#zuko fluff

“Ladies.” A voice cuts through the conversation, your eyes landing upon a stranger with a familiar face. Amber eyes, the color of morning sunrise, bearing a scar of scarlet on his left eye, a face that seemingly belonged to the awkward, moody boy you remembered sitting across from you at the library during lunch, a book at hand while he grumbled to himself. You remembered paying him no mind, probably a reader who would voice his grievances aloud. Now that the teenager has become a man, his features have sharpened into a visage befitting a model in a custom-made suit with burgundy and gold trim, dark tresses bound in a man-bun.

Time couldn’t possibly make a teenager, out of all people, glow up not once, but three times in the span of five years; you’ve practically seen transformation after transformation with Zuko, his hair being the highlight of such. Now, you theorized that this man before you was his final evolution, with luscious locks and a jawline sharp enough to kill somebody.

You let out a quiet gasp; once upon a time, earlier in your career, you wrote a mystery novel featuring a cast of characters, including a CEO, haunted by family trauma from when he was a boy, and Zuko, who looked every inch of the character you wrote. You swallow a bout of heat, a prickling sensation traveling down your groin and between your legs.

Suki and Yue sneak glances at you, giggling among themselves before greeting Zuko.

“President Zuko, to what do we owe the pleasure?”

Yue extends a hand in greeting, and Zuko shakes it firmly, a civil exchange between CEOs.

“President Yue, to think I’d meet with the current president of the Moon Rabbit Enterprises. Your cosmetics are groundbreaking with the younger people.”

“Thank you, President Zuko. I try my best to appeal to everyone.”

The exchange of flattery is a common sight between fellows in the corporate realm; you almost forgot to provide your salutation to the President.

“[Reader], novelist with a few published works under my belt. I’m currently working on my latest one at the moment.”

A smile flashes on Zuko’s lips - a deadly charm that sends your heart racing a million miles a minute. You shake a firm hand, catching a whiff of strong essence emanating from him - rich cologne of ember, chestnut, and pine that indeed gravitated your gaze to him.

“Charmed, [Reader]. I’ve read your works. They’re incredible.”

Who’d thought Zuko, out of all people, had read your works? You reeled in your thoughts - wait, he reads my works, plural?!

You mask your surprise with a bashful expression,

“I’m flattered you’ve read my works, Mr. CEO of Phoenix Conglomerate.”

“I’m looking forward to your next piece, Miss Writer.”

To think that a former classmate, much less the leader of all things rich, had read your works - a passing thought intrudes to ask him what works he had read, but you opted not to. Years of writing books hadn’t waned your sense of embarrassment.

“I’ll do my best to write to your expectations, Mr. CEO.”

You politely quip, feeling the room temperature rise by ten degrees. Suki is the last to exchange her greetings, introducing herself as a mixed martial arts instructor for teenagers and young adults. Yet, something nagged at you - in your memories, another person accompanied Zuko in his youth, Mai, a tight-lipped girl who everyone in your class collectively agreed not to piss off. Though it may be years since you last saw her, the question trickles out of your lips, clumsy but curious.

“How are things with Mai, Zuko?”

The second you uttered such a question, a profound silence reigned, the room's temperature suddenly dropping to the temperatures of the Poles. Shame replaces the bashfulness you had - maybe that question was too personal to ask of the CEO, perhaps taboo if it were asked by the wrong person.

Amber eyes glaze over, a rueful smile befalls the man's lips.

"We broke up a long time ago."

A confession sends ripples of shock between you and your friends; the admission felt so unreal. Years ago, you remember Zuko and Mai were attached to the hip; Zuko with a possessive hand across Mai's waist or a rumored glimpse of them kissing in the halls when they thought people weren't looking. This latest piece of gossip would surely be the topic of the town for most of your classmates if more were to hear of his admission. Yet, you and your friends were not the gossiping type; your reactions of surprise barely went unnoticed by Zuko.

