Content: contrary to popular belief, the fire lord can't have everything he wants. however, even he’d admit that what he wanted was troublesome in itself, which is why he forces himself to be okay with having you by his side as his advisor. [tw: MDNI, angst/fluff/smut, apothecary diaries coded, so much yearning and longing, porn with plot, there is no power imbalance he’s afraid of your father, zuko’s a little shit tho, we’re already married in his head] wc: 4.8k
m.list | chapter one | next chapter
“You want me to do your hair?”
His lips twitch, fighting back a smile. “Yes, precisely.”
You sigh as you step into the man’s chambers, walking up to the vanity that’s more fitting for a queen, in your opinion. If only people saw this side of the fire lord. Zuko, the pretty boy. He has zero insecurities over the scar his tyrant of a father left on his face, but he’d faint at the sight of seeing too much hair shed on the marble floors of his bathhouse.
“When you decide to have me summoned like this, do you ever wonder, hm— what would her father think?” you ask as you grudgingly pick up the brush and begin to run the bristles his hair.
“I do,” he dryly responds. “I like the way you do your hair, though, so I’d appreciate it if you didn’t tell on me. You wouldn’t want me getting in trouble, right?”
Zuko might be the fire lord, but he still has to watch his relationships with the other clans in this nation— especially with a certain hot-headed strategist that just so happens to be your father. You can only imagine his outburst upon learning that his daughter is playing with the lord's hair, rather than playing your role as his advisor.
Most fathers would be pleased by the information— not yours, he’s a little more… strict. He already doesn’t like him from a joke made over a decade ago, suggesting you’d make a fine concubine, which wasn’t taken lightly.
Your father threatened to usurp the throne, sending a chill running down a then 21 year old Zuko’s spine.
There was no way in hell he’d hand you off to the imperial palace to become a concubine. You’re the only child of his that inherited firebending. If your father had it his way, you’d be a warrior, for fucks sake.
Lord Zuko may have a dry sense of humor at times, but you have your doubts about how much of a joke that statement was, especially with how much he likes to bug you throughout the day.
Perhaps another conflict should erupt— the man has too much time on his hands. Maybe then you’d fulfill your fathers wish of finally working in the military— put your talents to use, as he’d say.
But would Lord Zuko allow the gentle hands running through his hair to commit such violence? Or would that be when he’d draw a hard line with the aggressive strategist?
As progressive as he is, you sometimes wonder just how much it extends to you. Even as children, he’d go easy on you during trainings. He’s only grown softer with you as the years passed. Despite not being a concubine yourself, you wouldn’t be surprised if he saw you as one of the flowers in his garden— one he’s not allowed to touch.
You slide the hair stick through his headpiece, securing the top knot he had you redo. It looks the same, but you hold off on making a comment. “Is that better?”
“Much better.” His eyes meet yours in the mirror, lips curving into a sly smile. “Now— what are we doing today?”
We. You hate how much he likes to emphasize that at times.
“Well,” you sigh. “Aside from the usual council meeting, nothing much. Perhaps you can visit one of your concubines today… for once.”
He huffs out a laugh. “Are you saying I don’t fuck my concubines enough?”
“Precisely,” you say almost mockingly.
It’s all they ever complain about, and honestly, you’re sure you would, too, if you were one of them. Having to wake up and sit around all day, waiting for a man who never comes. And on the rare occasion that he does, he doesn’t stay long. He’ll show up, fuck the shit out of you for a couple rounds, then leave right after. Allegedly.
“Don’t you want an heir?” you ask.
“Depends,” he hums.
With the way he’s looking at you, you can already tell what it depends on, and it has nothing to do with his current concubines. Lucky for you, he never gets the chance to actually say it because he gets interrupted right after, putting a conversation you’d rather not have to a screeching halt.
“The council is waiting for you, my Lord.”
—
The silk district was notoriously known for two things: brothels and bandits. It was the wild, wild west compared to the other districts in the capital due to high crime and the growing wealth gap. The governments always kept a watchful eye on it, which was never enough in your opinion.
Are you surprised to hear that an entire brothel, including the madame, was discovered to be slain and robbed in the early hours of this morning? Absolutely not.
“Send more military officers to patrol the area,” the chamberlain says without hesitation. “We’ve been too lenient with them. If they want bloodshed, we’ll give them bloodshed.”
Yikes, he wants to rule the area with an iron fist when they’re already clearly struggling. You can’t help but think of how much of a dictator this guy would be if he were in Zuko’s place.
You make eye contact with the lord, who’s sitting at the end of the table right next to you. In that brief moment, he notices the concern in your eyes and gives you a subtle nod.
“Perhaps we can send more public aid?” you suggest. “They’ve been testing out a new rehabilitation program in Republic City as well. I’m sure the Silk District could benefit from—“
“Nonsense,” the chamberlain cuts you off, wondering why you’re even here right now— he thought you only assisted in matters within the court, not outside of it. “I-“
“Careful,” Zuko interrupts the man rather playfully as he continues to read through the scroll. “That’s the military strategist’s daughter you’re speaking to.”
The comment makes you nearly roll your eyes, knowing the only reason why he said it was because you’re having to constantly remind him yourself when he gets too close.
The chamberlain, however, straightens up immediately. You have no idea why it took him this long to realize it. He’s been here for nearly over a year, but at least he knows now. The chamberlain can be quite rude at times, you wouldn’t want him to slip up with your father in the room. Not only would that earn him an earful of insults that are as creative as they are hurtful, but it’d also be embarrassing on your part.
That old man embarrasses you enough when he’s around. Following you around like a lost puppy after meetings, asking if you’ve eaten and if your superiors are treating you right, while side eyeing the fire lord himself. You’d agree so yourself that he has too much power in the court. He enjoys holding it over everyone’s head even more. It’s sickening, really.
You look at the chamberlain, who is now pouting, and offer an apologetic smile. “May I continue?”
“Yes, of course,” the old man nods, struggling to hide his shame.
Always one for games, Zuko finds himself suppressing a laugh, which in turn makes the chamberlain’s slouch worsen. He’s grown to find more and more amusement in his daily tasks, a trait his father would definitely disapprove of— good thing he’s not here anymore.
The rest of the meeting went by as smooth as it could be, with the fire lord, of course, praising the chancellor in the end for being so well behaved, pretending to wonder what could’ve changed his usual demeanor. The usual teasings, all while you once again found yourself thinking of how light he’s become. Even after receiving such upsetting news, he stayed calm while finding a solution.
A humane one.
No longer the grumpy, angsty boy you grew up with. He’s actually quite charming. But you keep that to yourself.
The palace grounds are empty, as they should be during the afternoon. Everyone’s off either eating, napping, or tending to duties such as cooking or cleaning. It’s quiet, surprisingly peaceful. Your footsteps echo throughout the breezeway as Zuko defies the basic etiquette of walking ahead of you as a ruler should. Instead, the bastard walks a little slower than you. If given the opportunity, he’d turn it into a mini competition of who could walk the slowest, up until you both come to a full stop, with him looking at you all smug.
“Your chambers are this way,” you remind the said bastard as if he’d already forgotten.
He doesn’t bother to look back as he responds, walking down a gravel path leading directly to the flower garden. “How about we take a detour today, hm?”
You watch him for a moment, waiting to see if he’d stop. He doesn’t, and you shouldn’t be surprised by it. You’re able to catch up with him in just seconds given his slow pace, this time not bothering to walk behind him as he’s clearly in the mood to be extra stubborn today.
You’re all alone and away from the hearing distance of anyone else, yet you still choose to speak quietly as you start to gently tease the man. “What a surprise to see the king taking some time to enjoy his garden.”
He lets out a soft laugh that fades into a hum. “Only around a select few.”
“Oh, wow,” you pretend to be impressed. “How charitable.”
“It’s an honor that you think so,” he says, placing a hand over his chest to add to the theatrics, trying not to laugh once again. “Tell me, when was the last time you walked through here?”
You hum as you walk further into the sprawling garden filled with wooden arches covered with green vines and flowers in full bloom. “Can’t say I actually remember when.”
“That’s a shame. I had the gardener plant new rose bushes,” he murmurs. “Wanted to ask what you thought of them.”
“I think they’re lovely,” you admit, softly pinching a petal, rubbing your thumb over the velvety skin.
He smiles. “I figured.”
They were your favorite after all.
Why is he like this? The garden’s already filled with enough flowers. A new section wasn’t needed.
Again, he’s just bored.
In an attempt to keep the conversation from getting any more personal, you change the subject. “Are you looking forward to your trip to Republic City?”
At the end of the meeting, it was decided that he’d visit with the purpose of getting more information about the new rehabilitation program the city was rolling out. While the chancellor wanted to take a more aggressive approach, he decided to take a more peaceful route. It’s admirable how hands on he’s chosen to be since taking his father's place.
“Mhm. It’ll be nice catching up with some old friends while I’m there—“ he cuts himself off and looks at you with slight suspicion, “you’re going, right?”
You never said you would, nor did you want to, honestly. It’d be nice to take a break. “I’m sure you and some of your subordinates can handle it.”
“Weren’t you the one who came up with the idea, though?” his tone slightly clips as he reminds you.
“I was,” you respond tentatively, taking back your thoughts from earlier as you look him in the eyes.
This man looks like he’s about to throw a fit.
Zuko opens his mouth again, already knowing he shouldn’t be this pushy towards you, of all people, but he is far from perfect.
So with a forced smile and all the resolve in the world, he murmurs, “you’re going.”
You smile back despite feeling an annoyed heat creep up your neck, heart starting to pick up. “Alright.”
—
Imagine being the fire lord, a literal ruler, and getting the cold shoulder from your own advisor. Every answer is so curt and clinical, and it’s going to drive him up the wall.
Yes, my lord. Of course, my lord. Apologies, my lord.
Give him a fucking break.
As if you weren’t punishing him enough, you went ahead and had two of his concubines “accompany” him on the trip. It’s not like he can say no to that, either, since it’s considered to be one of his duties. Not to mention they both come from high-ranking families that would not be very pleased to hear of their neglect.
So now he has to deal with two spoiled, pent-up brats hanging on him during the entirety of this flight, all while trying not to glare at the biggest brat of them all— you, as you sit directly across from him, reading probably what’s some pathetic romance novel.
This is fucking ridiculous. You haven’t looked at him once since you first sat down.
You’re no better than him. There was a strike of lightning in the direction you walked off in, and given how it was a perfectly sunny day, he’s pointing his finger at you for the damages done in the east wing, despite keeping his mouth shut on the matter. Complain about being dragged to Republic City all you want, but you still have it better than most. If you really did have it that bad, you would’ve been punished for such an offense.
