જ⁀➴ ♡ Interrupted Moments
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✎𓂃 Pairing: Adult Zuko x Wife Reader
✎𓂃 Word Count: 3.06k
✎𓂃 Contains: Fluff & A tad bit of spice
✎𓂃 Series name: A Growing Flame
✎𓂃 Authors note: Please do not copy and repost my story on your page as your own. Reblogs are ok with me! please share my work if you want. Master list for the series coming soon, other than that please enjoy part 2! Part 1 can be found here
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The palace was far from quiet anymore.
That was the first thing Zuko noticed as he made his way into his quarter of the palace; the soft echo of his boots was swallowed almost immediately by the distant chaos of your children. Once, the Fire Nation had been filled with tense silence, whispers, careful footsteps and the weight of expectations. But now? Now there was laughter, smiles, and a calmer atmosphere amongst the people of the fire nation. That thought didn’t last long as the unmistakable crash of something that absolutely should not have been knocked over. Zuko paused mid-step, closing his eyes for a second, and he let out a sigh before looking up at the ceiling. “ I should be concerned, “ He muttered out, “ You should be very concerned. “
Hearing your voice, he turned his head just in time to see you walking towards him. Your infant son balanced expertly on your hip with his small head resting gently on your chest. There was a faint smear of something- he hoped it was just food- on your sleeve, and your expression was equal parts exhausted and amused at his reaction to your chaotic children. Zuko softened instantly, “ Is everything alright?, “ You gave him a look. Before you could answer, a loud shout echoed down the hallway. “ It was your idea! “ Taeyang shouted. Not long after, Minho was quick to bite back, “ I said, don’t touch it! “ Then yet another crash. Zuko winced. “ I’m going to assume that was not alright, “ he said. “ No, “ you replied flatly. “ It was not. “
Your son, Junjie, made a small, happy noise, completely unbothered by the destruction his older brothers were unfolding elsewhere. With an exhausted sigh, Zuko stepped closer, gently brushing his fingers against his tiny hand. Junjie immediately grabbed onto his father’s fingers with surprising strength. He smiled despite everything going on around the two of you. “ At least one of them is behaving. “ He said, trying to lighten the mood between the two of you. You let out a dry laugh before looking up at him, “ Give him time, “ You said. Another loud crash made its way down the hallway, breaking the slight silence the two of you had. Zuko straightened his stance, “ I’ll handle it. “ You caught his sleeve before he could take more than a step away from you. “ Wait. “ He blinked, looking down at you. “ What is it? “ He asked, a bit of concern lacing his tone as he asked. You hesitated for a moment, shifting Junjie slightly in one arm, your grip remained on his sleeve. “ Can we just have a minute first? “
Zuko’s expression changed instantly- something softer, quieter. “ …A minute?, “ He asked. “ Just a minute, “ you said, almost pleading. “ Before you go deal with… that, “ you gestured in the direction your older sons were in. He glanced down the hall, where the sounds of the boys were still very much ongoing. Then back at you. “ We can try.. “. A smile crept its way on your face, “ Okay, “ you said, stepping into your shared room and nudging the door closed behind you. Zuko exhaled as if he’d just enter a sanctuary from whatever storm was going on outside. Your room was warm and quiet, well, quiet was an understatement, it was quieter, and for a brief moment, it was just the two of you and your youngest child. Taking a breath, he finally got a good look at your face. “ You look tired. “ You chuckled at that. “ I am tired. “ He hesitated, then gently took Jinjie from your arms. “ I’ve got him. “ You didn’t argue- just let your shoulders drop slightly as the weight from your son left you. Zuko rocked him carefully, surprisingly natural despite everything else in his life. “ You’ve been taking care of them all day? “ he asked, a bit concerned. “ Yes. All four of them. By myself, “ you added, giving him a look. He winced. “ ..I had a council meeting. “ “ I know, “ you said, softer this time. “ I’m not blaming you. “ A pause. Then quieter- “ I just missed you. “ Zuko stilled. That hit harder than any accusation could have. “ I miss you too. “ A gentle smile made its way to his face as he slowly made his way closer to you. For a moment, everything slowed. The noise outside felt distant. The responsibilities, the duties, the endless demands- None of that mattered right now. Right now, it was just you and him. Zuko shifted Jinjie in one arm and reached for you with the other, pulling you gently closer. Slowly, he leaned down towards your face. His lips grazed yours and then… - BOOM- The door burst open before your lips could connect.