"It was a long time ago, though. I was a terrible boyfriend to her anyway. Didn't really communicate with her about everything."

Your friends immediately school their expressions, maintaining a sense of sympathy catered to the broken-hearted.

"Oh, Zuko, I'm sorry about that."

Yue is the first to speak up in the group; her kindness is admired even by professionals in her field. Suki speaks next, though her words are more cutting and honest.

"So, Mr. CEO here is on the dating market now?"

"Suki!"

You and Yue scold your friend for daring to ask the very obvious aloud, eliciting a chuckle from Zuko.

"It's alright, it's alright. Yes, I'm very much single. It's already common knowledge. The tabloids have been talking all about it."

You almost deflate, declaring yourself the fool for thinking his relationship status was meant to be kept secret, and at least trying to uphold his dignity. A headache blossoms between your temples - an evening dedicated to a class reunion came with its surprises; not only did you come across a former classmate dressed to the nines as the newly established CEO of a deeply rooted company, a hot and single one at that, but the same person also read your works as well?

This was truly something from your fanfic reading days, or you were already getting tipsy from drinking just a shot of wine.

"Can I get you, ladies, something to eat? I've heard that our hosts, Aang and Katara, made everything themselves."

Who wouldn't resist a platter of good homemade food? You assent, watching his back clothed in rich velvet weave within the crowd. With the CEO gone, your friends cast spare glances of disbelief, your mouths agape at the shocking revelation.

“I knew he was single! I knew it!”

Yue cries victoriously.

“I can’t believe he reads my works!”

You parrot out.

“That explains why Mai has been going to my classes with Ty Lee!”

Suki smacks her hand on her forehead.

“This CEO is a piece of work!”

Your thoughts align with a conclusion to which you all voice out in unison. Each girl, including you, had a piece of processing what Zuko had spoken to you, trying to extrapolate what had transpired between him and Mai in the years you last laid eyes on them, even coming up with theories. Your excited conspiracies later dim as the very subject of your conversation approaches with platters of delectable feats.

“Your dinners, ladies.”

Yue thought it was inappropriate for a CEO to behave like a restaurant waiter; she rushed to the kitchen to grab Zuko a plate. He initially refused, claiming he wasn’t hungry, but at Yue’s insistence, he relented and let the young lady go.

“You don’t have to act so smooth on us ladies now, Zuko.”

Suki perks an eyebrow. You couldn’t help but agree with her sentiment.

“What if I’m just doing it to reconnect with my former classmates? We were all in the same class together, right?”

“It’s a nice gesture, but it could lead to a lot of misunderstandings. I’m sure the paparazzi have already caught you doing that.”

Zuko scoffs,

“What paparazzi? I made sure that no one of that kind takes photos without my permission, and access to the building requires a high level of clearance, too.”

You and Suki exchange wary glances. Either it was the CEO talking or the volatile personality you knew from school, one thing was for certain: Zuko had the foresight of a leader who protected his privacy and his workers in the corporate world.

“Anyway, [Reader], if you don’t mind me asking, has your publisher been doing marketing for your works at all?”

You blink quizzically.

“No, they’re still marketing the first two books I’ve done. They haven’t done anything about my current book lately.”

Zuko raises an eyebrow. Suki couldn’t help but glance in your general direction - somehow intrigued by the sudden attention on you.

“From what I’ve heard from the head of the publisher, they plan to drop you.”

A gasp escapes from your lips before you could comment a singular word. Anxiety grips your being, questions swirling in your mind as you try to speak. Was it because your books weren’t appealing to your audience? Your dignity takes a hit.

“Sorry for bringing up that so suddenly. Your publisher didn’t see worth in telling you, so.. I thought I’d just tell you right now.”

A familiar weariness overcomes you, a feeling you’ve experienced in the instance of a rejection email and when your writing session wasn’t going so well.

“Thanks, Zuko.”