Like, seriously? Blowing shit up, like a fucking child— a terrifying one, to be frank, you are absolutely your father’s daughter— just because you had to do your job? Grow up. His grandfather’s statue was shattered in the midst of it all, thanks to you. You’re lucky he never liked the bastard.
In protest, you’re dressed like a noble's daughter rather than a member of the court. Wearing the finest silk and adorned in gold imported from the Earth nation, quietly refusing to represent your actual nation as you claim to be representing your clan— proof that you have enough power on your own to be acting like he’s actively denying you of basic human rights.
As if he even cared about your attire. Be his guest! You look fucking hot. Someone might even mistake you for one of his concubines, and he might just not correct them, since you think you’re more petty than he is.
Zuko gets pulled out of his thoughts when Concubine Aika speaks, still leaning against him and rubbing on his chest. She asked what book you were reading, which is when you finally looked up from it.
“It’s sort of an adventure novel.” You look at the cover, speaking to her with a certain warmth you’ve been depriving him of. “It’s about a girl escaping an abusive orphanage once she turns 18 and follows her journey for the next 10 years.”
So now you’re fantasizing about leaving him? Good luck with that.
“You look troubled, my lord,” the woman to his right, Concubine Saiyo, says. She’s leaning against him as well, now tracing her fingers along his jaw. “Are you alright?”
“M’fine,” he murmurs, trying to fix his face as he takes a sip of sake. “It’s been a long flight.”
“There’s a private cabin you can retreat to, if you’d like,” you suggest, going back to your little book, missing the way you just made the lord’s eye twitch.
“I know,” he says.
It’s his airship.
Without warning, he gets up from his seat. Was it a little rude? Perhaps. But surely the two women beside him could understand what feeling hounded could do to someone. They don’t, they do their jobs and get up as well, which he understands. However, Zuko’s not in the fucking mood right now and waves a dismissive hand.
“No need,” he curtly says, making his way to the back of the airship. “I just want to close my eyes for a bit.”
. . . . . .
The trip starts off strong with a banquet being held in honor of the fire lord's arrival.
Contrary to Zuko’s wishes, nobody’s stupid enough to mistake you for one of his concubines. At least not within the circle of people you’re mingling with tonight, who all recognize your family's crest engraved on your hairpin.
They were an ambitious bunch that spread all over once Zuko came into power— reaching amongst the highest positions within the military, medicine, and even education.
Funny enough, your position in the court was nothing special in comparison to some of your relatives’ achievements. Some are even bothered by the fact. Being the first of all your cousins to master the art of firebending, being your grandfather's favorite solely for bending lightning with the same grace as he did in his prime, all while excelling in your studies.
All of that potential, just wasted on being the lord’s “pet”.
You don’t have much of an opinion on the disappointment some of them have expressed in the past, though it would’ve been nice if their words had stayed behind closed doors. You didn’t want to hear any of it. If you truly wanted to make use of that said potential, you would’ve worked directly under your father as his subordinate.
Maybe it was the result of growing up feeling like you were enough. You have nothing to prove, and quite frankly, you’re content with having a role that really only requires you to share your opinions with a ruler that shares the same ideals as you… for the most part.
If only he’d also agree that you two spend way too much time together.
Luckily, you’re not required to be by his side tonight since you’re attending the banquet as a representative of your clan— something Zuko had no clue about until the moment you stepped onto the airship, which had him looking like he was about to blow a fucking gasket. He absolutely sucks at masking his frustrations. You’re surprised his concubines still had the courage to cuddle up with him. He looked like he was 2.5 seconds away from throwing you off the ship mid-flight.
Zuko would never do that, by the way, but you’re sure he was daydreaming about it.
But even then, with all the distance between you tonight, you can still feel his eyes on you. Just watching and waiting for you to do something he didn’t like. Very masochistic considering how he wouldn’t confront you if you did end up doing something wrong in his eyes.
You spend the entire night avoiding eye contact, which isn’t too hard given how all you’ve done is catch up with old peers from school and relatives who’ve decided to move here to start new lives.
The relatives you got along with, that is.
You were enjoying yourself. Truly. Until Sokka called you over to their table.
Funny how Zuko wasn’t looking at you then and was instead stuffing his face with spicy dumplings, then downing it with whatever liquor was in his cup.
You walk over with two thoughts running through your head— please don’t let this man be as drunk as Sokka and Aang, and don’t let this be a conversation about how work was been. Sokka tends to ask those things at the wrong time, despite his heart being in the right place.
This time around, it’s not Sokka.
“How’s our flaming hot lord treating you?” Aang asks, throwing an arm around a very drunk Zuko, who’s laughing his ass off over the avatar’s words for once.
Your lips may have twitched a little, as well. Only because Aang gave even less fucks when in an inebriated state.
“Oh, you know— the usual.” You let out a lighthearted laugh, and only you notice the way Zuko’s face momentarily drops.
The air around him quickly screams ‘don’t fuck with me’, then settles back into something more suitable for someone who’s already had half their water weight in alcohol.
“C’mon, you can do better than that,” Zuko forces out a laugh, leaning back in his seat.
You laugh a little harder. “Can I?”
“Yeah, you can.”
Sokka lets out this weird, giddy gasp because he loves drama, and cuts in. “Are you two fighting?”
“No.”
“No.”
You and Zuko look at each other after shutting down Sokka’s question at the same time. The fake smiles you’re wearing are not helping your case at all.
“Where’s Katara? I’ve been wondering where she’s been this whole time,” you ask in an attempt to keep the energy between you from getting any more awkward than it already is
Aang grows a little pale— the instant karma feels nice. “She’s a little sick tonight.”
There’s a bit of fear in his voice. She’s totally pregnant. Not that you say that. Instead, you just point in some random direction behind you. “That’s terrible— my cousin actually just mentioned a bug going around. I hope she feels better soon.”
“Thank you,” the man lets out a sigh of relief, allowing himself to be delusional for just one more night.
“What about Toph?”
“Home. Asleep.” Sokka rolls his eyes. “She’s like a little old lady now. You’ll see her tomorrow, though, she’s been volunteering at the center.”
“Volunteering or beating everyone into submission?” Zuko murmurs, and they all erupt in laughter. “She probably runs that place like the military.”
You find yourself starting to zone out as the conversation moves on to a different topic. You’d like to blame some of the wine you’ve been sipping on throughout the night for that. Everything starts to melt together— the live music, the endless chatter in every which direction. The only thing that pulls you out of it is seeing another one of your cousins who had just arrived, waving at you, and you don't shy away from taking that as an opportunity to excuse yourself.
Aang and Sokka were as kind as usual when you said your goodbyes. Zuko, on the other hand, was harder to read through the pathetic excuse of a smile he gave you. One only meant to save face.
If only he knew just how much worse he makes things sometimes. Although they’re rare, this isn’t the first fight you two have been in. Perhaps you have been a little petty towards the man, but it’s not you who grows so frustrated at someone’s anger that you begin to hold a grudge yourself.
You arrive back to your room in the early morning with the regret of not cutting yourself off from the drinks sooner than you did. You wouldn’t say you were drunk, but you were definitely tipsy as you started to shed layers of clothes and jewelry to get in the hot bath that had been prepared prior to your return.
Aang may be childish at times, but fuck was he a great host. Or maybe it was Katara who had all of these amenities set up for you. Candles and bath salts— you could die a happy woman right now as you settle into the stone tub, taking deep breaths, letting your muscles relax.
Twenty minutes in, you hear rattling and heavy footsteps that seem to hit the ground with more confusion than the determination an attacker would usually have. It forces you to leave the warmth of your bath, slipping on a robe. Getting hit with annoyance rather than fear may be a little foolish. Overconfident, even. But there’s still alcohol running through your veins, and you aren’t the pride and joy of your clan for no reason— you can absolutely hold your own in a fight.
When you walk out of the bathroom, you come face to face with exactly who you were thinking of.
“Fuck,” he looks away for a moment, regretting his decision thinking it was okay to just walk in.
Zuko didn’t think you’d be bathing, for some odd, stupid reason. Judging by the fact that he’s still wearing his usual day clothing and his hairs not up in a bun, it’s safe to assume he went straight here after leaving the banquet.
You let out a long sigh. “God— what are you doing here?”
You don’t even sound mad— just disappointed that you have to see him once more before you lay your head to rest, which slightly hurts the man’s ego. Truth be told, he came here to argue with you, but even in his drunken state, he’s finding it quite difficult to do so since he looks like a fucking pervert now.
“Your comment from earlier— what the hell was that about?” Zuko sounds more wounded than anything right now.
You cross your arms, leaning against the door frame that connects the room to the bathroom. “What comment?”
“The usual,” he says with air quotes. “Do you not like me anymore or something?”
“You’re seriously asking me that right now?” Your face twists, just dumbfounded at this point. “You ask me that as if I don’t work for you?”
He scoffs. “So what, you’re saying I’m not your friend now?”
“I mean, yeah— you are, but I’m still your subordinate at the end of the day,” you attempt to spell it out for him, trying to get it through his brain that he can’t just act like you two are a pair of besties.
But he just continues to argue with you.
“Really? ‘Cause last time I checked, people don’t fight their superiors.”
No, they do not. You’re not sure why you even tried to make that an argument, the line between you has blurred a long time ago.
“You know what, just— forget it.”
The thing is, you're not the best at taking accountability. Most of the arguments you’ve had with him have been swept under the rug after a while. Zuko's not having that right now, though.
“Hm— actually, no— I don’t think I will,” he stubbornly says. “You have been punishing me for fucking weeks now and now you just want me to forget it?”
Punishing him?
You roll your eyes, muttering “oh my god” under your breath, not even bothering to look him straight in the eyes anymore as you walk to the nightstand and pick up a small jar of body cream.
“We have a long day ahead of us tomorrow,” you say dismissively, rubbing the jasmine-scented cream into your hands. “I need to go to sleep, and so should you, honestly.”
It doesn’t matter how well he can handle his alcohol— he reeks of it.
“I’m trying to talk to you right now so I don’t have to deal with your attitude tomorrow,” he says, as if he hasn’t had an attitude himself the last couple of weeks.
“Don’t worry, you won’t have to,” you murmur back.
What feels like minutes pass after your pathetic attempt to settle your issues with him. At first, he just lets out a sigh, trying to keep his composure, but then he laughs under his breath.
“So that’s it?” he asks in a condescending tone. “We’re all good now?”
“Yes. Goodnight, Zuko,” you hum.
More silence follows after. You can just feel his eyes on you despite still facing away, now reaching for some hair oil, waiting for him to leave.