Both your sons came bolting through the door, almost tripping as they tried to push each other out of the way. “ Dad! “ They both called out before stopping midstep when they saw the scene in front of them. Zuko froze. You didn’t even look surprised. “ Didn’t I say to knock.. Before you enter, “ He said slowly, with a hint of seriousness to his tone as he glared at the two young boys. A shiver ran down their spines as they stood up straight. “ “ Sorry, sir! “ They said in unison, it was quiet for a moment before Minho spoke up. “ The vase broke “. You could just hear the fear in his tone as he waited for his father to answer. Turning his head slightly, he was now facing the two of them. “ Which vase?, “ He asked. Minho now looked to his elder brother for help, letting out a fake cough. He answered, “ The big one…,” Zoku’s eyes closed. “ Define big. “ Taeyang finally took a breath he didn’t realize he was holding. “ The one in the main hall, sir. “ Rubbing his face, he let out a deep exhale, “ I just bought that vase. “ Looking between his father and brother, Minho was quick to react. “ It was Teayang's fault! “ He said, “ He pushed me! “ Teayang looked almost betrayed by his brother’s accusation. “ I did not! “ He shouted back. “ Did too! “ “ Did not! “ As the two went back and forth, Jinjie began to fuss in his father’s arms. Zuko finally looked back at you, and you looked back at him with the same expression. The moment between the two of you was gone. “ I’ll handle it, “ he sighed. You patted his arm sympathetically. “ Good luck. “
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By the time Zuko finished dealing with the broken vase (and the argument and the near wrestling match that followed it), he was exhausted and it wasn’t even midday yet. At this point, he was just ready to curl into bed beside you. But the sun that beamed against his back as he stepped into the courtyard reminded him of those lovely plans. Rolling his shoulders, he looked at the two troubled boys in front of him. “ Alright, “ he called. “ If you have energy to break things, you have energy to train. Now lets get into position.“ Both boys immediately straightened up as they had been previously slouching behind him not too long ago. “ Yes, Dad! “ lined up in the stance they were taught, Zuko looked them over as he lazily removed his shirt and tossed it onto the floor. Walking in between them, he adjusted their posture. Now completely ready, he positioned himself before he started. “ Focus, “ he said. “ Firebending isn’t just about power. It’s about control. “ He demonstrated a simple movement, flames flickering to life in his palm- steady, precise. As shown, the two boys copied their father (to the best of their young ability). “ Again, “ he said sternly to the two. With a better performance this time, he nodded slightly. “ Good. “
From the edge of the courtyard, you watched as Jinjie was fast asleep against your shoulder, and Sori sat right beside you, quietly playing with a small doll her father had gotten her from one of his council meetings that took place outside the nation. You smiled softly as you watched your boys and Zuko. But if you were being honest with yourself, you were mainly watching him. Completely spaced out, you didn’t notice him staring right back at you till he shot you a small wink. And just like that, something warm passed between you again- unspoken, but real. It made your chest tighten. You continued to watch his movements more intensely now. It wasn’t just fire bending- it was him. The way his muscles tensed and released with each motion, the quiet confidence in his posture, and the intensity in his gaze. This was the side of him you always admired, even before everything else- before the children, before the crown, before life became so full and loud. And now- watching him like this. You swallowed softly. It had been a long time since you’d had a moment that was just yours. Just his. Your mind drifted despite yourself—back to quieter nights, when the world didn’t demand so much of him, when his attention wasn’t split in a hundred directions. When his hands lingered, when his voice softened just for you, when the space between you felt smaller, and when his breath lingered just around your neck. You missed that. You missed him. His touch, his voice, his love. Your grip shifted slightly on the baby as you let out a slow breath, eyes still fixed on him.
“ Mom? “ Sori called your name as she tugged at your sleeve. You blinked, glancing down at your daughter, who was looking up at you with wide, expectant eyes. “ Y-yes, sweetie, “ you asked, being pulled out of your daze. “ I’m hungry. “ You sighed softly. “ Of course you are, “ You said jokingly to your daughter, squeezing her cheek a bit before standing up, reaching your hand out for her to take. As she grabbed your hand, you looked back toward the courtyard. Zuko was still there—still training, still steady—but he spared you one more quick glance. And even with everything pulling you both in different directions, that quiet connection was still there. Waiting.
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Later that evening, the palace had finally calmed. Dinner was made. The children were fed. The youngest was fast asleep yet again.
Zuko leaned against the doorway, watching as you tucked your daughter into bed. “ And then the dragon flew away? “ Sori asked sleepily. “ Only because she needed to rest, “ you whispered as you had finished her storybook for the night. “ Will she come back? “ smiling down at her, you gave her a small kiss on the forehead before answering. “ Of course. “ Your daughter smiled, eyes already closing as she drifted into sleep. Within moments, she was asleep. You stood there for a second longer, just watching her gentle face. Zuko stepped closer, wrapping his arms gently around your waist, lowering his voice as he whispered into your ear. “ She’s out? “ You nodded with a giggle. “ One down. “ He smirked faintly. “ Three to go. “
The boys were a bit harder to settle down. “ Good to sleep, “ Zuko said, standing with his arms crossed and a slightly annoyed expression. “ We’re not tired. “ Taeyang said quickly. “ You were both falling asleep at dinner. “ Minho followed quickly behind his brother. “ That doesn’t count. “ Zuko raised an eyebrow at that statement. “ Why not? “ Taeyang stopped playing with his toy as he looked up at his father, “ Because it was boring. “ You snorted quietly from behind him, earning yourself a look from Zuko as if saying, “ You’re not helping. “ You covered your mouth, trying not to laugh. “ Lie down, “ Zuko said firmly, only to earn a long line of groans from the two boys as they laid down. Eventually. After several more complaints. And one more argument. And a request for water. And then another. By the time the boys were asleep, Zuko looked like he’d fought a war. Rubbing his temples, he looked down at his two troublemakers before shaking his head. “ How do they have so much energy? “ He muttered. You shrugged. “ They get it from you. “ You said before taking his arm and guiding him out of the room. “ That’s concerning. “ He said as he followed you out of their room.