You watch his expression melt into something adjacent to affection and fondness. Pretending not to notice, you retrieve your phone and consult your agent's messages to confirm the developments. Sending a brief text to her, a sigh tumbles from your lips, your shoulders sagging from the weight of the truth. Disbelief wasn’t the best word to describe your reaction; rather, it was a suspended sensation of sorrow that boiled up after years of honing your craft to make your masterpiece known to the world.

“Perhaps,”

Zuko’s voice cuts through your stupor.

“I can help you with finding a new publisher. I have partnered with a publishing company that can help market all of your books, not just your debut books.”

Your lips tug to a relieved smile. It seemed that tonight’s crossroads of fate had brought you into a night of good fortune; first, it was meeting old classmates and reconnecting with them, an old classmate reading your works, and now, a helping hand to your publisher dilemma. You worry if your good luck will run out tomorrow.

“I’ll gladly take you up on the offer, Mr. CEO. Let me know if I need to sign anything beforehand.”

“I can send you the documents right away.”

The look he gives you oozes something from the novels you wrote, charismatic and intense. You dare to look up, only for Suki to clear her throat - a perfect intervention on her part.

“[Reader], if you’re finished flirting with Mr. CEO here, I’d like to grab some drinks?”

The question wasn’t much of a request, but more of a command on her part - just an effort to extract you from Zuko’s clutches. You pardon yourself, not catching the gaze Zuko had given you upon your departure. Suki latches on to you firmly, her voice lowered to a whisper.

“Dude, have you seen the way Zuko looks at you? I think he’s into you.”

“Girl, I’m more bothered about the fact that he owns a publishing company. Like, how?”

Suki blinks once, twice, and perhaps thrice to recalibrate her thoughts. Of course, you had other priorities apart from thinking about Zuko’s relationship status. She takes you by the shoulders, a pose you’ve been in more than once.

“[Reader], I need you to realize this: Zuko might be doing this because he likes you. I’m not sure if his acquiring a publisher might be scary timing, but seriously, think about it.”

You blink cluelessly. Suddenly, you feel a tap on your shoulder. You turn to a beautiful face decked in white and blue - Yue smiling sweetly, her hands occupied with flutes of bubbling champagne. You accept a flute, resorting to a small corner of the room to whisper amongst yourselves.

“I take it we’re discussing the man of the hour?”

“Of course, he’s trying to seduce our lovely novelist into signing with his publishing company.”

Now it was Yue’s turn to be confused.

“Zuko has a publishing company?!”

“That’s the same reaction I had earlier! I don’t believe him one bit.”

Your friends return your gaze, your silence startling them.

“Well.. he was right about my publisher for one thing.”

You had checked your phone for a response from your agent, and she had replied quite promptly with a long paragraph. Your friends gather around to decipher the message, the glare of your phone casting pale light across your features.

“Hey, this will be a difficult topic to talk about, so yeah.. You see, the publishers found that your two books brought our company so much in sales that they didn’t want to let you go. But as soon as you were moving on to your next series, they decided it was time for you to be let go from the company. They were going to wait until the end of this year to drop the news on you, but.. I have a feeling someone beat them to it.”

You attempt to answer, as Yue and Suki share concerned glances.

“Those first two novels I’ve written are what I plan to work on. Milking content out of these books would just drag out the story for too long. I think it’s best for me to move on from this project and work on my new book.”

Liquid courage manifested those words to text. You wouldn’t dare voice out such thoughts aloud even if you were sober, but with a little alcohol in your system and some eye candy from tonight’s happenings, the text message came to fruition. Without hesitation, you send it, your friends placing a hand on each shoulder as a sign of courage. You don’t wait for a response; your phone is already in your pocket. For now, you were looking forward to signing that deal with Zuko, especially in light of corporate developments involving your book.

“I’m going to sign with Zuko.”