He never does. Even after working the product into your hair, you have yet to hear the door to your room close, making you grow wary.
There are many things telling you not to turn around at the moment— your blurred mind and tensed body. But even you make mistakes, lots of them with Zuko, and so you finally turn around.
His lips are on yours.
You don’t know how long he’d been standing directly behind you, you never even heard his footsteps. All you know is his hands are snaked behind your neck and he’s kissing you and you’re letting him.
It takes you a moment to realize you’re kissing him back— too focused on how soft his lips are, how his tongue glides across your lower lip before slipping inside, so commanding yet so gentle.
Then you sober up— pressing your palm flat against his chest and pushing him back so you two can look at each other, eyes wide and filled with instant regret.
“What the hell was that?” you try to snap at him, but the sharp edge was dulled from the start, already fearing what’ll change between you from this moment forward.
“I— fuck,” he stutters, taking another step back. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have—”
Immediately, you cut him off. “No, you shouldn’t have and you know that.”
“I know.” It sounds like a plea coming from him as his chest tightens. “I’m sorry.”
Even you start to look apologetic, which breaks his heart a little since you did nothing wrong. The one who crossed the line was him, after all. “You should go. You’re drunk.”
He opened his mouth to respond, but then closed it shortly after. There was nothing to say.
And so he slowly nods and turns around, still in shock by his own actions as he begins to walk away, leaving you to deal with the aftermath of what the fuck just happened on your own.
This was going to be the longest work trip of your life.
notes: i hope u guys enjoyed this first chapter!! this was supposed to be a oneshot but then ideas kept popping up in my head and i thought, why don't i just turn this into a longfic like defiance lol. the plan is to follow these two around throughout a couple arcs, with the first one being them trying to navigate their feelings and attempting to go back to normal while trying to fix the shit show in the silk district.
Summary: As children, you and Zuko were inseparable. Neither of you liked the idea of getting married someday, so, you made an agreement. The thing is, you never thought you'd actually have to follow through on it.
Pairing: Zuko x (Fem)!reader
Content/warnings: Childhood best friends to lovers. Fluff and smut.
Wordcount 8.4k
Author's Note: I have been really tired and uncreative lately, so I'm struggling with my chaptered stories. However, I'm finally getting rest for my burnout, and this came to me. Hopefully I'll be able to get "unstuck" with the other fics, but in the meantime, have this one shot. Not proofread.
You had been Zuko’s best friend since the two of you were children; completely inseparable and always up to something. Being the Fire Lord’s son, the prince knew from an early age he would have to marry someday, but the idea was anything but appealing to such a young boy. As a noble lady, you yourself would have to marry too, but every time anyone mentioned those obligations to either of you, you would end up hiding away somewhere, complaining about it and making sick noises, pretending to gag at the mere thought. Around the time you were both twelve, your feelings on the matter were still the same, but that destiny seemed to solidify as you grew up.
“But I don’t want to get married.” Zuko complained, once again, sitting with you against an old willow you had always hidden under.
“Neither do I. But you’ll probably get more say on the matter than I will, in the end.” You were playing with fire, flickering flames between your fingers as you spoke. Becoming a wife was an obligation you couldn’t escape; that much had become clear.
“Don’t say that. I’m sure you’ll get to choose. I heard our mothers talking a few weeks ago, and they both said they wanted us to have that right, since they didn’t.” The young prince tried to cheer you up.
“If our fathers allow that.” You rolled your eyes. “Besides, what if I never find anyone I want to marry?” The thought had occurred to you before. Most boys annoyed you. They either treated you like some porcelain doll, mocked you, or ignored you. Zuko was the only one who treated you like you were equal, which was one of the many reasons he was your closest friend.
“I might never find anyone I want to marry either. How about we make a deal?” The flames in your hands went out, and you turned to face him; your brow quirked.
“What kind of deal?” You questioned.
“If we never find anyone we want to marry, we’ll just marry each other.” He said it like it was as easy as planning a day trip to the market. You, on the other hand, had your brows now pinched together. “Come on, it would be like an eternal sleepover. Except you wouldn’t have to share a bed with Azula” He laughed. “I don’t find you annoying – most of the time – You don’t find me annoying-“
“Most of the time.” You interrupted with a chuckle. The way he squinted at you as if he were offended wasn’t enough to hide his amused smile.
“Right. So, we could just live our lives however we wanted, and no one would nag us about marriage ever again.” It was a surprisingly sound plan; one with a promise of freedom. “What do you say? Deal?” He extended his fingertips, making little flickers of fire.
“Deal.” You extended your own hand, and the little flames that shot from your fingertips joined his in a bright dance.
Despite accepting the deal, you never expected it to happen. You had seen the way Zuko looked at Mai, and you hoped he would eventually find happiness with her; just like you hoped it would happen for you someday.
The prince’s banishment was hard on you. It was like a piece of you was missing. Despite getting along with Mai, Ty Lee, and somehow even Azula sometimes, it wasn’t the same. About a year after he was gone, your father died, and the freedom it brought both you and your mother, who was much younger than him, made it hard to not feel somewhat relieved. She allowed you to be trained by the best masters and pursue whatever passions you found - whether they were considered appropriate for a lady or not – and that was your refuge from the loneliness Zuko’s absence had brought.
When the war finally ended, you were over the moon to be reunited with your best friend, and happy to discover he and Mai had finally got together. It was as if he had never left. You learned about the time he had spent in banishment, and met the Avatar and his friends, who were surprised to learn that the Zuko they met was completely different from the one you grew up with. The grief he had gone through was unimaginable, and it wasn’t a surprise that it had hardened him somewhat, though those walls were now crumbling again. Everything seemed perfectly fine. The world was healing, you were free, Zuko was back, and he was the Fire Lord and in love.
Sadly, that didn’t last too long. After finding out Zuko was meeting with his father, Mai broke up with him. You knew Zuko was only doing it because he wanted to find his mother, which he eventually did, and because of the struggles he was having as the new Fire Lord. It wasn’t like he could ask anyone else, and if anything, Ozai could be a guide on what not to do. After trying to talk Mai into understanding his position - the pressure he was under - you finally gave up. Zuko was heartbroken, but he had an entire nation to rule.
As time passed, that pressure to get married that you hadn’t felt since you were young teenagers slowly crept back into your lives. Your mother encouraged you to go out and meet someone, or tried to introduce you to her friends’ sons, all in the hopes you would find someone you liked; but it never worked. As for the Fire Lord, the council asked him about it, gave him lists of potential brides, even tried to organize balls to get him to pick someone, but he simply wouldn’t have it. After a few years, though, they had had enough. The Fire Lord needed a wife, and eventually, an heir. Zuko hated it, but he knew they were right. However, the thought of marrying someone he didn’t know and having to spend his life with her was terrifying.
It was a mild, late spring night. You were complaining about your mother’s horrible attempts at matchmaking, and he was venting to you about the council’s nagging for him to finally pick a bride, when a bright flame lit up within his mind.
“Hey – do you remember our deal?”
“Which one?” Your brow raised.
“The one about our eternal sleepover?” He leaned forward in his seat; eyes fixed on you across the small table. You nearly choked on your sake, and an unfamiliar warmth rose from your chest to your ears.
“Oh – t-that one. Yes. What about it?” Trying to sound casual, you placed your cup on the table.
“Well, the council won’t leave me alone, your mother won’t leave you alone, neither of us has found anyone we like. Why don’t we just – ahem – make good on that deal?” It seemed brilliant when he mentioned it, but as the implications of a marriage became clear in his mind, he felt himself get more and more nervous.
“Zuko, we’re not kids anymore. You know it wouldn’t be just an eternal sleepover. What about-” your voice lowered to a whisper, as if what you were about to say could get you in trouble “kids? Aren’t you supposed to have heirs?”
Zuko’s face was almost the color of his robes. “Uh – I – yes. Well… I only want one. I don’t want any more sibling rivalries over the throne. But-But – I understand what you mean.” He paused for a much-needed breath. “We could just live as friends; we wouldn’t have to worry about it straight away. We could warm up to it – maybe have a few much needed drinks – NOT – not that the thought of doing that with you is bad, it’s just-“ It had been years since you’d seen him act so flustered and awkward, which took the tension from the conversation away, and made you focus on trying not to laugh. “I mean – you know what I mean. We’d have to deal with it eventually, but once it’s done we wouldn’t have to worry about it ever again.” His hands settled onto his thighs, tightened into fists.
“Spirits, when you put it like that… how can a girl resist?” You said it in a silky-smooth voice that was drenched in mockery. It would have been strange for anyone else, but to him it was reassuring; a sign that your friendship was still intact and you wouldn’t up and leave at his suggestion.
“And – since we’re best friends – I think we’d be great parents together.” The Fire Lord nearly choked on his words, but those words replaced your unseriousness with something else; something you didn’t quite understand. “I know we promised, but we were kids. I won’t hold you to it if you don’t want to.” His eyes were fixed on you again, and suddenly, saying no didn’t seem that obvious – or appealing.
There was a long moment of silence as you thought about what this would mean for your life. It seemed unlikely you’d find someone you’d want to marry, and you were used to court life. You had never given children much thought, but the idea of having them with Zuko seemed better than doing it with anyone else. You’d live with your best friend forever, and he would give you all the freedom he could. As Fire Lady, there would be duties, but you would consider it an honor to help your nation correct the mistakes of the past and pave the way for a better future. It was a destiny – the end of your aimless wandering – if you chose it. And the more you thought about it, the clearer it became you wanted nothing more.
“I do.” You said it quietly, as if you were scared he’d change his mind now that you had accepted, but you faced him nonetheless.
“You – you do?” His brows rose in hopeful surprise, and his fists loosened.
“Yeah.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes.” The response was more confident this time. Zuko almost jumped on top of you, pulling you into a tight hug.
“Thank you. You won’t regret this, I promise. I’ll be the best, most distant husband and closest friend you’ll ever have.”
His expression made you laugh as you hugged him back. “You’re already my closest friend.”
Announcing your engagement caused more uproar and joy in both your home and the palace than you would ever imagine. Your mother was over the moon that you had finally chosen someone, especially someone so close to you whom she already knew. And the fact that he was the Fire Lord only made her more excited. The council was extremely pleased with Zuko’s choice; a firebender from one of the nation’s best families. His mother and uncle were happy too. They knew how close you were, and they knew you would make each other happy. For all the time you had spent together – they said – it was silly that they never thought you would end up marrying. In the months leading up to the wedding, everyone pointed out how clear it was now that you were a perfect match, how obvious it should have been that you would fall in love with each other, and all you and Zuko could to was hold in your laughter until you were by yourselves, so you could cackle together like children who had played a prank on the whole world.
