It was a few days after the flood in Firetown, the water had receded and the people are getting back to the normalcy of everyday life. The shop was being put back together with the help of a few new people joining in. The clean up was going fast and smoother than expected. Though there still was one thing kind of hanging in the air, the budding romance with Ember and Wade.
It was an un-heard of concept that elements can mix let alone fire and water. A very dangerous combination, one writhe with fear and worry, many obstacles, and many looks of onlookers with both disdain and maybe just a little bit of jealousy. The world can be a crazy place and sometimes bring unusual things together. But what can one say, life is an adventure …
Ember was walking to the train station, nothing out of the norm. The same busy people moving about and regular sounds of the city going about its day. Ember just listens in to the sounds as she waits, slowly losing her patience as she waits. Her thoughts keep running back to that sinking feeling of when she thought she lost Wade. It was horrifying, terrifying, and of course the feeling of loneliness that swept over her. It felt as if it was a void that was starting to encompass and takeover. Just the thought of her life without him was too much, but it did make her want to cherish every moment she had with him.
Seeing him come back to her was like a dream that she felt she would one day wake up from. She wakes up in a panic thinking he was gone forever only to see him helping her father clean up the shop. Her father didn't really try to get to know the water man in the beginning, but after a day of cleaning up it was like they were best of friends for years. That was the power of that dewdrop, he just could bring everyone together. He was always quick to connect with people and rally their hearts. And he made it seem as effortless as walking.
She looked up to see the train coming into the station, and her excitement started to spark within her. Wade finally had a free day from work and the Firetown clean-up, they finally have a free day to enjoy together. A day they didn't have to hid from her parents. Wade's family was more accepting of their relationship, Wade's mother even rounded up funding for Firetown's clean up and construction to help prevent a similar disaster from occurring again in the future. When she asked how his mother was able to do all this he got very nervous and she decided to just let it go.
As she got on the train it was rather empty and it was comfortable to be able to have some space to sit. It was a bit worrying to have to maneuver around other elementals. She let her hoodie down and let out a sigh of relief hoping to calm her excitement. It wasn't a long trip to where they were meeting up but every minute of waiting seemed like an eternity. And to add to it, she didn't know what he had planned for them. She was just too energized to sit still in her seat, she had to get up and walk around.
Her heart was fluttering with every thought, she just wanted to hold him close, be close to him, hear his voice. It didn't matter what they did, where they went, if Wade was with her, it was a good day. She looked out the window and could see that her stop was coming up and like a kid in a candy store she was ready to sprint out of the train. Everything felt magical, the world seemed to shine in a vibrant color that she didn't notice before. There was no calming her down, she had to see him.
The train came to a stop and Ember rushed out as quickly as she could, looking in all directions for him. It was a sea of people, different elements walking the platform. But it wasn't long before she spotted him standing by the exit. He was wearing a different shirt, nothing outlandish, just a simple green shirt like his normal shirt. His cheezie grin plastered all over his face only made the ensemble perfect. She couldn't help but to smile back. Unknown to her, her glow started to shine and fill her clearly showing her happiness in the moment.
"Ember! Over here!" Wade shouted although she had already spotted him. His excitement clearly matched her own if not surpassed it./p
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"Hi Wade!" She ran up to him as if he was the only person there. Her mind blocked everything out and she could only focus on him. Quickly embracing him without a second care in the world or any care for the others around them feeling uncomfortable with their exchange. She only cared for the soft sizzling sound of his water as they connected with each other. "It has been too long …"
"Eh … we saw each other every day in Firetown …"
"I was trying to be polite in front of my parents, but now I just want to hold you." A giggle left her at the end, but some murmurs did reach her ears and she quickly looked up and separated from Wade. Leaving him with a bit of a puzzled look. "I'm excited to see what you have planned!"
