The Fire That Learned to Heal

"Thank you." Mai responded fondly, her tone just as soft and affectionate before reaching out a hand to one of his and intertwining their fingers.

He gently squeezed her hand and lifted it to place another sweet kiss on the back of it, before placing their intertwined hands on the table. "Thank you, my love. I've been… practicing these years," he said, flexing the biceps of his arm for a second.

The waiter returned shortly after with their drinks: for her, the delicate jasmine tea steaming lightly in the porcelain cup… and for him, the dark plum wine shimmering faintly in the candlelight.

Her eyes were still shut, but she slowly forced her eyes open. Her eyes slowly widened as she heart started racing upon seeing the fire.

Calm down! Calm down!

He reacted instantly, without hesitation. He stepped forward and gently placed both his hands over hers; the flames flickered at his touch, but instead of abruptly extinguishing them… he did something else. He slowly covered them with his fire control… joining their flames so that they stabilized.

"Look at me," he said firmly but not maliciously, meeting her gaze. His golden gaze was steady… reassuring.

“Yes… I’ve been introduced to many princesses,” he admits with a slight grimace. "From allied kingdoms, from noble houses… my advisors kept suggesting potential suitors… they want me to have a successor."

He crosses his armsover his chest, his gaze lost in the distant spires of the palace.

"But none of them…" He hesitates, then meets her ocean-blue eyes again. "None of them were… like…"

A brief pause before he exhales deeply, feeling hurt, angry, and… sad, "like my first girlfriend…"

" of c -- course , I . . .w -- well , it is not s -- some -- something that n -- need --- needed to be p -- point -- pointed out in the f -- first place . " she always had the mindset she should be seen and not heard , sometimes neither if she could help it . she finds her smile growing at his laugh ; it was such a nice sound , bright and warm .

He didn't take his hand off her shoulder. Instead, he gave her a small, reassuring squeeze… something Iroh used to do when he was young and burdened.

“Hey,” he said softly, his voice lower. "You don't have to speak if you don't feel comfortable… although you are free to do so. I'm not angry… and I wouldn't be angry with anyone who shows concern. You're safe here."

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Her eyes are still sparkling as she looked at him and rolled her eyes lovingly but she pulled the coat over her shoulders more that's for sure. She takes his hands and walks into his embrace quickly stealing kisses at random on his face and nodding. " Please I'm so hungry I'm craving something sweet and spicy but I don't know what. "

He loved this side of her, the woman who didn't hold back because in that moment everything was perfect. And seeing those little eyes half-closed by the dazzling smile filled his heart with joy.

As they walked together through the palace corridors toward the gardens, the staff bowed respectfully, but quickly looked away to leave them alone… knowing that their Fire Lord did not appreciate interruptions at times like these.

When she snuggled up to his side and called "husband…" in that singsong voice… he almost melted again instantly. He kissed her temple before speaking thoughtfully, "Sweet… spicy…" He thought for a second, his expression becoming serious as if he were resolving a royal crisis. "Hmm…"

Then it occurred to him: Fire Nation Honey-Glazed Dumplings, filled with a delicate chili paste, crispy on the outside but sweetened with a honey glaze… served warm.

But his eyes lit up slightly as another idea flashed through his mind: Or maybe some grilled fruit skewers, pineapple or mango… topped with a drizzle of hot sauce. That might be the right idea. She loves fruit, and in a peaceful moment like this it will work.

He looked at her with a warm smile before saying, "I've found the perfect meal for you, my dear."

He caressed her cheek before calling a waiter to get his order. He whispered it to the waiter, wanting to surprise her when the waiter arrived with the dish.

For himself? “I’ll have the usual,” he told to the waiter. It was a spiced plum wine that Iroh had introduced him to when he obtained the dragon egg from the Sun Warriors. It wasn't overly strong, but it had warmth and depth.

The waiter bowed and walked away silently.

As they waited, he leaned forward slightly on the table, resting his elbows on it, and looked at her intently again… studying every little detail of her face in the soft sunset light filtering through the window beside them.

𓍯 ִֶָ "you like it ?" another twirl, fingers curling around a lock of her hair. she hoped he would, thinks now her style fits those of the fire nation despite the color contrasting his so brightly.

the blush rising on his cheeks is greeted with a cheeky grin. she takes it as a compliment, maybe his heart beat a little faster at the sight ? a thought that leaves ariel with undiluted delight.

His golden gaze moves from her face to the elegant lock of red hair that perfectly frames her face, then to her dress. He clears his throat slightly before answering sincerely, "…Yes, You are."

Then he adds with surprising tenderness: "Maybe even more than any princess I've ever met." And it was true.

Zuko and baby druk (⁠´⁠ε⁠｀⁠ ⁠)

He sat across from her at the small, intimate table set for just two.

The waiter immediately approached, a trusted employee who knew Zuko well, and discreetly asked what they would like to drink before ordering dinner.

Zuko glanced at her expectantly. "What would you like to drink? They have a great selection of various drinks. Choose whatever you like."

" I know you will Zuko. There's no doubt in my mind that things will be okay. Everything feels perfect like it's happening exactly when its supposed to. Just... don't go adding more to your plot out of worry for me. Or us. Okay? " But he does so quickly! Still it makes her chuckle as she squeezed hishand.

She was right…. He couldn't drown her with his worries… not now. Not now that she looked so happy and radiant.

“Yes,” he said firmly after a pause, squeezing her hand before placing another kiss, this time on her knuckles. “The gardens sound perfect.”

He picked up the document to read the last sentence of the treaty and finished signing it with a quick gesture. No more hesitation this time, because honestly… Nothing mattered as much as getting out of there with his wife.

Rising carefully, he removed his royal coat and draped it gently over her shoulders like a blanket against any possible breeze that might disturb them outside.