It was like being a kid again. Instead of being nervous, you were excited for your ‘eternal sleepover’ and to keep pranking everyone with your best friend. That caper, however, backfired on your very wedding day, the moment your lips touched Zuko’s, at the end of the ceremony.
As you faced each other in front of the fire sage, you were happy, but felt a little nervous about having to kiss him – for the first time – in front of everyone. His nervousness began before he even thought about the fact he had to kiss you. The moment he saw you, he felt flustered like he never had. You were beautiful, always had been, that was obvious. But it was like he was truly aware of it for the first time. It was as if something had happened, and for the first time in his life he was affected by the way you looked. He knew he was supposed to kiss you, but that wasn’t what made him nervous; it was that he wanted to. Zuko was handsome, and adulthood had made him even more so, but you had never thought much of it either, until that very moment, when the fire sage made you say your vows. You noticed how nervous he was as you were both about to light the candle that symbolized your unity, so you held your hand over his, steadying it, and whispered so only he could hear.
“It’s ok. It’s just me.” It was paradoxical how the sound of your voice in that moment was both the source of his comfort and the thing that made him even more on edge.
After the vows were said, the candle was lit, and your union was blessed by the sage, Zuko’s heart was like that of a hummingbird’s, and yours was pounding like the footsteps of a Komodo rhino. He leaned in slowly, giving you the time to adjust so it didn’t look like you were kissing for the first time, and when his lips touched yours, it felt like lightning was trying to jump out of your body. They were soft and warm, and the ease with which they moved against yours made it feel like you had been doing it for years. One of his hands cradled your cheek, and yours instinctively moved to his jaw. The crowd was cheering, but neither of you could hear it. It was as if the world around you had disappeared. No kiss had ever felt like that before. When his free hand grabbed your waist, and your other settled on his chest, it was like you came back to the physical world, and you both became aware of the crowd and your own movements. He broke the kiss then, but his forehead leaned against yours, which you gladly welcomed. You were in sync, both in thought and action. Could you imagine if you pulled away from each other in shock just after kissing? The gossip would be never ending.
The celebrations went smoothly, consisting mostly of eating, drinking, chatting and dancing. It was a party, and if you and Zuko could do anything together, it was having fun. When the time came to go to your chambers, you were both lightheaded from all the capering, and though the sake had loosened you up, your minds were still clear.
“Damn., and I thought my bed was nice.” You said as you finally let yourself fall into your friend’s – your husband’s – your bed. “I think I can get used to this Fire Lady life.” There was an easy smile on your face as you swiped your hand up and down the silk sheets.
“You’re only saying that because you’ve been standing in those uncomfortable shoes all day.” Zuko smiled back at you, sitting next to you and leaning in to pinch your nose.
“The shoes definitely raise the bed’s comfortability factor.” You conceded with a chuckle. “Ugh, can’t wait to get them off.” Before you could even move, his hand rested on your shin.
“Let me.” He carefully removed your shoes and set them beside the bed. Zuko had always had a sweet side, and he never hid it from you, but this was entirely new. That, or you were hoping it was something else. “I managed to avoid the whole ‘getting ready for the royal bedding’ ritual, but that means we’ll have to put on our sleeping clothes ourselves.”
“Ugh, so I married the Fire Lord and still have to live another day as a commoner?” You said, rolling your eyes and sitting up.
Zuko chuckled. “You were never a commoner.” He got up and grabbed your hand to help you off the bed. The smirk on your face made the irony in your words obvious. “Come on, Fire Lady, your night clothes are in the bathroom, so you can change in privacy.” You felt heat rush to your cheeks. He had said it playfully, but it was true. You were Fire Lady, his wife, and outside that chamber he would call you that for the rest of your lives.
Since wedding planning was so overwhelming, you delegated some of its tasks to other people. Whoever had chosen the clothes for your wedding night – you didn’t remember – had good taste, and thought you were in for a ride. You had never seen such fine silk. Not as in luxurious, though it certainly was that, but as in thin. The night gown was long, and it tied in the middle, though it didn’t leave much to the imagination. Thankfully, it had a matching robe, made of the same fabric, which provided a marginal amount of extra coverage.
You walked out into the chamber slowly, and Zuko had his back turned to you as he finished tying up his sleeping robe. His long hair was now loose, falling down his back and shoulders like a curtain of darkness. The Fire Lord’s crown was placed on the bedside table. “Uhm – I’m sorry, I – I didn’t choose my clothes for tonight.” The awkwardness in your tone made him turn around, and his eyes widened at the sight of your nightgown and robe. They were sheer, like a veil over your body, making the details of your figure look like a dreamy haze.
“Oh.” His reaction was indecipherable, which wasn’t something that usually happened, at least not to you, and the fact you didn’t know what it meant made your chest tighten just a little. He, on the other hand, was focused on steadying his temperature. If his body got any warmer, he would start steaming. “I’m sorry – I mean –” He slowly closed one of his hands, and the flames in the room’s braziers became lower, creating a soft, ambient light. “Is that better?” What an idiot. You thought of yourself. He probably saw I felt nervous about my clothes and wanted to make sure I’m comfortable.
“Yeah, thanks.” You moved towards the bed and laid back in it, its softness forcing a sigh of relief from your chest. “Spirits, this really is a great bed.” The Fire Lord lay down on his side and turned to you with a smile.
“It’s yours.” He said, propped up on his elbow.
“Isn’t it…ours?” You hesitated to ask. “I thought that’s why you called it an eternal sleepover.”
He tittered. “Yes, technically it is. But if you want, I can sleep in another room after tonight. We’ll only have sleepovers from time to time, to keep up appearances.” Although he was being so gentle and considerate, the way he looked at you seemed like a plea. At least you hoped it was, because you’d be all too happy to oblige.
“I – I don’t mind if you don’t.” There it was again. That same low whisper with which you accepted his proposal. After so many years of knowing you, and that specific night, he knew it wasn’t a concession, but a hesitant step towards the possibility of rejection.
“I don’t mind either.” A sweet smile bloomed on his cheeks. Zuko had never sounded so confident in his life. He wasn’t just sure; he was assuring you.
Your cheeks felt warm. Looking into his soft amber eyes, you felt a sudden urge to kiss him again, like you had at the ceremony, and that urge surprised you, but it also reminded you of something. “Uhm, are we supposed to – uh –” You gulped.
“Yes?” His brows pinched together.
“Do we have to consummate the marriage?” The question brought him to a boiling point, and he choked on the flame that escaped his mouth as he tried to bring down his temperature somehow. You both sat up, and you worriedly patted his back. “Are you ok?”
“Ahg – yeah. Yeah, just wasn’t expecting that question.” He tapped his chest with his fist. This time, you were the confident one.
“You weren’t expecting me to want to know if I had to consummate my marriage to the Fire Lord? The guy everyone wants to make sure consummates his marriage? Probably the only person in this whole nation who still has a bedding ritual?” The condescending expression on your face as you asked him those very obvious questions was unavoidable.
“Ok, you’re right. But I did manage to keep them out of the bedroom.” He offered.
“Do you think anyone is listening in?” You looked around the room.
“I hope not. I asked my mother and uncle to help avoid that. I would have asked my friends, but Toph and Sokka would probably run from Aang and Katara to try to listen in themselves.” You giggled, and he couldn’t help but chuckle too. “I told you. We don’t have to do anything right away. We can warm up to it, if you want to. And someday, eventually, we’ll… fulfill that duty.”
“Wow, Zuko, you make it sound so sexy.” Your voice was like velvet as you spoke, running a finger down his chest. He knew you were joking, but he couldn’t help the way his body responded. Another giggle slipped from you, and he took a deep breath of relief.
“I’m sorry, I don’t know how else to talk about it.” He huffed a small laugh.
“Well, calling it a duty makes it sound way less fun than it should be, even if that’s what it is.” You laid back down, placing your head on your hand for support. “You talk about warming up to it if I want, but do you want to warm up to it?”
How does it always end up like this? He wondered. It was rare that you were shy with him, and you were probably the person he was less nervous and awkward around. But anytime it was a harder conversation, no matter how nervous you got, he’d always end up the most flustered. “I –” He didn’t know how to answer.
“Ok, let me rephrase. Do you feel like you need to warm up to it, or would you prefer waiting for the time to come and worrying about it then?” Zuko laid down close to you, mirroring you; his elbow propping him up.
“I – I think if we just… leave it all until that day when we decide to…” He hesitated again.
“Fulfill our duty.” You repeated his expression with an amused smile.
“Yes. I’m scared if we do that it might go horribly wrong.” He scanned your face for any trace of frustration or offense, but your expression was calm and open, ready for the explanation you already knew he wanted to give you. “It’s just – We kissed today, and that went well.” The memory of it made your stomach swirl. “But if we never, uhm, touch or do anything else ever again, I’m scared we’ll be too nervous, or it’ll be bad or, spirits forbid it, I hurt you somehow. I don’t want that to be what breaks us – our friendship. Not just because we might have to-” he gulped “do it more than once. But I really don’t want to ruin what we have. You’re my favorite person. But – if you want to wait, we wait.” That softness – that sweetness and consideration for others that got his face burnt and himself banned – it was your favorite thing about him.
“You’re my favorite person too.” You reached for his shoulder and gave him a comforting caress. “For the record, you won’t ruin anything. But I agree. If we just leave it until that day comes, I think it’ll just make it more nerve wracking.” There was a long silence between you, and eventually he moved closer.
“So, what do we do?” His pupils had tripled in size. Probably from fear, you thought.
“I’m not sure... do you know how much you want to do?”
“No. Do you?” The air between you grew warmer by the second.
“No.” You confessed. “I trust you, though. Do you trust me?”
“Of course.” His answer was accompanied by a caress of your cheek, as if the fact you needed to ask made him worry.
“How about we just kiss again? We can do it for a bit and then stop, or - go further.” You paused. “If-if you want. If we want. If we’re ok with it.” The flush of his cheeks was impossible to conceal. You weren’t sure what it meant, but it made you want to kiss him even more. “Is that ok?”
“Yes.” His reply came perhaps a bit faster than he wanted to. “But only if you want to. We don’t have to do everything tonight. There’s still plenty of time.”
You could tell he was nervous; scared of doing something wrong or pushing you too far. “I know.” You placed your hand over his on your cheek and slowly moved your thumb against it. “Besides, I’m definitely not ready for a kid yet.” Zuko huffed out a laugh and leaned against you. He was perpetually amazed at your ability to break the tension in any conversation you had.
“Yeah, me neither.” He agreed. “Does that mean we’ll only do it when we’re ready for one?” You couldn’t tell if he was joking or not, so you just stared at him confused, which made him laugh again.