"Oh its going to be a fun one, NO regrets!" He reached into his satchel to pull out some tickets. "It's the finals and the chance for the Windbreakers to win it all!" Wade ran in place with a signature shuffle. "TOOT! TOOT!"
"Alright then, lead the way!" Her smile was full matching his as they left the station to come out in front of a stadium. The crowd was funneling in quickly as they were trying to make their own way to their seats. She followed Wade with care as she didn't want to bump into any other elementals. This time it is packed, the finals were a big deal, and the fans of the Windbreakers were here in force. "Wow …" She whispered out.
Wade looked back to see Ember was trying to shrink herself in the crowd. She was clearly uncomfortable, so he guided her to the wall side, and he took the side facing the crowd. She looked up to him and smiled, mouthing a thank you. He just smiled back. It was simple gestures like that, that would spark the flutters again. Every time, she would know that she was the lucky one.
"Don't worry Ember, we got a box seat this time!" It was a relief for her to hear that she didn't have to shuffle past people fearing a simple touch could cause a problem. She also didn't want to cause Wade any trouble either. Even though things were getting better it still felt like she was in a cage. She just wanted to be able to share the same things other couples could without drawing any attention.
As the crowd separated, Ember noticed that they were headed to a stairway as the rest of the crowd entered the stadium. She was more intrigued now as she slowly ascended the stairs. Just another moment to remember as she finally came to a set of doors as Wade slid a key card and green light flashed for a second as a loud click could be heard. She walked in and was amazed at the sight she saw. It was like an apartment. A huge window panning the field and arena, there was a small kitchen in the corner, and what looked like a luxurious seating area.
"Wade … How did you …"/
"My Mom has a friend who owns the box that couldn't come to the game, and she wondered if I wanted to use it for the finals." He walked over the window watching the players doing their pre-game prep and routine. "OH! I also ordered some food for us for the game, it should be here in a little bit." He gestured over to the seat, "You want to relax a bit before everything begins?"
She looked over and eagerly jumped over, and to her surprise the couch did not burn it or anything. It was resistant to her flames, and it was resistant to Wade as well. AND it was still comfortable. She looked back to Wade and couldn't help but swing her arms around him and plant a kiss on him. She kept going even when she needed a breath she would release and plant another. It was like she was trying to savor the man and never forget the feeling. "Thank you Wade, thank you for everything …" She softly spoke as she leaned in on his chest.
"I should be thanking you; my life was a whirlpool of a mess until I met you." She looked up to him and deeply into his eyes. She could see there really was a deep sadness that was there. She could tell he was happy, and she didn't for an instance think that Wade didn't love her. But there was something that he was covering up. But she didn't want to push it or rush anything about them. Just embrace the moment and thank Flame that he was still here with her.
He was about to say something, but she stopped him, "you don't have to say anything, lets just enjoy the moment we have."
"t's shoK" He smiled back at her.
"Yeah …" She turned to the game as it began. She could see the crowd getting excited as the teams came out and the game began. She never had time to do things like this, it was always helping her parents with the shop and translating for them as well. It wasn't much of a childhood. She didn't hold it against her parents, it was just the life they had to live. But now, Wade was showing her what she missed out on, and she couldn't be happier. It was a great feeling watching Wade get into the game and have fun.
It wasn't long into the game that the food arrived. She took the lead and thanked the gentleman who delivered it, Wade was really into the game and now it was a close one. As she looked it over, she could tell he had put a lot of thought into it. It really catered to her needs and appetite. It was just perfect.
Back at the shop Bernie was humming while he was cleaning up and right-ing the fallen over shelves. He had a lot on his mind from his own past with his father, Ember and the water guy, and the possible future for them. He was happy that his daughter was happy, but it was still awkward and unusual to see her daughter with water. Would his father approve? He thought all day about how his life made his father proud, and how his daughter was doing her best to make him proud.
