up and met eyes with him. He was so handsome I thought I might pass out. I closed my eyes and waited for his lips to meet mine. They didn't. 

His arms pulled me tighter to him, and I felt that he was hard. I was about to go mad. Before I could stop myself, I closed my eyes and pressed my lips against his, letting the fire in me drive my movements. He kissed me back at first, but then pulled away. 

"I... I'm not ready for this." He said, breathing heavily. His eyes looked almost glassy, and a pang of guilt washed over me. I'd taken things too quickly and blown my chances. I'm such an idiot I thought. He was visibly flustered, and was staring at the floor.

"It's okay, I don't want to rush you." I said, moving closer. He took a step back, and I felt my heart tighten. I'd completely messed things up between us. "I'm sorry if I did anything to make you uncomfortable." 

"No, it's not you. I don't know what I was thinking. I want to make sure if I do this, it's with the right person. I... don't really know you that well yet." He said. I took a step forward, and this time he didn't back away. When I reached, for his hand, he let me take it.

"We can walk in the garden and just get to know each other." I suggested, and a soft smile spread across his face.

"That sounds good." He said, and we walked back down the hallway. There were guards all over the place. My hallway usually only had two or three stationed there. Here there must've been at least thirty men standing watch. It was almost comical, really.- as if Zuko couldn't protect himself!

Our walk back to the garden was slow, and he opened the large doors for me when we got to them. The morning was still cool, and the air smelled sweet. 

We walked down the path and around the hedges until we were next to the white flowers Zuko liked so much. I reached down to pick one, but he stopped me.

"Oh, you can't pick those. They'll die if you pick them." He said, and I smiled. My cheeks felt warm, but I didn't let the embarrassment last long. How would I have known that anyhow?

When we turned the next corner, I stopped in my tracks. By the pond was Kaori, standing with a small bag in her hands and singing. My heart stood still.