“Idiot.” You lightly slapped him on the shoulder as you sat up. “For your information, I take precautions. I’m not giving you an heir until I want to. No matter how much you try.” There was a smug look on your face; your arms crossed. The Fire Lord sat up and mirrored you with a very poorly faked offended expression.
“Oh, and were you planning on keeping that from me?” His brow quirked. “I see. So, this was your plan all along. Get me in bed and have me as many times as you wanted under the guise of ‘making an heir’.” Your jaw dropped, letting a small sound of shock slip from you. You immediately took your pillow and hit him with it.
“How dare you!” Both you and he were trying to stifle your laughter as you kept hitting him with the pillow. “We didn’t discuss the details of our wedding night. Was I supposed to just pray nothing would happen if we did have a bedding ritual?” Finally, he grabbed the pillow from your hands and his chuckling subsided somewhat.
“Ok! Ok. You’re right. You were smart to do it.” Zuko conceded.
“I’m always smart.” You quipped.
“That’s true.” His eyes were back on yours, and something shifted. The air was getting thicker again. For a long moment, neither of you spoke. “You looked beautiful today.” The warmth in your cheeks was such, you were scared you’d be the one spitting flames soon. You wanted to reply; say thank you, tell him he looked beautiful too, but the words got stuck in your throat. “You still do.” For the first time that night, maybe ever, his eyes dared to openly gaze at your body, even if for only a moment. He could see the way your breath hitched; how your chest rose and fell after, and he thought maybe he had been too forward.
“So did you.” You managed. Suddenly, you became aware of how close you were. Your eyes shifted to his hair and you thoughtlessly reached for a few strands of it as he leaned over you. It was still so smooth; maybe even more so. He watched you silently, allowing your fingers to rake through his hair and brush against his chest. Silence rarely felt comfortable around others, who usually took his lack of speech as a bad sign. But with you, it felt natural. It was only broken when there was something to be said.
“Should we kiss, then?” He asked, after a while, with his typical straightforwardness. You didn’t tease him about it this time. Instead, you spoke as plainly as he did.
“Yes.” Zuko slowly leaned towards you, like he had at the end of the ceremony. This time, however, there was no fear, only anticipation. He still tasted like the fire plum liqueur the two of you had shared in the final toast before leaving to your chambers: warm and sweet. The kiss was gentle, careful, afraid of asking too much. Your lips moved slowly against one another’s, their movements balanced, like Tui and La. When you felt his hand reach for your cheek, just as it had before, you were grateful to have something to ground you from the dizzy, floaty feeling that took over you. He wasn’t faring much better. His other hand found support on the mattress to help him from falling onto you.
Time had stopped again, and neither of you knew for how long you were kissing, because this time there was no reason to stop. The hand on your cheek eventually moved down, settling over your jaw and neck, and you didn’t notice when your own hand reached for his chest, much less when it moved up, grazing his collarbone – slightly exposed by his robes – and landed at the place where his neck and shoulder met; your thumb brushing over his Adam’s apple. Kissing him felt so intuitive that you didn’t even think about your movements or what you were doing. You wanted to stay like this forever, wanted to be able to feel his lips on yours for the rest of your life. Your hand moved naturally to the nape of his neck, where it found the roots of his silky hair, gripping them softly as your tongue brushed against his lip. Zuko had been trying to be careful, not get too excited or go further than you might want. The way you deepened the kiss and allowed your nails to graze his scalp made a small noise of both surprise and pleasure escape from his throat.
Before he could get carried away, he broke the kiss to look at you. He was so flushed, his pupils were bigger than you had ever seen them, and only then did you notice how much his breath had quickened. “I’m sorry, I just – I feel really hot.”
“Do you want to stop?” You brushed his hair away from his face; your brows pinched with worry.
“No.” His eyes flashed to your lips as he answered, before pulling you closer and kissing you again, surprising you. This time, the kiss deepened quickly, and when you felt his tongue brush against yours, you let out a breathy sigh that made him pull you into his lap.
Being that close, you could feel it, he really was burning up. Slowing down the kiss, but never breaking it, you untied his thick silk robe, allowing it to slide from his broad shoulders, down his thick arms, revealing his toned, smooth chest. Only then did your lips part, and you looked down at him. It wasn’t the first time you had seen Zuko shirtless. You had been to the beach on Ember Island with him, trained under the scorching midday sun, but it was the first time it made heat pool between your thighs. That heat became even more intense when you noticed he was hard.
“Better?” You asked, looking back up at his face, not acknowledging what you were sure was an instinctive reaction.
“Yeah.” He breathed, caressing your cheek.
“I’m hot too.” The way you said it – looking at him in a way you never had before – he hoped it meant this was more than duty to you, because by now he certainly knew it was much more to him. Unlike his, your robe didn’t have a tie, so you simply shrugged it off. His eyes ran up your torso as you did, noting your perked nipples, and kept going, until they reached your face.
You were frozen looking at him, unable to make another move. Stuck between your need to keep going and your confusion at your own feelings.
“I trust you.” It was an open invitation; one that gave him the space to decide what he wanted to do, if anything. Both of you were terrified at the realization that you wanted to give yourselves to the other. Not only because it was so sudden and unexpected, but also because you thought you were alone in that feeling. The closeness you were both experiencing was born of trust and friendship, and the recognition that you wanted more felt like a betrayal of those very concepts.
His hand reached for your neck, pulling you towards him so he could kiss your cheek. “Thank you.” He mumbled against your skin, before beginning a trail of timid kisses. Upon reaching your jaw, his restraint waned, and they became braver, hungrier. You did your best to contain the sounds bubbling at your throat as you felt his kisses settle at your neck and his fingers grip your waist, but when you felt him sucking at your pulse point, you couldn’t help but roll your hips and sigh into his ear. You almost got to feel him under you, but before you could, one of his hands squeezed your thigh and, in a swift movement, you were beneath him.
It was like he had lost himself. His fingers tangled with yours – lips never leaving you – travelling lower and lower until he reached the junction of your neck and shoulder. You drank him in, incredulous that he was giving you so much. The quiet sighs that slipped from you turned into soft moans, and your free hand gripped his back, pulling him even closer. His brain was filled with you, to the point he couldn’t think. Each nip at your skin gave him more of a taste he could never tire of; each little moan was like a preview of what he knew would become his favorite sound. The tips of your fingers, digging into his back, were like a call to bring him as close as possible. He kissed you again, lost in the whirlwind of you. A groan escaped him just as he ground himself against your core, and the whine you let out was what finally woke him from his daze.
“Please.” Zuko was panting; lips glistening and golden irises practically gone under the black of his pupils. “Tell me when to stop.” He was even hotter now. The sweat that formed instantly evaporated from his skin. “Tell me how far I can go, because I can’t draw that line myself.” His brows stitched together as he looked at you with eyes full of worry; worry he’d ruin everything between you.
“Me neither.” Your hands held his face as you gazed back at him. There was nothing but sincerity, trust, and adoration in your eyes. Still, he hesitated. “Zuko,” you brushed your thumb over his lower lip. “I don’t want you to stop.” His breath hitched. “Please, I-I want you.” His hand cradled your face at your admission, and he kissed you again.
If there was still any doubt you wanted to go further, it dissipated when you reached for his hand, making his fingers graze down your sternum until they reached the small knot that kept your nightgown secure. His eyes flashed to yours for a moment, as if he couldn’t believe your silent request, and when he saw the way your lips parted with expectation, he finally pulled a string, undoing the knot. He used his hands to brush the fabric off you, grazing your breasts as he did. You gasped at his touch; your skin filling with goosebumps.
“Spirits…” It was an absent-minded murmur of amazement. His thumb brushed your nipple again, and he relished in the way your back arched, pushing you against him. As his hand roamed, touching places it never had before, he couldn’t take his eyes off you, or his mind off the idea that you wanted him, too. Sweeping his hair off his face, you laid a sweet kiss to his temple, and the way it made his heart pound against his ribs stopped his breathing for a second. You wanted him, but maybe only for that night. Maybe it was the heat of the moment, built upon by the roles you had played that day. If it were so, he’d make sure to make it as good for you as he could.
His lips began tracing a path down your neck again, but this time, they didn’t stop when they reached your collarbone.
“Zuko.” You couldn’t help but moan his name at the cold feeling of his mouth leaving your nipple to nip at the flesh right below it. He hummed against your skin as he kept going, leaving a trail of licks and kisses.
His hand trailed down your stomach, your underwear catching on it as he moved to squeeze your thigh and kiss the top of it. You opened your legs instinctively with a soft sigh, and he settled between them like he belonged there. This time, he kissed the inside of your thigh, before looking at you again as his hand grazed your center. A chill ran down your spine, making your squeeze your eyes shut with a whine. There was already a wet patch on your underwear, and Zuko laid a kiss right over it, never taking his eyes off your face.
“Th-that’s not how you make heirs.” You joked through gritted teeth; gripping the silk sheets and trying not to catch fire.
The Fire Lord tittered, and you could feel the exhale through his nose against your core. “I know.” A smirk painted his lips. “But I thought that wasn’t what we were doing tonight.” At that point, you weren’t sure the burning feeling in your cheeks came from embarrassment or your almost incontrollable need for him to touch you. You knew he wasn’t trying to be smug – he simply met your jokes with honesty and amusement, as usual – but that only made it worse.
“I-it isn’t.” You struggled to speak through his continuous caress of your skin.
“Can I keep going, then?” There was still some playfulness to his tone, but the way his thumb rubbed circles on your hip was a constant reminder of how much he cared for you, and how he would only do what you wanted him to.
“Yeah.” You breathed.
Zuko reached for your underwear, hooking his thumbs beneath the band on each side of your hips. When he pulled them towards his chest, you felt them simply slide off. Your breath quickened at the realization – he had burnt through where he had been holding them.
Once they were discarded, his mouth focused on the inside of your thighs again, and you could feel the delicious sting of his sharp canines between kisses. He pulled one of your thighs over his shoulder so he could bring you closer, and the sight of you had him pushing his hips against the mattress and biting his lower lip.