You declare with finality. Your friends, on the other hand, say nothing save for apprehensive glances before heading back to your table, where Zuko waited patiently. The Zuko you knew from high school would’ve stormed off from waiting too long, his youthful features contorting to a scowl and probably curse a storm off - but this Zuko, seemingly contrasted the boy you knew, waited patiently, his gaze warm and fond, as he inquired softly:

“Have you thought about it?”

Yue and Suki stand close by, putting some distance between you and Zuko while keeping a close eye on Zuko for any tricky business. You, on the other hand, were focused on the CEO before you, the promise of signing up with a new publisher overriding the sense of danger lingering from your friends.

Your former classmate gives you a charming smile, one that melts your heart upon sight. Was he always this attractive, you think to yourself, your lips curling into a smile.

“Yes, and I accept your offer to sign with your publisher.”

“Very well.”

His uncle stares at him a little. "Zuko, you have never banished anyone as Fire Lord, and why would she assume you'd start with the fire-bending teacher? That would look pretty bad, too."

Zuko nods, running his hands over his face. He knows his Uncle is trying to make him laugh. And he knows that it did sound a bit ridiculous, but it didn't ease his nerves about the date. And that is obvious to his uncle.

"Zuko. Take a deep breath. The first set of robes you had out was fine. The date will be bad if you're not relaxed."

Zuko wants to listen, but he can't relax. When he saw you for the first time at the fire bending school, his heart was racing, and his palms were sweating. He felt like he was 13 years old again, with shaky hands and unable to think clearly, whenever he saw you.

"Where is your date going to be?" His uncle asks him.

"Uh, we're having a picnic in the gardens in the palace. Thought it would be best if our first date was out of the public."

"That is smart. The gardens are beautiful. I'm sure she will enjoy it. Everything will be fine. Here, try this new tea blend I brought back from Ba Sing Se."

Zuko takes the tea but sets it down on the table instead of drinking it. He puts his head in his hands and lets out an annoyed groan. "I don't want to have an arranged marriage, uncle! I don't want the councilmen pairing me up with a poor woman who has no interest in me!"

"Zuko. Relax. It will be fine, don't worry about the future, or you'll miss the present."

Zuko is running late. A few chamber members had stopped him in the hallway about a few matters, and he ended up being almost 15 minutes late to when you planned to meet.

As he makes his way to the garden, he sees you're already there, sitting on a blanket he had laid out. You're reading a book in your lap, eating some of the fruit, and he assumes one of the ladies who works in the kitchen provided it for you while you wait. He takes a deep breath, his uncle's words replaying in his head as he walks towards you.

"Hey."

His voice gets your attention from your book, and you look up at him, giving him a small smile. "Hey."

He sits down across from you, setting down the basket of food he brought. "Were you waiting long? I tried to come straight here, a few chamber members found me and… yeah." He stops himself from rambling on about the worries of running the fire nation, assuming you have little interest in such matters.

"Sorry, I'm late. I see they have given you food while you wait."

She nods, scooting the bowls of fruit and snacks more towards the middle for him to take too.

"Mhm. I had to remind myself that this was a picnic to refrain from finishing the bowl."

The mention of the picnic reminds Zuko of the meal he had brought. He takes it out of the basket that the chefs have prepared. "Speaking of which, I brought these. Um, there's Fire cakes, Hot cakes, and Noodle soup with Komoro." He awkwardly scratches his head, hoping it wasn't too much.

Her eyes take in the spread of food, and she grabs one of the serving bowls and some of the noodles. He does the same. "Um, how was your day?" He asks, trying to fill the awkward silence.

"Not too bad. I mean, trying to get kids to not burn each other on purpose is tiring, but their parents usually give me nice gifts for teaching their children to not burn things around the house, so it's okay."

"Did you get a gift today?"

"I got a big basket of fruit from one parent and got some flowers from my mother. She told me that her daughter would burn holes in her clothes before she learned to manage her flames."

