When I stepped out of Asami's car, I was sure that I wasn't expecting Mako or Bolin to react like they did. They looked at me like I was a princess or something and when Mako offered his arm and told me I looked amazing, I actually believed it. Bolin offered a hand to Asami and she took it. Mako put his hand over the one that was in the crook of his arm. "Don't worry. It's just a gala. Bo, Asami, Pabu, Finland and I are all here. We will keep you safe if something bad happens. Trust me." I looked up into those red-gold eyes and saw Mako smiling. I nodded, but before we went in, I leaned in close and whispered "Thanks Mako," and kissed his cheek. His ears turned slightly pink but he nodded at me.

The party was just getting started when we got in to the main parlor of Capitol Hall. There was propaganda from all the nations, even though the Airbenders weren't here, hung up on the walls. There was food from all the nations too. The four of us were walked in and there was a band playing in the corner. We walked through the parlor and saw some of the other benders and non-benders of Republic City. After a while, the band started playing a slow song from the Fire Nation. Bolin bowed Asami onto the dance floor and showed her his dance moves. Mako looked me and led me out onto the floor. Even in my heels, Mako was taller than me. He took me in his arms, his left hand in my right, his left hand on my waist and my left hand on his shoulder.

"You're so beautiful Ana. Your dress...it takes my breath away." We twirled and danced, his arms never letting me fall. I clutched his hand tight and gripped his jacket. When the music ended, I didn't want to let Mako go. I looked up into his eyes. "Ana..." He leaned down, and I felt my eyes close...

"Mako! Come on! They're playing a song we like!" I felt Mako being suddenly ripped from my grasp. Bolin pulled him to the middle of the dance floor and made Mako dance with him. Asami came over to me and gave me a look of sympathy. But out on the floor, Mako was fighting off his brother's hand. "Not now bro!" He broke away and came over to me. "Ana..." I reached up to touch his cheek. He leaned into it and then leaned in close to me, whispering in my ear, "Let's go," He took my hand and pulled me toward the door. Finland wasn't far behind us.

When we got outside, Mako swung me around and made me face him. "Ana...Anala..." His hand came up to my chin and tilted my face up. "Anala..." He leaned in close and my eyes closed. Then his lips met mine.

The spark that had been hidden for weeks suddenly came back. But this time it was a flame. I felt my knees get weak and Mako's arms had to wind around me to keep me from falling. His mouth was pressed against mine and I felt my breath get taken away. After awhile, we broke a part. "Mako..." I sighed his name and I felt him press his nose into my hair. We stood there and I didn't care if it was seconds or years. I lifted my head back up and Mako kissed me again.

After awhile, we went back inside, Mako holding my hand. Bolin and Asami were waiting on us. Bolin stole his brother from me again, but this time he went without a fight. Asami looked at me and smiled. "I knew it was going to happen. If I knew what Bolin was going to do, I would've distracted him with food. Mako's face when his brother pulled him away from you was priceless but it was one of despair. I knew that he was going to break away from his brother and come to you. I know Mako. His face may lie, but his eyes give him away." She took my arm and led me back into the Gala.