“Fuck.” You were so wet already; lips glistening with barely a touch from him. His thumb brushed up and down, spreading your slick even more, making you moan softly at the gentleness of his touch. He kissed you all over, getting a hint of your taste. “Taste so good.” His breath fanned against you as he murmured. It felt so good you couldn’t even let yourself feel flustered at his words. You felt yourself going insane with the tortuous pace he had set, taking his time and appreciating every bit of you with soft kisses. Finally, he licked your lips, and the tip of his tongue grazed your clit. This time, your moan sounded more like a desperate whine, and he knew you needed more. “My beautiful wife.” You thought he was trying to ease the tension of the moment with playfulness, but the way he whispered it made your heart flutter, and your hips bucked to meet him as, at last, he gave you what you needed. It came so naturally, he didn’t even register what he had said, and he let himself melt into you as his lips and tongue worked, gently suckling on that small bundle of nerves. One of his hands reached up your side, to your ribs, just under your breast, while the other slowly worked your entrance, making you rut your hips in search of more.
Your hand had reached for his hair, and your quiet moans became more intense. The strain in his pants was getting painful, and he ground his hips against the mattress in tandem with your rhythm, trying to find relief.
You were so beautiful like that – breathless, fiery hot, wet, moaning, attached to his mouth – he wanted to give you everything. His fingers finally slid into you, and the ease with which he found your sweet spot was surprising. The moment he curled them, you keened, and all your restraint, if there was any of it left, burnt away.
“Zuko – ah – please – don’t stop.” You couldn’t even keep your eyes open anymore. He moaned, unable to respond in any other way, and the way the sound vibrated against you only made you come closer. It wasn’t a fast pace, but it was so precise, so determined, every feeling was enhanced a thousand-fold. There was something stirring in him at seeing you like this, and breathing in your scent, tasting a part of you that could only be accessed if you wished it, only made it clearer. Zuko didn’t just want you, and certainly not for one night only. Finally, your orgasm coursed through you like lightning. Your muscles contracted in pleasure in such a way you couldn’t even make a sound. He helped you ride it out, stopping only when he felt you relax completely, but his realization had brought his own high down.
You were his favorite person, the only one who, aside from his uncle, seemed to see right through him even if he himself didn’t. Being away from you had been one of the many great pains in his life. Your presence was calming, your touch comforting, and your voice a source of support, laughter, and happiness. How had it taken getting this close for him to realize just how much he needed you – how much he loved you? Seeing you like that, kissing you, touching you – it was like he had woken up to the most obvious of truths. You were his destiny, and he had been blindingly walking towards you all this time. But was he yours? Did you feel the same? Or had he brought you into something that would bring you nothing but misery as soon as you realized he wanted more than the friendship he had promised? His breath was shaky when he came up to look at you.
“I didn’t know.” Worry covered your features when you noticed how glassy his eyes were. “I didn’t know I’d feel this way. I’m sorry.” He scrunched his eyes closed, trying to stop the tears from coming, and his forehead fell against your stomach. Even with the knowledge that he needed to step away, he couldn’t let go of you, digging his fingers deeper into your flesh.
“Feel what way? Zuko, what’s wrong?” His hair cascaded down his face, covering your torso. You did your best to gather all of it in the same direction, so you could see him when he looked at you again. He didn’t answer, so you waited a moment longer, running your fingers through his scalp, hoping he wasn’t regretting everything.
“I didn’t know I’d feel… the way a lover is supposed to, not a best friend.” His voice vibrated through you, just as the warmth of his breath seeped into your skin. “I’m so sorry.” He repeated with a small sob.
“Neither did I.” Your eyes were fixed on the ceiling as you spoke, breathlessly. You already knew you loved Zuko more than anyone, but you never thought it would feel like this. Maybe that was why you had never found anyone you liked enough to date for too long. One way or another, they would always disappoint you or misunderstand you in ways you knew he never would. “When we kissed – earlier today – I had never felt that way before.” He slowly lifted his head to look at you again. “I didn’t want you to stop, and it was scary and confusing, because it made me realize that –” you felt his weight leave you as he raised himself to look at you properly. “You already had me in every other way. Forever. And if I also wanted you to have me like this, then maybe you were more than a best friend to me.” He was hovering above you now; his eyes flashing between yours and your mouth in a mix of desire and disbelief. “And if you didn’t feel the same,” Zuko moved in closer, brushing the tip of his nose against yours. “I’d have to live with that forever.” Those last words were an almost whisper that was drowned out by his kiss. His hand caressed your face with a sweetness that bordered on reverence, before his lips slowly left yours again.
“Yours.” He murmured. “I’m all yours. In every way.” The fire in his golden eyes as he spoke must have been the same as the one in yours as you heard him. There was nothing holding either of you back now. Lips melded together with such intensity, the room’s braziers burst into big, bright flames that licked at the walls. The room was boiling at this point, but neither of you noticed, too distracted by the feeling of skin on skin. You touched him unabashedly, letting your hands wander, memorizing each new detail – his strong chest, the scar right at the middle of it, the trail of soft hair and the lines at his hips that led to where he ached for you. He couldn’t contain the noises that slipped from him, especially not the surprised moan he let out when you gripped him through his pants. His cheeks were a bright scarlet, his chest heaving, and the way he looked at you when you stopped to reach the tie in his pants made you think he was going to cry at the loss of your touch. Almost immediately, his lips were back on yours as he helped you remove the rest of his clothing. As soon as he did, he slotted himself between your legs again, and you could feel him pressed against your thigh, hot and hard. His kisses came down to your neck, making you more and more desperate to feel him. An adjustment of your hips, and you were finally able to grind yourself against him, making the two of you moan.
“Fuck –” he hissed against the crook of your neck as his arm slid under you, encircling you completely “you’re still so wet.” The feeling of his tip nudging against you was dizzying. You reached for the nape of his neck, tugging at the roots of his hair as you covered him in your slick. “You look so beautiful.” Zuko said, before planting another kiss to the column of your throat.
“Need you, Zuko – ah – please.” You struggled between sighs.
“I’ve got you, sweetheart.” He cooed. “Just tell me if it hurts.” Having seen and felt him, his statement didn’t surprise you, but still, you didn’t expect to feel so full. He was slow and gentle, never taking his eyes off you so he could check for any discomfort. When he finally bottomed out, his head rested at the crook of your neck again as he tried to stay still. “Hng – spirits – you’re so warm, my love.” The mix of the pet name and the way he twitched inside you made you gasp, bringing your hips up further, trying to pull him even deeper.
“Please move. Please – it feels so good.” His thrusts were shallow at first, but the sounds you made at the feeling of him entering you again and again chipped away at his restraint. Soon, they were deep and steady, hitting that perfect spot he had already found before.
“That’s it.” Zuko was panting, his skin was on fire. “You’re taking me so well.” A louder moan escaped you, and his ability to hold off grew weaker.
“Just like that, don’t stop.” You pleaded, feeling the tension in your stomach build up again.
“I’m sorry – ah – it feels too good, I-I don’t think I’ll last much longer.” It had been entirely too much. All the feelings, the kissing, seeing you completely for the very first time, touching you, feeling you. He had tried to remain steady in his self-control, but as soon as he felt how warm and wet you felt, gripping him so tight, he knew he was lost.
“Please, Zuko, I’m so close.” Your eyebrows were pinched together at the mix of heat and pleasure. His hand reached down between your bodies to find your clit, and as soon as he began rubbing it in small circles, he felt your grip on him tighten. A loud groan left him as he tried to hold on for you, and if your eyes hadn’t been shut, you would have seen the steam radiating from your bodies.
“Fuck, you’re perfect.” He couldn’t even think anymore. His lips let out anything that came to mind in between the moans he couldn’t hold off either. “Thank you. Thank you for being my wife – ah – thank you for being so good to me – fuck –” Your moans and the sound of skin on skin filled the room as you felt yourself reach your peak again and his thrusts became erratic. “I love you. I love you – I-” The words made you burst like an overflowing dam, shooting a thousand sparks through your body. As soon as he felt it, Zuko let out a loud whimper, spilling hot inside you. He rode out both your orgasms and stayed inside you a little longer after his hips stopped moving, peppering you with kisses.
“Thank you.” You whispered sweetly, pulling a few strands of hair behind his ear.
“For what?”
The question made you titter. “For being my husband, for being so good to me.” He quickly caught on, and if his cheeks weren’t already a deep red, he would have blushed more. “I love you.” You kissed the tip of his nose as he huffed out a chuckle. “I love you.”
✰summary: you go from former childhood enemies -> lovers (kinda) with zuko.✰
✰wc: 2.4k✰
✰pairing: firebender!reader x fire lord zuko ✰
"No, she has to be from a good family!…"
"Well, she has to be pleasant to look at, too."
Zuko sits in his throne, head resting against his fingers, rubbing his temples as he spaces out. This was the third time the council meeting had veered into a discussion of his love life. Or rather his lack of one. Since Zuko has entered his mid-20s, multiple different chambermen and his counsels have been dropping not-so-subtle hints about him needing to marry and have an heir, preferably multiple, for the Fire Nation to remain in its time of peace.
They told him the struggles of not having an heir and the risks of having contenders for the throne. They use his bringing peace to the Fire Nation to guilt-trip him.
"It would be terrible if all of your years of instilling peace went away because you had no heir and someone overtook the throne for their own power, Lord Zuko." It never stopped.
Zuko lets them drone on about various "worthy" women for a few more seconds, until he hears the phrase "good breeding" somewhere in the conversation. His eyes widen slightly, and he decides this has been the topic long enough.
"Okay!" He raises his voice, getting their attention. Instantly silencing their conversations. "The meeting is over." He announces as he rises from his seat. He doesn't wait for their reaction or any objections before exiting the area. But he hears the footsteps of his chief advisor right behind him.
"Lord Zuko, you know most firelords were married with multiple children by the time they are your age. We understand your… reservations… regarding finding a wife, but it is just as important as the other matters."
Zuko sighs, exasperated, as he walks down the hallway to his room. But his advisor continues ignoring the obvious signs Zuko is giving that he is not interested in this conversation.
"We have a few selected women, all from good families and bree-"
"Do not finish that sentence. I don't want to hear about women from good breeding," Zuko interrupts. "I can find… someone… myself." He takes a deep breath, "Please just stop talking about this."
Zuko has never been so grateful to see the door to his room as he is now. He steps inside, and he sees his advisor starting to open his mouth to speak, but Zuko closes his bedroom door, muttering a quiet. "Goodnight."
He takes his clip out of his hair and sets it on his nightstand, letting the pieces that were held up in a bun fall down, joining the rest of his hair. He flops down onto his bed, lying on his back, looking at the ceiling.
"I wish Uncle didn't go back to his tea shop in Ba Sing Se. He could convince them to just let it go. I don't even have time to date!"
Zuko couldn't remember the last time he was interested in a girl. Mai broke up with him, and after that, he didn't think about dating. He had enough to do as is, and dating seemed frivolous compared to the rest of it.