He watches her smile slightly, and her eyes brighten slightly as she talks about her students. "How'd you start teaching fire benders? I don't know how you have the patience. I get annoyed as is with the chamber members and advisors, I don't think I could handle teaching fire benders."

"Well, first, you've never had any patience. But as for how I got started, my sister taught them before me, but then she got married and had her own kids, and I needed a job, so I took over for her."

"Do you like it?"

She nods, eating another bite of the noodles. "It makes the days interesting. I would be bored having a standard job, you know. Well.. I guess you are ruling the Fire Nation."

They fall into conversations talking about what they've been up to. And the more they spoke, the less nervous Zuko became. The conversations felt natural and comfortable. Every so often, Zuko would find himself distracted by her, by the way her face would light up when she spoke about something she was passionate about.

"So you need a wife?"

Zuko pauses mid-bite of the food he had put in his mouth. Caught off guard by the topic change. He slowly finishes chewing so as not to choke before speaking. "W-what?"

"You mentioned when you came by the school that you needed a girlfriend, or you were gonna have an arranged marriage instead."

"Did…did I say that?"

She nods.

"Well…" He starts, but she interrupts.

"Was this date not for you to ask us to start dating? I mean, I'm not sure we know each other well enough to get married, but I'd be open to dating."

Zuko stares at her, speechless, blinking slightly. A few seconds pass before finally words enter his brain.

"Uh, well, technically yes… I do need a wife. And I um would like to date you. But we don't have to talk about marriage or anything yet. We can take it slow. I'm not expecting you to just jump into marriage.

She nods, smiling a bit. "Well, I'd like to date you too, Dum Dum. But guess I don't really have a choice, can't really say no to the fire lord, can I?" Her voice is filled with humor and teasing, she clearly did not think that was true.

He laughs, rolling his eyes. "You know thats not true."

"Oh, it is. I heard the last girl who turned you down got exiled to an unknown island. Never to be seen again."

"Shut up." He says with another laugh. "You know no one has ever been exiled since I've became Fire Lord."

She shrugs, smiling clearly amused, but then she shifts from where she was sitting and slowly leans in and kisses his lips. It's longer than the kiss they shared at the Firebending School. Zuko moves his hands to your waist, gently pulling her closer against him. The kiss makes Zuko's head spin just slightly, and his heart starts to race.

But just as they were interrupted at the fire-bending school, once again, they are interrupted by the sounds of footsteps crunching on some leaves. The two of them pull apart, and Zuko suppresses an annoyed sigh, knowing it was probably one of his chamber members or advisors needing him. They straighten up a bit as it turns out it was his advisor. He knows that this means the end of their date.

She leans over the food and kisses him. It's short and over just as soon as it starts, but it still leaves Zuko's face blushing.

"Um, Lord Zuko? Sorry to bother you, but there is a situation you need to be aware of."

Zuko nods, trying to hide his annoyance and disappointment. He brushes the dirt and food crumbs off his robe. "Yes. I'll be there shortly."

His advisors bow slightly before leaving. Zuko starts to pack the food back into the basket he brought.

"Sorry that I have to go so soon." He says his voice is filled with disappointment and guilt. But when he looks at her, Zuko only sees contentment, even a hint of excitement in her eyes.

She shakes her head as she helps him with the food. "Don't worry about it, Dum Dum, I had fun. And this is probably something I will have to get used to, being the future Fire Lady of the Fire Nation." She teases.

"Still. I'll try not to make it a common occurrence. You can write to me whenever you are available to do this again.

"You should probably just write me. I'm sure your schedule is far busier than mine."

"No. I can-I'll work around that. I don't want everything to be on my terms." His voice softens when he says the second half of his sentence. Because it was true. He didn't want everything to be around him. He wanted to be as normal as possible when he was with her. She was one of the few people who still made jokes and relaxed around him.

She holds his gaze, taking his words in, and he can tell she understood what he was trying to tell her.

