((also with 17 can you do 14? *i forgot to ask before i fell asleep* XD))

ASK-FIREBENDER-MATHILDE

17: Last Dance 14: First Kiss. ((First. Last. What.))

"Lukassss." Mathilde whined, pushing her feet against the said friends back while lying on the ground. He merely glanced back at her with a small quirk in his eyebrow.

"Whaaat." He asked. "And watch where you kick, I'm still healing."

"Oh- sorry. I thought you said you were better? It's been almost two weeks." the redhead asked, sitting up and scooting up next to him. "Were you lying to me?"

"I am better, but bruises take time to heal." Lukas said with a laugh. "And ribs."

"You break your ribs more than anyone I know."

"Shh, they're sensitive." Lukas said with humor, nudging his childhood friend with his shoulder. She laughed as she tumbled slightly. "You'll hurt their feelings too."

"Wouldn't want thaaat." She said, pushing him back slightly. "Are you almost done? I'm starving."

Lukas shrugged as he mixed the sizzling food in the pan in front of him. "What do you think? I think the peppers might need cooked more."

"hmm… just a little." She shrugged. "You're the cook."

"Indeed… I… am." Lukas said as he thoughtfully stirred the meat. "Alright. try it." He waved his fingers slightly, and bent the stew up into the air and in front of Mathilde's mouth. She partook and looked thoughtful for a moment.

"Well?"

"It's great!" She grinned. "Nailed it again!"

"perfect. Lets eat then!"

The two sat at the table in Lukas and Matthias' small home. Though, with the elder brother gone, it seemed bigger and it missed… something. Even Mathilde didn't like it. But she said nothing, for she knew that it was already bugging Lukas more than he would ever admit. He had always been like that- downsizing his own issues. It was annoying.

Another thing was bugging her though, why had Lukas so suddenly insisted she come over? And after the invasion those weeks ago, food had gotten far more expensive to help pay off damages to home and taxes. So why had he decided that today was a great day to splurge on such a meal? It wasn't his birthday- well it never was- and it wasn't hers… or Matthias'. She couldn't think of a good reason for it, but it left a sort of uneasy feeling in the pit of her stomach.

"So what do you want to do?" Lukas suddenly asked. Mathilde looked at him with curious eyes, but didn't break her smile.

"Well I don't know! We haven't really hung out in a while since- well for a while!" Whoa- she almost slipped there. "What should we do?"

"I don't know- why do you think I asked you?"

"Hm." Mathilde thought for a moment. "Well what if we went to the center of town, at the fountain? We haven't gone in a long time! Maybe the bands back up! We could go dancing like old times!"

Lukas looked thoughtful, but nodded. "I think that would work. Finish your food and we can head out." He grinned.

Well that was forced if she had ever seen a forced smile.

So gathering the dishes and throwing them in the wash bin without a second glance- which was also very unnatural of Lukas- they headed out the door. The night was warm and rather pleasant, with a perfect view of the stars above them. Mathilde grabbed Lukas' hand and pulled him down the street with her skipping in the lead.

They arrived at the fountain, and were met with a wonderful sight. Couples and families were dancing about, with slightly pitchy, but wonderful music playing from a group by the fountain. The rhythm was choppy, but it still made Lukas tap his foot and Mathilde nod her head to the beat.

"Come on!" She finally cheered, pulling him forward and into the mass of dancers. Lukas laughed as they started to move, a simple dance so that he didn't hurt himself of course, but it was fun none the less.

Mathilde was laughing happily, and thankfully, Lukas was acting more himself here. they had done this hundreds of times growing up, and for once, it felt like everything was back to normal.

They were there for hours, until they were almost the last people there. Despite their heavy breathing and exhaustive dances, they lasted. But once Mathilde decided that they had stressed Lukas' injuries enough, they headed back to her place so Lukas could drop her off for the night.

"That was so fun! I wish things could be like this all of the time!" Mathilde laughed, as they stopped in front of her own home. She turned to Lukas. "Thanks."

"Of course." He smiled. He still was struggling for breath slightly, probably due to his ribs. But he didn't complain and Mathilde knew better than to scold him. "Thank you for coming."

"I wouldn't have missed it for the world." She pointed out, poking Lukas' shoulder playfully. "I'll see you tomorrow, yeah?"

"Mmm. Until next time." Lukas said fondly.

Mathilde felt that pit in her stomach again. She didn't like the way he sounded or how he had been so… impulsive that night.

She didn't know why, but she felt suddenly impulsive as well. It felt like it was her only chance to do so, and with no second thought, the firebender hooked her hand behind the waterbender's neck and pulled him down to her level, and planted her lips on his.

It was a split second of course, before she backed away slightly, face bright red. Her eyes downcast, she spoke.

"Sorry! I don't know what came over me-!"

"No- it's- it's okay." Lukas stuttered. "I- uh… well. Goodnight, Mathilde. See you later."

"Y-yeah! Of course!" She said, punching his arm lightly and turning to go into her home. She paused at the door, turned and waved to him. He smiled and waved back. She nodded and went inside with a small skip in her step.

—

The next morning, Lukas was gone.