training
pairing - Zuko x Male reader You can never have a bland, non teasing, moment with your husband.
The training courtyard was already warm under the late afternoon sun, heat clinging to the stone like it had something to prove. Flames flickered and snapped in the air as Zuko moved through his forms, precise, controlled, every motion deliberate. Even now, as Fire Lord, he trained like he had something to chase, something just out of reach.
You leaned lazily against one of the pillars at first, arms crossed, watching him with a quiet smile that slowly turned into something more amused. He was focused, too focused, and that made him an easy target.
“Your stance is off,” you called casually.
Zuko didn’t even turn. “It’s not.”
“It is,” you replied, pushing off the pillar and walking toward him. “You’re overcompensating on your left side.” That got his attention. His movements slowed, flames dying down as he turned his head slightly. “I’m not overcompensating.”
You circled him slowly, eyes dragging over every detail of his posture in a way that was just a little too deliberate to be purely observational. “You are,” you murmured, stepping closer, closer than necessary. “Here…”
You reached out, placing a hand on his waist to adjust him. It was subtle, but the moment your fingers brushed against him, you felt it—the tension. Not from training.
From you.
Zuko inhaled sharply, just enough to give himself away.
“There,” you said softly, though your voice had shifted—warmer, teasing. “Better.” He cleared his throat, straightening a little too stiffly. “Thank you.” You didn’t step away, instead, you leaned in slightly, your shoulder brushing his arm. “You’re distracted today,” you added, tone almost innocent.
“I’m not distracted,” he insisted, but his next movement proved otherwise. He attempted to resume his form, flames igniting again—only for them to sputter unevenly as his foot slipped half an inch out of place.
You raised a brow. “Really?”
Zuko exhaled through his nose, visibly trying to center himself. “Stop doing that.”
“Doing what?” you asked, clearly enjoying this. He shot you a look, sharp, but not nearly as intimidating as he probably intended. “You know what.” You hummed thoughtfully, stepping in front of him now, forcing him to stop again. “I don’t think I do.”
His jaw tightened, but there was a faint flush creeping across his cheeks now, spreading just enough to betray him. “You’re distracting me.” You smiled, slow and knowing. “I thought you said you weren’t distracted.”
Zuko opened his mouth, then closed it again, clearly realizing he’d walked right into that one. His grip tightened slightly as he tried to reset, lifting his arms again to continue—but you stepped closer again, deliberately invading his space.
“Maybe,” you said quietly, “you just need better focus.”
Your hand found his again, guiding his movement this time—but your fingers lingered, tracing just slightly along his wrist before letting go.
The flame he summoned flickered wildly, Zuko groaned under his breath, dropping his stance entirely. “You’re doing this on purpose.”
“Of course I am,” you said easily.
He turned to face you fully now, frustration written all over his face—but it was softened by the warmth in his eyes, the kind that only ever showed around you. “Why?”
You tilted your head, pretending to think about it. “Because it’s fun.”
“That’s not a good reason.” he rolled his eyes “It is for me.” He huffed, running a hand through his hair. “I’m trying to train.” Stepping closer again, you whispered as you rubbed a thumb or his cheek, “You’re also getting flustered over nothing love.”
“I am not—”
“You are,” you cut in softly, smiling up at him. “You always do.”
There was a pause.
Zuko’s expression shifted, the frustration easing just slightly as he looked at you, really looked at you. “You’ve been doing this since we were kids.”
“And it’s worked every time,” you pointed out.
“…Yes,” he admitted reluctantly.
Your smile softened, teasing fading into something warmer. “You’re still amazing, you know. Flustered or not.”
That seemed to catch him off guard more than anything else. The tension in his shoulders eased, just a little, and the faintest smile tugged at the corner of his lips.
“…You’re impossible,” he muttered.
You leaned in, brushing a quick, affectionate kiss against his cheek before stepping back just enough to give him space again. “And yet you married me.”
Zuko exhaled, shaking his head—but now there was no hiding the small smile on his face. “Again,” he said, resetting his stance. You raised a brow. “You sure you can handle it this time?” He glanced at you, determination flickering in his eyes. “I’ll manage.”
You smirked, folding your arms as you stepped back. “We’ll see.”
This time, when he moved, the flames were steady again, but you didn’t miss the way his focus wavered for just a second when you shifted slightly in his peripheral vision.
And honestly?
You had no intention of making it any easier for him.