"Okay. I'll let you know."

They stand up, preparing to go their separate ways, but Zuko takes her hand in his and kisses her lips. This kiss lasts longer than the quick one you gave him earlier, but it's still too short. But he walked away, heading back inside the palace, as she left through the opposite end. Already thinking about their next date.

The royal palace glittered with gold and crimson lanterns, their warm light reflecting off polished marble floors as nobles from across the Fire Nation filled the grand ballroom.

As Fire Lady, you had spent the entire evening smiling politely, greeting guests, and engaging in endless conversations.

Unfortunately, so had Zuko.

Which meant you hadn’t spoken to your husband in nearly an hour.

Every now and then, you’d catch a glimpse of him across the room surrounded by ministers, generals, and noble families.

And every single time, his amber eyes would immediately find yours.

The brief moments of eye contact were enough to make you smile.

Unfortunately, they were also enough to make him visibly impatient.

You watched him excuse himself from one conversation only to get trapped in another before he could reach you.

His jaw tightened.

You bit back a laugh.

Being Fire Lord had taught Zuko patience.

Only a little, though.

⸻

As the evening continued, musicians moved toward the center of the ballroom.

The crowd immediately quieted.

The traditional festival dance.

A beloved Fire Nation custom.

Partners were expected to switch throughout the dance as a symbol of unity among the noble houses.

You immediately saw the look on Zuko’s face.

He hated this tradition.

Not because of the dance itself.

Because it meant dancing with everyone except the person he actually wanted to dance with.

You.

The music began.

Noblewomen quickly approached the Fire Lord, eager for the honor of a dance.

Ever the diplomat, Zuko accepted politely.

But as he guided his current partner through the movements, his gaze constantly drifted across the room.

Searching.

Searching.

Searching.

For you.

⸻

Meanwhile, you found yourself paired with a nobleman whose name you had forgotten the second he introduced himself.

At first he seemed perfectly pleasant.

Then the dance started.

And he stepped far too close.

Your smile faltered.

His hand settled on your waist.

Too low.

Too familiar.

You subtly attempted to create distance.

He only moved closer.

“You look stunning tonight, Fire Lady.”

His tone made your skin crawl.

You forced a polite smile.

“Thank you.”

His grip tightened.

You immediately wished it hadn’t.

Across the ballroom, his smug expression never left his face.

The man clearly enjoyed making you uncomfortable.

⸻

And unfortunately for him—

Zuko finally saw it.

At first he simply caught sight of you dancing.

Relief flashed across his face.

Then he noticed your expression.

The stiffness in your posture.

The way you kept trying to move away.

The nobleman’s wandering hand.

The disgusting smirk.

The relief disappeared instantly.

Replaced by something much more dangerous.

The music continued.

But Zuko stopped dancing.

Completely.

His current partner nearly stumbled.

The entire ballroom seemed to part around him as he crossed the floor.

His expression remained calm.

Far too calm.

The kind of calm that made experienced generals nervous.

⸻

Your dance partner was still speaking when a familiar voice interrupted.

“May I steal my Fire Lady away?”

You looked up.

Zuko stood beside you.

Amber eyes fixed entirely on the nobleman.

The smile on his face didn’t reach his eyes.

Not even slightly.

The nobleman swallowed.

Hard.

Every instinct in his body seemed to scream danger.

“Of course, Fire Lord.”

Zuko’s gaze remained locked on him for several seconds.

Long enough for the nobleman to visibly regret every decision he’d made that evening.

Then Zuko offered his hand to you.

You took it immediately.

The relief was almost embarrassing.

⸻

The second you stepped into his arms, your entire body relaxed.

Zuko noticed instantly.

His hand settled gently against your waist.

Not possessive.

Protective.

The difference meant everything.

“You okay?” he asked quietly.

You nodded.

“I’m fine now.”

His jaw tightened.

That answer clearly wasn’t enough for him.

But he let it go for the moment.