Yes, Ember was doing her best, but maybe the old ways were just a burden to where she was going. Who is he to say who she can fall in love with? And boy did she fall headfirst into flame for this water guy. They still held some traditions, and he wondered how Wade would fit into those, as well as how Ember fit into his family's traditions. But when he saw them together, helping clean up the shop even he could see the two were hopelessly in love. Watching them reminded him of the younger years with Cinder and how much they enjoyed each other's company. Yes, Ember deserved to have that in her life, and he wouldn't be able to forgive himself if she had sacrificed that just for the shop. Besides what is the shop other than just an old building that has been fixed up.
Yes, they had many memories here and he could replay them in his mind like they were yesterday. Their first day opened, the community that helped them grow, and the young lady that Ember became while growing up in that shop. He had heard her prayer to the blue flame before, about trying to be a good daughter and help him retire. He didn't see it or maybe he didn't notice it, but she truly wasn't meant to be here in the shop, her destiny was to leave. It always has been.
He shook his head only to laugh at himself for being so foolish, Ember was his dream, Cinder's dream, their dream. Ember was an amazing daughter, and they couldn't be happier with the path she chose. And who is to say she has to be with fire? She should be with whomever can make her happy and live a wonderful life together. Bernie didn't realize it, but there were a lot of unspoken rules to life, and everyone unknowingly placed them on each other. They only cause such a burden to everyone.
Only one thought remained in his mind, he will not be like his father and will support his daughter no matter the path she takes. But if he was honest with himself, it will take some getting used to having his daughter fall in love with a water guy. A smirk formed on his face as he kept sweeping the dust up. Never would have thought leaving Fireland that he would be living this life. And he doesn't have any regrets.
The game coming to an end the crowd was roaring with celebration that the WindBreakers beat the odds and won. Wade was jumping up and down with cheer, shouting toot toot and go Lutz, it was a cute sight to see. It always seemed like he gave his all into whatever emotion he was feeling.
"Ember! Can you believe it! The Windbreakers made an awesome come back, TOOT TOOT!" He shouted as he fist pumped the air.
"It was quite amazing," she looked as the fans began to clear out of the stadium. It would be a long wait to get out. " Lets wait a bit Wade before we leave …" She sat back down and looked back at him silently signaling to come join her.
He walked over and sat down close to her, pulling her into him so she could rest her head on his shoulder. "Sure, we can wait …" He looked out at the stadium as the folks were clearing out and work crews were starting to clean up. The fans certainly made their job a hard one today.
"Wade, if I take the internship what will you do? I mean its still a few months away, but …" She was panic mumbling; it sort of comes out when she is nervous. And she was nervous, she didn't know if he could wait for her to return, shoot she didn't even know if she would be returning soon. She couldn't blame him if he didn't want to go with her, he had a life here, a career, family; he can't just leave all that behind for her, they only knew each other for a little more than a week.
It felt like she wanted to sprint into this with Wade, but at the same time take it slow and enjoy each moment. She felt her heart raging and every time she even thinks or looks at him her mind start racing along with her heart. They were only in the beginning of this budding relationship, there was still a lot that needed to be sorted out.
"Honestly, I will just follow you. I want to be wherever you are. I told you … I love you and want to be with you to the end." He smiled as he held her a little tighter, letting the sizzle sounds rise as Ember was starting to glow radiantly in his arms. "I couldn't imagine a better life."
"Wade, I want you to come with me. But I don't want to leave my parents behind. Firetown is my home, I haven't even left it until you came along and took me into the city." Ember started to show a somber look on her face. Thoughts of how people treated her parents and fire people when she was growing up scared her a little bit. And it must never have left the deep recesses of her mind.
Wade lifted her away a little bit so the two of them could look into each other's eyes. "I know new things can be scary, it was certainly scary to continue living on after my father passed. But I know with you by my side I can overcome anything. And I will help you overcome any obstacle in your way. I want to support you with every fiber of my being!" He was getting excited and starting to cry again, but he was controlling it with her so close. "Ember, you are my light."