Well there was her, he had always had a crush on her, since they were kids. He used to see her in passing before his exile, and his stomach would still twist into knots at the sight of her. But they didn't speak again after that. And now all these years later, he couldn't stop thinking about her. It was stupid. She was probably away, probably left the Fire Nation. Probably already married, maybe has a family of her own.
"Ugh. Why am I still thinking about this?" Zuko rolls over, trying to think about anything else. It was stupid and pointless. And yet his mind still wandered back to thinking about her.
But despite telling himself he is going to stop thinking about her, the next morning, Zuko finds himself awkwardly talking to the older woman who oversees the records of the Fire Nation's citizens, rubbing the back of his neck as he explains what he is looking for. Or rather, who he was looking for.
She does not question him as he tells her your family name. She gets up from her desk and leads him to the citizen records archive. He follows behind her in the aisles of the tall shelves storing the documents. She leads him to the section he has inquired about.
"Here is the record Lord Zuko."
"Thank you. Uh… does it show if a person is still in the Fire Nation?"
"Yes. It lists the residence, any land owned, and if she has moved, it lists to what other nation, but not the exact residence."
"Ah. Um, thank you again."
She nods and leaves him alone. He sees the record goes back generations. It takes him a while to find your name, but he does. His fingers ghost over the file, hesitant to read it.
"This is stupid. Why am I even here? It won't change anything." He almost puts it back, until he sees you haven't left the Fire Nation after he saw that he thought he might as well read the rest of it… since he's here.
As he read, he saw you weren't married, and that you were currently working as a firebending teacher to younger and new firebenders. That was good, you were single and liked kids. He pauses. He was sounding like the stupid advisors going on about good breeding. He rolls his eyes at himself, puts the file back in its place, and leaves the archive.
He does know why he's here. He didn't miss the surprised looks on the guards and the other instructors as the fire lord walked into the training area, as if it were a totally normal, everyday occurrence. He told everyone who questioned this rash and impulsive trip that he was just here to observe and see the "future benders of the Fire Nation." Obviously, he was here to see you, after 12 years, which was probably strange, but he has gone too far to go back now.
He watches the different groups of adolescent fire benders as they do their demonstrations. Starting from the oldest down. And while it was impressive and instilled confidence as he watched, he had yet to see you. Great, what if this was the one day you were sick, or busy, and couldn't show up? Would he have to make this a monthly thing?
He smiles and gives the groups encouraging words as he moves down the line, watching the ages get younger and younger. He's in the last group when he sees you standing next to your group of 5-7-year-olds. He knows it's been a while, and yet he feels as if no time has passed. You are just as beautiful as he remembered. You give him a warm smile and a slight bow. He wants to tell you there was no need to bow when you used to call him names and pull on his hair when you were younger, but he remains silent.
"Good Morning, Lord Zuko. We were not expecting…um, your presence today."
He hears the anxiety in your voice as you greet him. He had just wanted to talk to you, and now he's made you nervous. Probably feels like the most stressful job evaluation ever, and it was given by the leader of the Fire Nation. This was a bad plan, wasn't it?
"I apologize, it was a rather impulsive decision on my behalf." He tries to keep his voice soft and approachable. He also tries not to get lost in how pretty your eyes were as you look at him.
"We are… my group is not as prepared as… the others." You say shakily, he follows your stare to your group, seeing a mix of quiet, younger children, the youngest among the students at the school, standing waiting, and a mix of kids who seem to be unable to stand still, some more rambunctious than others.
Zuko smiles, letting out a small laugh, still trying to ease your anxiety. "I'm sure your group will do great and is making good progress." He steps back, giving you space to lead the group of children in their demonstrations.
He watches as they listen to you, follow your lead. You guide them through the basic fundamental fire-bending moves, standing in front of them. Watching the small blows of orange and red flames of orange and red comes from their hands and feet. It was only a minute long, if that, the shortest of the rest, but he could tell it had probably taken a lot for you to teach them the routine. He gives a small clap and addresses the rest of the students with a brief, impromptu speech.
After he sees all the demonstrations, a part of him just wants to leave, forget this stupid plan to speak to you. But spots you in the training room alone cleaning up some things, he wishes you alone when he first came, but he couldn't let the opportunity pass.
He enters, lightly knocking on the open door to get your attention, and it does. You turn to see how, and he watches your face partially, waiting for it to scrunch up in annoyance the same way it did those years ago.
But it doesn't. You stare at him for a few seconds before smiling, "Hey, Dum Dum."
Zuko doesn't know what to say. He feels his chest tightening up, and his hands starting to sweat. You catch it too, his nerves, so you speak again. "Or is it lord Dum Dum now?"
"Haven't heard that in years," he steps further into the space, which resembles the training rooms of the school you two went to, a bit smaller but with the same dark, flame-resistant wood throughout. not impossible to catch on fire, just harder. "This is almost the same as the training room at school, where we…" he trails, feeling his cheeks heat up in embarrassment at the memory.
"Where you dueled me, and I kicked your ass."
He laughs, not even bothering to say otherwise, because it was true. "Yeah. where you kicked my ass. The teachers had to pull you off of me. I think they were scared you were going to make Azula an only child."
It wasn't bad enough that you had managed to burn through his clothes, making him stumble onto his back, you jumped on top of him and started pulling his hair. he remembered thinking he was going to have bald spots from how tightly you were grabbing it. The teachers had to pull you off kicking and screaming; he remembers hearing Azula cheering you on.
"Yeah." He says awkwardly, "My father made me train for hours every day after that… Said it was…disgraceful to lose."
"Well mine was rather proud of me. I'm sure I wasn't severely punished only because of how close our fathers were, or else my family would've been forced to leave the Fire Nation." He watches as you give a smile.
The two of you stand in silence for a few moments, both remembering all those years ago. Zuko breaks it with a light laugh. "You hated me."
"I did not hate you," you refute quickly.
"You burned my side, and I still have the scar. You called me names, gave me dirty glares, pulled my hair!"
"You dueled me."
"You pulled my hair before that! I think you just used the duel as an excuse to try to kill me."
"I didn't hate you…" You repeat more softly this time. "Why are you really here, Dum Dum?"
That catches Zuko off guard. He stares in silence before replying. "To… watch the future benders of the Fire Nation…" he replies weakly, clearly rehearsed.
"You're such a bad liar," you say with a smile. "Just come out with it…"
"I need a girlfriend," he blurts out, and he watches as your smile drops instantly. idiot, he thinks to himself. He wanted to explain, but he kept hearing good counsel in his ear and decided silence was better.
"You need a girlfriend? so you went to the girl who bite you once when you asked if i wanted to eat lunch with you?"
"No… well, I guess. I'm not asking you to be my girlfriend, but maybe we could try to be friends now? I… this is embarrassing to admit. But I've had a crush on you since then, and I've havent stopped thinking about you and… I… I guess that I wanted to try one more time before my councilmen try to get me into an arranged marriage. But I realize that you probably didn't feel the same, and it was a stupid idea…"
Zuko stares at the darker wood, unable to meet your eyes after his embarrasing confessing. At first, you don't say anything, but he's preparing for the rejection regardless.
"I had a crush on you, too, Dum Dum. Well, still do I guess." Your words make him look up, meeting your eyes immediately, in disbelief."
"You had a funny way of showing it." He says lowly, looking off to the side.
"Well, you were still Azula's annoying older brother, and I guess back then I didn't want to like you, so I…
"Tormented me?" He answers for you.
"Well… My best friend was your sister."
Zuko laughs a little, and you join in. He steps a little closer to you, still feeling his palms sweat. "So uh, what now?"
You continue to laugh a little more. "I think we date, if you want to?"
"I want to. But I haven't dated in a while. Might be bad at it."
You step closer to him, softly kissing his cheek. "Don't worry about that."
Zuko nods, feeling his face flush from the kiss, but he gently places a hand on your waist, pulls you closer, and kisses you slowly on the lips. Hoping he's doing it right. As the two of you pull away, neither one of you says anything, just looking at one another.
"Um, Lord Zuko." The guard standing in the doorway gets both his and your attention. Instinctively, he takes a few steps back away from you.
"Right…" Remembering he has other things to do, like running the Fire Nation. He gives you a smile. "Um, see you later."
You nod, giving him a small wave. "Later, Dum Dum."
As he goes back to the palace, he is thinking about how soon would be too soon to write to you. And where should he take you on the first date? And what should he wear? Should he bring his guards? He realizes that he might need Sokka's help
✎𓂃 Contains: Straight Fluff
✎𓂃 Series name: A Growing Flame
✎𓂃 Request: OPEN
✎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. Other than that, enjoy this slice of life with yearner DADDY Zuko. Part 2 can be found here!
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After the hundred-year war had finally come to an end, Zuko would have never thought his life would have gotten better after that moment, but the world had other plans ahead for him…
A cool breeze passed through the palace halls as small feet ran across the large hall. Laughter rang in the air as two small boys ran away from a small girl, her face showing a tired expression as she tried to keep up with the other two. “ Ah.. ah... I don’t want to play this anymore! “ The young girl yelled out of breath as her pace slowed down with each step she took. Both boys turned around to look at her with a sly smirk on their faces, “ Oh come on, Sori! Don’t be such a sore loser! “ Taeyang yelled back at his younger sister, placing his hands on his hips as he struck a little pose. Minho leaned on his older brother's shoulder while nodding his head in agreement, “ Yeah! We can’t always go easy on you “. Letting out an exaggerated groan, Sori picked up the front of her dress and began running after the two again, not before they both took off after seeing her pick up the pace.
As the day went on, you and Zuko were taking one of your usual evening walks in the garden. Walking over one of the small bridges, your hand grazed over the arch of the small wall. The sun’s brightness cast over you and your husband as he stuck by your side. The hue of the evening sky captivated your face as you gazed down into the shimmering pond under you both. Zuko watched the way your eyes gleamed watching the small koi fish swim in the small home. His gaze wandered lower. He watched the way your fingers ran over the stone, the way your body curved under your dress as your body began to change once more. “... You’re starring again, “ you said with a small smile as you continued to watch the fish. “ I’m not. “ A pause- Then quieter. “ I am, “ you stifled a laugh now looking back at him, “ You’ve been doing that a lot more lately “. He then stepped closer, wrapping his hands around your bump before resting his chin on your shoulder. “ Can you blame me? “ His voice was careful, but there was something heavier beneath it- something that had never quite left him. No matter how many years had passed since the war.