Instead, he guided you into the next movement of the dance.

⸻

The ballroom seemed to disappear.

The nobles.

The music.

The politics.

Everything faded away until it was just the two of you.

Zuko’s gaze never left yours.

Not once.

The traditional dance transformed into something softer.

Something more intimate.

You found yourself smiling.

A real smile this time.

One reserved only for him.

The corners of Zuko’s mouth lifted in return.

A rare sight.

One that made several nobles gasp quietly.

The Fire Lord wasn’t exactly known for smiling in public.

Yet here he was.

Unable to stop.

Because of you.

⸻

As the dance continued, you leaned closer.

“Thank you.”

His hand tightened slightly around yours.

“For what?”

“Saving me.”

His eyes softened.

“You never have to thank me for that.”

You smiled.

He looked around the ballroom.

Then back at you.

A mischievous glint appeared in his eyes.

One that didn’t surface often.

“How about we escape?”

You blinked.

“The Fire Lord wants to abandon his own ceremony?”

“Absolutely.”

You laughed.

“Sounds tempting.”

“It wasn’t a suggestion.”

⸻

The second the dance ended, Zuko grabbed your hand.

And ran.

Well—

As much as a Fire Lord could run while maintaining dignity.

You both slipped through a side corridor before anyone could stop you.

Behind you, confused nobles searched for the missing royal couple.

Ahead of you, moonlight illuminated the palace gardens.

Finally.

Peace.

⸻

The gardens were quiet.

The only sounds were rustling leaves and distant fountains.

Zuko led you toward a stone bench overlooking a pond filled with glowing lantern lilies.

The stars shimmered overhead.

Without hesitation, he sat down and pulled you beside him.

You immediately curled against his side.

His arm wrapped around your shoulders.

You rested your head against his chest.

For several minutes neither of you spoke.

Neither felt the need to.

The silence was comfortable.

Warm.

Home.

⸻

Eventually, Zuko pressed a kiss against the top of your head.

“I’m sorry I didn’t get to you sooner.”

You looked up.

“You came when it mattered.”

His expression softened.

You could still see traces of anger lingering beneath the surface.

Not directed at you.

At the man from earlier.

You reached up and touched his cheek.

“I’m okay.”

His hand covered yours.

“I know.”

Then, after a pause:

“He’s never dancing with you again.”

You laughed.

“There it is.”

“I’m serious.”

“I know.”

“And if he even looks at you like that again—”

You started laughing harder.

Zuko rolled his eyes.

But a smile tugged at his lips.

Soon enough, the conversation faded again.

You settled against him beneath the stars.

His arm around your shoulders.

Your hand intertwined with his.

The palace searching frantically for its missing rulers.

And neither of you caring in the slightest.

For the first time all evening, you finally had what you’d both been searching for.

The silent night surrounded you.

That's how the nights usually went for you as you patiently waited in your royal chambers for your husband to finish his daily tasks.

You were lying in your giant bed like always, dressed in the finest silk, laced robe that you owned. You lazily watched as the candles on your bedside table flicked as you had nothing else to do.

Almost half asleep, you decided to get up and sit on your desk in the corner of your shared room, refusing to let the slumber take over you.

Your husband, Zuko, has been so busy lately with his Fire Lord duties that you haven't been able to spend much time with him. During the day, he was needed by his people. During the night, he was all yours.

A few more minutes passed by when there was finally movement.

The door opened revealing your husband, whose eyes instantly land on yours. He closes the door and walks up to you, snaking his arms around your waist as he pulls you to stand with your back against his chest.

"I need you." he whispered in your ear, longingly.

"You can always have me." you said as you turned around to face him, his eyes glowing yellow as he shows how much he is yearning for you.

After heavy makeouts and clothes scattered on the floor, here you are now laid on your back as Zuko is hunched over you.

Slowly pushing into you, it was always like it's the first time you guys have had sex. It always feels nostalgic.