Her lips quivered as she listened to his words closely. She rushed in to kiss him deeply, holding him closely without a care. She felt only her actions could speak for her now. She barely let him take a breath, she wanted to smother him with her love. The heat from the exchange was cooled by his skin, she could feel the cooling effect of his water on her. The sensation only made her want to continue; it was just her own body needing to take a breath that made her pull away.
"What do you want to do now?" She spoke with a bit of a pause as she was recomposing herself. She stood up as well to let Wade have some space, she saw his fluster look and couldn't help but giggle. He quickly tried to stand a recompose himself as well.
"Lets just walk the park in the city, maybe we can find something there." He looked back at her, "Now that we have no curfew …" He gestured his eyebrows.
"That sounds great!" She grabbed his hand to walk out with him. Holding his hand was a nice feeling too, who knew something so simple would feel so good. It wasn't a long walk until they made it out of the stadium to the quite atmosphere outside. There were only a few people still around, but as she panned, she saw someone from Firetown, it looks like a young man maybe a little older than they were. He looked bothered by something but quickly looked away and walked off.
She looked back to Wade and realized she didn't know his age; he seemed like he was her age or maybe a year or two older. She just didn't question it. Everything felt so right that she just went with the flow. She shook the thought from her mind, their age shouldn't style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanBut she did look back to see if the guy was still there, but he was long gone./
Wade looked forward as they walked, noticing some of the glances sent their way. Some were just surprised looks with awkward smiles, while others gave a stern look of disapproval. He didn't like the tension, nor the attitude so he would shoot a look back that was just as stern. He didn't want anyone to stifle their relationship, Ember's feelings, her safety and comfort, or anyone else for that matter. It shouldn't be that way, but he couldn't recall a couple that was a mix of elements in his life.
Suddenly he had a thought bubble, there was a fun place he could take her. It would be a perfect end to the night. It was a nice place with people who would be a bit more expecting of their relationship. Plus, Ember would enjoy the scenery. He started to get excited wanting to show her the place. It wasn't too far from them either.
"Woah, Wade … what's the rush?" She was barely keeping up with him as they raced to the destination. She let out a laugh as she practically ran with Wade to wherever he was leading her.
"Oh! Everyone is still open! This is going to be great!" They came to a stop in front of an entrance for a boardwalk. There were bright lights and stands with all sorts of games and foods. It also seemed like there were people of all walks of life here. Wade's mom would bring him here when he was younger, but he hasn't come by since his father passed away. "What should we try first!"
Ember looked a little beside herself as she was taking in the sights. Her eyes widened as she scanned over the stalls and saw what each one offers. But there was one stall that caught her eye. It was nothing more than a simple game of chance. "Let's go to this one!" She pulled Wade along with her. It was a simple game, there was a rubber frog on what looked like a red board connected to a black rubber mound at the end. She looked over to another person playing the game and got the idea behind it. Wade picked up the rubber mallet and handed it over to her.
She slammed it to the target and watched the frog leap but still missed the lily pad. She just pouted and handed the mallet over to Wade for his turn. And with relative ease he managed to hit the target on the first try. "Wow … how did you …"
"I had years of practice." He smugly smiled back at her. "Which one would you like?" He pointed out to show her the large plush toys that were hanging. There were a lot to choose from, she was taking her time to look through them.
"Don't worry, they are all fireproof too!" The Earth man proudly spoke for her./
"Oh, O-okay …" She kept looking until she found one that looked a lot like Wade but in a slightly different blue color. "OH! That one!" The man unhooked it and held it over to her. She was hesitant to touch it, but once she did her eyes looked surprised to see that the toy hadn't turned to ash. She smiled widely as she held the plushy to her chest. "Look, a fireproof Wade."
"Oh poof! I never thought I would be jealous of a toy." He crossed his arms and pouted a little bit.
