𝕾𝖆𝖞𝖘𝖑𝖊𝖊𝖓

so you're endearingly surprised when you and zuko take your relationship to the next level and he's a flustered mess. he's done his research, ensuring that he does things right and doesn't end up hurting you. but research is far from the real thing and having you naked before him, gorgeous and pilant, overwhelms him so much he starts to steam.

zuko ends up setting the silk bedsheets on fire and the both of you, in loosely tied robes, have to put it out and it's a whole frantic mess. at the end of it, zuko is so embarrassed and you failing to hide your laughter doesn't help matters. but once you've calmed, you gently cup his flushed face and rest your forehead against his.

"what a night, huh?" you say, grinning. "didn't think i'd be hot enough to have my boyfriend set his sheets on fire."

zuko groans, still mortified, but his lips tick upwards at the sound of your pretty laugh. because he knows you aren't laughing at him but at the hilarity of the situation. neither of you could have expected that this would be your evening's outcome.

"c–can we—?" zuko tries, subconsciously leaning into your touch when your thumbs rub soothing circles against his temples. his body relaxes steadily into yours. "i—?"

"you wanna try again?" you ask kindly, and zuko shakes his head slowly.

"i just want to hold you," he whispers, the words brushing over your inner wrist. "if that's okay."

your gaze soften and you lean in to place a tender kiss upon his lips.

"you can always hold me, zuko."