What is Fate?(Closed: Lovely Firelord Shula.)

Mako sat quietly, the cool night air drifting around them. He hadn't even considered asking Shula to go explore the world with him, and when the question left her mouth, he was stunned. He was pretty clear he felt uncomfortable in the palace, his words had been he didn't belong there.

Mako smiled, "I couldn't...I mean, I...don't want to take you away from..." He fell silent, how could he say what he was thinking without sounding like he was rejecting her? "I don't want to stand in your way...it's not my place...to take the Firelord from her Nation...I...I wouldn't want to be the reason you weren't here when some did happen..."

He looked down, "You are too important to your people...to allow the will of a single person to take you from...all this...but I would have enjoyed that...very much...Shula." He knew, he was positive she could read people easily, his answer was obviously yes, but Mako was clearly trying to be unbiased, fair, he knew accepting could mean ruining Shula's reputation.

Mako lowered his head, and closed his eyes. He felt it, he knew it, he was weak when it came to such things. He couldn't keep his feelings contained, damn his passionate mind, "I want to go...I..." He paused, "How soon can you be packed?"

Mako smiled, "Well, I hear Ember Island is nice this time of year...or...perhaps, if you feel a little more adventerous, we could always try the Southern Air Temple..." He tried not to sound too excited, seeing how well she'd done it. But, his smile was constant, there was no doubt he couldn't wait to get her away from all these rules, and regulations, expectations, and pressure. He wanted to be able to be alone with her, truly alone, Kichiro would probably be wandering all over, they would be able to just have fun without worrying about what someone else might think.

Mako smiled, "The Southern Air Temple it is then.", he said, pulling Shula just a little closer. He looked down at her, that smile again. He couldn't think of anything better than seeing Shula this happy.

Mako had been totally zen, absolutely undisturbable, and then he was suddenly on his back, looking up at Shula. His face flushed deep red, and he looked about as nervous as possible. He didn't say anything, but smiled, scanning her face.

Mako took Shula's hand, smiling, and, in a swift movement as he stood, he threw his arms around her waist, and kissed her passionately, holding her for a short time afterward. "Oops...", he said, alomost replying to her 'Oops...'.

Mako smiled, holding Shula close to him. He looked down at her, rubbing her back lightly. 'What will happen when you reach the Southern Air Temple?', he asked himself, What might happen on the way there?' His face was it's usual shade, she was, afterall, the one that had pounced on him, which he didn't mind in the slightest.

Mako looked at the pond, his hands freezing as Shula tensed, he almost felt afraid to continue. "Are you alright?", he asked softly. Of course he wouldn't know what was wrong, but he wanted to know. "You got...tense."

Mako smiled, and shook his head, "You don't have to apologize.", he said. "I'm just surprised to hear you have a scar..." He sighed, "Anyway...unless you want to keep...", he seemed to be conflicted about saying hugging or cuddling, niether of which seemed to fit, he decided to ombine the two, "...huggling...it might be a good idea to pack, and get some rest...", he said, partially absent from the conversation, his mind working out the safest route to the Southern Air Temple from here.

Mako stood quietly for a short time, he wanted to follow her. He fought with himself for a bit, trying to stop, but in vain. Afterall, it's their last night in the palace for awhile, why not? He followed Shula, feeling rather like a stalker than himself. Maybe that's what caring for someone felt like sometimes?

He chukled, it's not like you could make it back to your room, if nothing else you can ask for help. 'Even if she declined, you could always just ask for assistance,' he reassured himself.

Mako smiled sheepishly, and rubbed the back of his head, "Hey...", he said. "Um...look...I really didn't know where to go, and just...figured it might be better to...well, to follow you...and...just..." Just what? Join you? "Join you...", he said lamely.

Mako had maintained silence, a nervous, honest silence. When Shula spoke, he felt as if an immense weight had been lifted from his shoulders. He sighed, relieved, "Ok...so, uh, which room is your's?", he asked curiously, moving closer, and peeking around the corner Shula had appeared from behind moments ago.

Mako smiled, holding Shula's hand as she maneuvered the labyrinth that was the palace. When she came to a door, and opened it, he was surprised, but at the same time, not surprised by the simplicity within. He looked around briefly, listening to her words, "I keep it simple."

He nodded, "Nothing wrong with that.", he said, turning toward her, and wrapping his arms around her waist, pushing the door closed the his heel.