"Don't worry, it still can't beat the real one." She planted a kiss on his cheek. "Just the perfect thing to keep me company when you are not with me."
"Good! I'm irreplaceable." His confidence was shining through. He couldn't remember the last time he felt this happy. It almost felt foreign to him. Ember was just perfect, he could watch her all day, listen to her, talk to her, just be with her all day. But did he really deserve a woman like her? He wasn't the best, shoot he didn't even resolve any of his issues with his dad, he couldn't hold a job, he just felt like he was wasting away and drifting through life. But this happiness was wonderful, it was border line addicting. But he knew that he couldn't just let her be the fix all to his inner turmoil. That would just be a burden to her.
They walked a little bit more, chatting as they went, taking the time to get to know each other a bit more. It was a thrill and a bit somber hearing more about who Ember was and her past. Though he was in shock that she had never been in a relationship, she just focused on helping her parents run the shop. Though he was relieved since he never was in a relationship either. It put them on an equal playing field. To be more honest it still was a looming thing over his thoughts.
"Really … I'm … y-your first …" He was stumbling on his words; his mind was having a hard time processing everything.
Ember was just as shy about the topic but just a little blunter in her response. "Yes, why is that a surprise? I have done nothing but work …" When she looked over to Wade, he was clearly nervous. But she had no idea the amount of pressure and worry that he was under. "Wade, is there something wrong?"
"Ember … I'm sort of in the same boat. I never really dated, especially have my dad …" He was stammering over his words again. Feeling so nervous suddenly. When they stopped, they were at the end of the pier and had a bit more privacy. He wanted to say something, but he just couldn't get it out. Once he started talking about his dad, anger and sorrow began to overwhelm him, as he looked out over the water.
Ember could feel the change in him, it was like the air itself was becoming heavier. Almost as if his sorrow was becoming physical. She didn't want to push him if he wasn't ready, but whatever it was he needed to say it soon before it swallowed him up. "Wade, you don't have to talk about it right now." She looked around to see if there was anyone close by, there really weren't many people walking around but he probably wanted a more private setting. "But I am here when you are ready."
"Thank you, maybe we should head home." He hugged her tightly and took her hand to lead the way. It really was getting late, most of the shops were already closed for the night. He waved a cab down instead of taking the train, though not a lot of cabs went to Firetown. It wasn't a problem since they would be dropped off outside of town and her home was right on the edge of Firetown.
The cab ride was quiet, and the driver seemed to want to try and ignore them as he drove. To Wade's surprise the drive took them right to the shop. A nice uneventful completion to the evening. He helped her out of the cab as she reached out to him. With the shade of night, her fire and light shown even better, and he could help be feel excited and ready to see where they were going and headed. How her internship will go, will that travel to other cities, travel the globe, or would they make their way back to Elemental City.
"Thank you Wade," Ember hugged him close, "it was a wonderful evening!"
"Yeah, it was, wasn't it?" A goofy smile filled his face. "I have to actually do some work for Gale tomorrow, being she is my boss and all …" They both laughed at his words, "I might not be able to see you tomorrow, we must pull a few doubles to fix the broken doors and the canal itself. Actually …" He started counting and realized it might be more than a day. "Oh no, it will be several days before I have some free time …" He started to let out a few tears.
Ember laughed at how predictable his cries were, "I'm sure we will make it. I do have to help my parents put everything back together her." She looked at him before entering the shop, "Wade, I love you. Thank you for helping the past couple of days."
"I love you too Ember! Of course, how could I not help!" He watched her enter the shop and turned to head to the station. He could still feel her embrace around him as we walked up the stairs. She was truly magical and wonderful to him. Nothing could ever replace her light. She was inspiring to him, and she was unknowingly helping him overcome so issues he still had with his father. He was just blankly looking straight forward, waiting for the train, he couldn't imagine a life without her, he didn't have any regrets about the love he has found and the love she has given him.
"HEY! WATER BOY …"
"Excuse me …"