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The room had finally gone still. No footsteps in the hall. No voices. No sudden crashes or calls for help. Just quiet hums of the crickets outside the palace walls.
Zuko closed the door carefully behind him, as if even the smallest sound might undo all their hard work. When he turned around, you were already there- Sitting on the edge of the bed, looking more relaxed than you had all day. For a moment, he just watched you. The way your body slowly relaxed from its tense stage, the way your messy hair framed your face just right, and the way the soft moon lights glow reflected off your radiant skin. Before he could get lost in your beauty for another second, he let out a sharp breath and slowly walked towards you. “ We actually did it, “ He said quietly. You smiled, a little tired, a little amused. “ Don’t say that too loudly. “ He huffed a soft laugh, stopping just in front of you. There was something different in his expression now- less Fire Lord, less father managing chaos… more of him. Your husband.
Taking a seat beside you, his hand reached up, brushing lightly along your arm before settling at your waist, drawing you just a little closer. Not rushed. Not desperate. Just… intentional.” You’ve been busy all day, “ He murmured against your neck, placing small butterfly kisses along your neck and down to your collarbone as he whispered to you. You laughed softly as your hands crept up his chest and around his shoulders. “ So have you, " you said back, your voice slightly pitched higher as he continued, only pulling away to speak to you. “ Not like you. “ You raised an eyebrow, but you didn’t pull away. If anything, you leaned into his touch more. He could feel your heart beat pick up against your chest, the steady rhythm of your heart beat graced his lips as he placed one last kiss against your neck. It had been too long since you’d had this. Just this. Zuko tilted his head, his forehead resting lightly against yours. For a second, neither of you spoke. You didn’t need to. The quiet said enough on its own. Both of you nearly getting lost in each other’s gaze. Zuko finally broke the silence as he finally spoke, “ I missed this, “ He admitted softly. Gently, he pushed you down onto your back, hovering over you as he pinned you down at your waist. Your breath caught just a little as you looked back up at him. His thumb traced absent circles at your hips now, grounding, familiar. The kind of touch that made everything else faded into the background. Closing the space between you two, drawn in by something simple and undeniable. His lips connected with yours. Passionately and filled with urgency, he kissed you deeply. For a moment, it was just the two of you again. No interruptions. No responsibilities.Just each other’s warmth, and closeness, and the quiet promise of finally having time-
A soft cry echoed through the silence. Both of you froze as he pulled away. Zuko didn’t move at first, like maybe- just maybe- if he stayed still enough, the sound would disappear. But it didn’t. The cry came again, a little louder this time. You looked at him for a moment before you burst into a small fit of laughter. Zuko, on the other hand, let his head fall forward until it rested against your shoulder. “ … No, “ He muttered against your shoulder. You tried- and failed- to hold back another laugh, one hand coming to cover your mouth as you continued. “ I think he needs you, “ You tried to say as your words were just barely muffled by his hand. “ I think he is perfectly fine. “ Another small cry echoed from down the hall. You gently nudged him. “ Zuko. “ He sighed dramatically, straightening just enough to look at you with the most tragically disappointed expression he could muster up. “ I just wanted one night, “ he said, like it was a personal betrayal. “ One. “
You smiled, soft and fond, reaching up to smooth a hand over his hair. “ We’ll get one eventually. “ He scoffed at your response while giving you an eye roll on purpose. “ You said that last week. “ “ And I meant it then too, “ He narrowed his eyes slightly, but there was no real frustration behind it- just tired amusement. Another cry. Zuko closed his eyes briefly, then exhaled. “ I’ll get him. “ You pressed a soft kiss to his cheek as he turned to go. “ That’s my Fire Lord, “ You said before he turned around with a smirk. “ Don’t call me that right now, “ He muttered, already heading for the door. “ I’m off duty. “ He said as he exited the room and disappeared into the hallway, his grumbling fading into softer murmurs as he went to soothe your son. The room fell quiet once more. Not the same kind of quiet as before- but still warm. Still full. And as you leaned back slightly, listening to the distant sound of his voice calming your son, you couldn’t help but smile. It wasn't perfect. It never was. But it was yours
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Thank you all for the love on my last story! I wasn't expecting to get such a large group of you to like it. With this it has definitely kept my motivation high on wanting to continue this series now that I know so many people are interested! I'm always open to ideas and feedback from you all so don't be scared to hit up my request box or even the comments if you have any work you would like to see me do. Once again thank you for reading all the way to the end! if you would like to be tagged in the next part just let me know.
xoxo- Aido ദ്ദി◝ ⩊ ◜.ᐟ
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