Your gasps and moans is like a beautiful melody to his ears.

Your fingers becoming all entangled in his black, silky hair as he thrusts into you.

He was always careful and slow at the start, giving his wife what she deserves.

Zuko kept his eyes fixed on you, mesmerised by the way your eyes often rolled back as you got hit with waves of pleasure.

His fingers made way to your clit, circling slowly. It wasn't long until you were a shaking mess underneath him, whimpering 'i love yous' a few curses as your orgasm took over you.

The sight of you sent this man to the moon. But not even the moon could compare to your beauty.

The stinging of your nails scraping up and down his back sent shocks down to his core, bringing him closer and closer to the edge.

He thrusts into you one last time before you felt the twitching of his cock spewing his hot cum into you. He nuzzled his face into the crook of your next as he nibbled away at your shoulder, leaving his marks.

"My lord...." Your voice heavy over the streams of smoke releasing from his body. He grunted, face still buried in your neck.

"Zuko, I love you but you have to stop setting our room on fire."

And with that, he straightened up immediately, now realising that your shared chamber was indeed in flames with thick clouds of smoke.

Soon after, all the flames were finally put out and the steam died down.

"I'm sorry My Lady, I just can't control myself when I'm having all of you." he turned towards you as he put out the last fire that was on your curtains. A faint smile rested on his face, slightly embarrassed.

"As much as I find it hot, quite literally, my poor ladies of the court always have to suffer with changing the bedsheets and curtains almost every day." You said as you chuckled walking towards him.

You wrapped your arms around his neck and he wrapped his around your waist.

"I love you." He whispered, staring deep into your eyes.

"And I love you." You whispered back.

A declaration of love between the two that will never die. No matter how much fire you have to put out to keep it going.

Literally.

——————————

The most rarest thing to exist in the fire nation was coldness. Surrounded by a tropical climate that accumulated the heat of the fire benders home.

Tonight was a strange night. You were cold. Even under the warm blankets. Even with two muscular arms around you, being your personal heater. It still wasn’t enough.

You slowly turned your body towards your husband, Zuko. The sudden shift in your movement made him flinch slightly, grip tightening around you as he pulled you closer towards him.

“My love.” You whispered.

No answer.

“Zuko, dear.”

A sleepy hum escaped his lips. Even though he had pulled you closer, you still couldn’t get rid of the chills that created goosebumps around your body.

You pressed yourself closer, burying your face into his bare chest hoping the contact would work. Unfortunately it didn’t.

“Fuck, why is it so cold?” you said quietly in the silent night. Your words didn’t go unheard from Zuko as he pulled away slightly to look at you.

“Are you cold, baby?” He asked. Even in the dim night light you can still see the concern written in his tired eyes mixed with a worried tone in his voice.

Even in the middle of the night, with his messy, long hair, he still looked ethereal .

Like a reflex, your hand slowly slid up rubbing against his cheek, feeling his scar which you always found beautiful.

You moved a bit closer, planting a light kiss on his scar, now looking up at him.

“A bit but, I’m fine. I’ll warm up soon.” You said as you now regret waking him up because of something as childish as being cold in the middle of the night.

His hand slid down your back, pulling you closer but then settling there as his breathing slowed down to a steady pace.

Suddenly, a familiar feeling seeped into your spine. A controlled warmth.

The warmth crawled across your body as it wasn’t just coming off his hands, but his whole body was generating heat.

“Let me know if it gets too hot okay?” He murmured, voice rough with sleep. You faintly nodded as you felt your goosebumps disappear as you were enveloped into the heat.

“Thank you, Zuko. That’s enough.” You said as your eyes started closing, feeling the slumber take over you already.

When he realised that you had finally gone back to sleep, he shifted himself to plant a kiss on your forehead, then resting his head on top of yours as you were both entangled with each other under the blankets.

And that warmth he gave stayed between you two for the rest of the night.

——————