"Keep This Memory"

03/08/07

I stare off into the night, the stars twinkling back at me like ever-merry spirits.

Suddenly a soft weight presses against my shoulder and I feel a hot breath against my neck.

"Isn't it dangerous to go out at night?"

"Not if someone's here with me," I answer, looking forward and away from him. A smile tugs at the corners of my mouth.

Zuko locks his arms around my waist and pulls me flush against his chest. "I'll save you from any monsters."

"Including yourself?" I twist around in his hold to face him. He smirks and touches his forehead to mine.

"This monster only does good things to you."

"I know." How I love that smirk he has.

Before I know it, his lips are pressed chastely against mine – one, two, three times. He pulls away and breathes softly into my hair.

"You monster," I whisper, smirking back at him.

"Were you scared?"

I run a finger around his jaw, my cheek pressed softly against his. "Not quite."

"Let's try again."