We hadn't been outside that long, but the rain had thoroughly soaked through our clothes and we were both freezing and laughing and having fun. For a moment, I admit, I stopped to wonder how "proper" this was- playing in the rain with the fire prince, that is. But then I thought, hey, who cares? If anyone complained… Well, I don't see why they would. Even though it was dreadfully informal didn't they want us to become friends? Or more?

I felt myself shivering; I rubbed my frozen hands up and down on my bare arms, failing to make myself any warmer.

"Cold?" Shang seemed to taunt. "I thought the waterbender is accustomed to the temperatures of the Southern Water Tribe."

"Shut up," I commanded playfully. I mean I wasn't freezing… I was just getting used to the warmth of the Fire Nation, I guess.

"Well we better get you inside before you die." A comment that got him splashed in the face. Though, it's not like you could tell.

Either way, we made our way inside. I dried myself to the best of my ability with my waterbending, leaving Shang dripping.

"Oh, thanks," he said sarcastically when he noticed I was dry. "You know what? I want a hug." Spirits, were we five? So, as one may assume, he proceeded to try to hug me. I, to avoid his soggy hug, dried him off with my bending, but it turns out he hugged me anyway. I blushed and just stood there; I've never been a hugger. His hand lingered on my back as I went to get my robe, then fell away, and I found myself oddly missing its warmth Then, of course, I mentally slapped myself. What part of 'avoid arranged marriage' didn't I understand?

And now, for the most part, we were dry, inside, and alone.

"Are you still cold?" he asked, a small flame beginning to glow in the palm of his hand.

"How do you not, like, burn the palace down?" I asked, watching the blaze flicker.

"Control," he answered. Firebending was my polar opposite, and I knew I'd never understand it, or a firebender, for that matter. How could I ever be with him if I didn't understand him?

I allowed myself a little closer to him and his warmth; his body felt solid and warm against mine as I leaned against it, and I secretly enjoyed it. And then, again, I wondered if he knew…

"Shang?"

"Hm?"

"Do you…" I began unsurely. "Ah, never mind."

"What?" he asked, now curious.

"Nothing," I avoided.

"Tell me," he badgered.

"No." I shook my head.

"Pleeease?"

I paused for a moment.

"Fine. Come here," I motioned for him to lean closer so I could whisper into his ear.

And then I got up and ran.

"Hey!" I heard him call after me, too loudly.

And, so, I kept running, most likely leaving him to think I was a lunatic.