Turning your body to face him properly, you placed your hand on his cheek. His hand then held yours as he leaned into your embrace. “ I just-..“ taking a short breath her averted his gaze from yours as he continued. “ The palace, the peace… this,” he gestured vaguely, but his eyes landed on you again, more focused now, more intense. “You. Them. Our family.” But as if on queue, a loud crash echoed from the corridor leading into the garden, followed by Sori running out the door and turning back to her brothers, “ You literally set it on fire! “ She yelled at Taeyang, who came out right beside an exhausted Minho whose face was covered in ash. “ It wasn’t my fault! “ Taeyang yelled back at his younger sister. Zuko closed his eyes with a tired sigh, followed right behind. All you could do was smile. “... Them, “ you repeated gently. Another voice followed behind as Minho crept his way towards his mother, “ Mama..! “ He dragged his feet against the stone as he pushed past Zuko, squeezing his little body in between you and Zuko, hugging your leg. “ Hey!- “ he was cut off as your son made his presence fully known. Minho looked up at you with the most innocent expression he could muster up, “ They started fighting again “. He said while clinging to your leg. Zuko sighed, running his hand across his face before turning to walk away, “ I’ll handle it, “ he said while making his way towards the two troublemakers. “ Gently! “ You called out to him before he got too far. He paused, “ I am always gentle, “ He said as if it was more of a question rather than a statement. You raised an eyebrow. “…I will try to be gentle,” That earned a quiet laugh from you, and it followed him down the grassy plain like something warm he could carry.
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Just like breakfast, dinner was never quiet either. Zuko had learned that quickly. “ Don’t touch that- “ Minho said to Taeyang, “ I wasn’t going to! “ He retorted with a bit of irritation hidden in his statement. “ You were- you literally had your hand.. “ He was cut off immediately by his older brother, “ I said, I wasn’t-! “ A small flame flickered at the end of the table, Zuko’s eyes shot up instantly “ No bending at the table “ He said sternly before earning a chorus of “ It wasn’t me! “ between Sori and Taeyang, “ It was definitely one of you “ With their father saying that to the both of them Sori shot a glare at her brother. A laugh stifled its way out of your mouth as you sat beside your husband, trying to hide the smile spreading on your face as you adjusted the bowl in front of you. “ They get it from you, “ You said, looking at you as if you just slandered his whole family name. He was quick to retort, “ I do not- “. As that was said, a tiny spark popped, Zuko exhaled slowly, pressing two fingers to his temple as he had proved himself wrong in front of his children. That earned a quiet laugh from you and the kids. Zuko glanced at you out of the corner of his eyes before looking at his children. The sound grounded him more than anything else in the room. Nudging his arm, you gently reminded him, “ Eat “, “ I am eating, “ he muttered, though he obediently picked up his chopsticks again.
Across the table, Sori leaned forward, eyes flickering between the two of you. With a curious look at your belly, she was quick to open her mouth with a question. “ Is the baby going to be loud? “ Zuko froze. You blinked, surprised, “ What do you mean?, “ She then looked at her brother, then back at you two. “ Well.. “ She followed that sentence with a shrug. “ We’re loud “. Minho quickly piped up, almost choking on his food as he did, “ There is no us! In that, you’re just chaotic “. He said while pointing at her and Taeyang. “ I am not- “ Taeyang tried to defend himself before being cut off. “ You set a curtain on fire last week! “ Minho quickly interjected. “ It was a small fire! “ Zuko groaned quietly. You, however, smiled, one hand drifting absentmindedly to your stomach again. “ I think the baby will be just like the rest of you “. Zuko’s gaze followed your hand; his look softened, yet stayed longer than necessary.
By the time dinner was over, the energy hadn’t faded- It had only shifted. Whipping his face, he looked over at his three chaotic children before standing from his spot on the floor, helping you up to your feet as he did. “ Bed, “ Zuko announced firmly. Only to receive a chorus of protest, “ Noo..- “, “ I’m not tired- “, “ You can't make us! “. Placing his hands on his hips, he quickly snapped back, “ I absolutely can, ‘ You leaned back slightly, watching the scene unfold in front of you with quiet amusement. “ Try not to declare war on them, “ You said before earning a smirk from your husband, “ No promises “.
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Getting the kids to bed was a battle of patience, but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t a familiar one. The children ran in front of the two adults towards their shared bedroom, flopping onto their beds. Sori began rummaging through her small bookshelf that sat right beside her mat. With a wide grin on her face, she pulled out one of her favorite books before turning to face her mother, who was already in the process of tucking in Minho. “ Story, “ she demanded while holding the book up above her head. “ We had a story yesterday, “ Minho said, turning her head to face his little sister. “ That doesn’t count!, “ She said while puffing her cheeks. “ It absolutely counts! “ Taeyang said back while rolling his eyes. With a groan, Sori stumbled her way towards her father, tugging at his sleeve. She looked up at him with her bottom lip poked out in a pout. “ Dad, please. “ She said while dragging out her words and tugging at his sleeve. Standing up straight, Zuko looked down at his little girl with a tired sigh, only for a small smile to find its way to his face. “ Just one story, “ He murmured before taking the book from her and taking her tiny hand into his. Sitting on the floor in between all three of his children, he opened the picture book and began reading it. As he read the story, she rested your head on his shoulder as your children all lay right in front of their father. By the time he finished, the children had quieted. One by one, their eyes closed and lulled into sleep. Taking the book from Zuko, she sat up to place it back onto the bookshelf. As you put it away, Zuko had already ushered the last one under the blankets, pulling them up just enough. He lingered there for a moment, then stood, “ They're getting bigger, “ He said quietly. You smiled. “ That’s what happens, “ He glanced at you again. “ I don’t like it “. You let out a gentle laugh before taking his arm and making your way out of the room. “ You don’t like anything you can’t protect. “ That, he couldn’t deny.
The palace felt different at night. Quieter, softer. As you both made your way into your shared room zuko closed the door behind the two of you. His hand lingered briefly on your back as if guiding you. Taking a seat on the bed, he sat close beside you, “ You should be resting more “. He said after a moment. “ There it is, “ You teased lightly. “ I was wondering how long it would take “. “ I’m serious, “ He said while brushing a strand of your hair behind your ear, “ I know “. You said while placing your hand on his, the warmth of his palm lingered on your face before you looked up at him, meeting his gaze. Leaning forward, just close enough that his breath caught- just slightly. “ I’m okay, Zuko. “ His expression didn't falter and his worried gaze still stood. “ You say that, but-, “ You cut him off gently, “ I mean it. “ Moving his hand to your stomach, the contact stilled him instantly. “ You worry too much, “ You said with a smile. “ I don’t worry enough, “ he muttered. “ Not when it comes to you, “ He said quietly, but heavily. Honest. You softened, your thumbs brushing lightly over his knuckles. Zuko looked at you, the, really looked. And for a moment, the fire lord disappeared. It was just him and you. “ I love you, “ he said, like the words were something fragile. Something he still wasn’t used to saying without fear. You smiled, leaning in just slightly. “ I know “. You said teasingly. “ That’s not- “ He exhaled. “ … You’re supposed to say it back “. “ I do say it back, “ You said back, “ Not that time “. You laughed softly- and leaned in slowly to kiss him. It was gentle, slow, the kind of kiss that didn’t need urgency to mean everything. Zuko melted into it almost immediately, one hand coming up to cup your, the other still resting protectively where your child grew. Pulling away just to catch your breath, he rested his forehead against yours. The moon’s light illuminated your room as you both fully settled into bed. Lying on his back, you rested your head against his chest. As sleep slowly took over you, you mumbled out one last thing. “ I love you too, Zuko “. He planted a small kiss atop your head before he let himself drift into sleep as well.
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Thank you for reading part 1 of my fire nation family series, many more one shots of the family are being worked on as you're reading this so please stay tuned for more ദ്ദി◝ ⩊ ◜.ᐟ
"fuck me husband. do your duty and bed your wife."
summary: zuko agrees to an arranged marriage with the princess of the earth kingdom but their alliance comes with terms. the most tasking one: producing an heir within a year. the only problem is zuko isn't over his ex, and you hate his guts.
pairing: firelord!zuko x earthbender!reader
cw: 18+, angst, panic attack, hallucinations, unprotected sex, creampie, protective zuko, series is not completely accurate to canon lore as it's a queen charlotte au!!
chapter one 𓏲࣪ ּ ֗ ִ chapter two 𓏲࣪ ּ ֗ chapter three 𓏲࣪ ּ ֗ chapter four 𓏲࣪ ּ ֗ ִ chapter five
synopsis : demanding that the fire lord marries, fire lord zuko finds himself in front of an officiant with a rather daring lady beside him and with a marriage to consummate
content: 18+, smut—fingering, virgin reader, unprotected, oral, fluff, body image, a lot of plot
word count: 10.8k
note: this is an edited version ! the first one i posted was word vomit lol
The wind is cold tonight—the way it tickled your exposed arm while you stand by the railing of the ship felt as though sharp needles were piercing right through your flesh.
You stare in the near distance, where the palace stood tall and your eyes fixated upon the highly-regarded regalia of the Fire Nation that was embroidered on a flag waving with the wind's current. Truly, it was a sight worth the pride. Pride. The sole feeling that you should be overwhelmed with right now. But no—having been told that you've been chosen to marry the well-off lord of the Fire Nation makes pride a tad bit difficult to feel.
The wind carries its speed and you clutch onto your shawl to hide yourself from the freezing breeze of the Fire Nation’s seas.
"Come inside," a voice says from behind you and need not turn to check who it is. "You’ll freeze out here, [Name]." She calls out and you finally pivot on your heel to face her. A frown rested itself on your lips, eyes glimmering in the sun’s crimson-orange beacon.
Her eyes widened in shock. Your eyes held tears in them. And she can't quite point out why. Are they tears of joy? Melancholy? What is it that you’re feeling right now—she finds herself begging that you tell her so.
"[Name], why do you weep?" She instinctively rushes to your side, holds you by your arm as if she’s steadying rocky tides. You shake your head, leaning away out of habit when she gets close enough—such vulnerability isn’t something that you’re all too willing to show for now. She notices your hesitation and backs away out of respect.
"Ling." You call out her name and she hums in response. Her tone is higher than usual, laced with worry that you catch because, after all, you know her far too well not to. "Thank you."
It is selfish. You are selfish to ask her for something this great.
The day you received the letter that you've been summoned to the capital of the Fire Nation to discuss matters with regards to their Fire Lord’s betrothal affairs, it felt as though your world broke into million little pieces of self-conflict. Every single shard is a fragment of what could be the outcome of your decision from there on.
Your occasional inner turmoil had this little voice that crawled inside your head a little too easily sometimes. You hold against the letter, tightly gripping that it creases the parchment while you wonder what would be best to do—to go and be tethered to a stranger and hope that cupid does his job or stay where you feel utterly restricted and taken for granted?
But as time went by, you began looking at it in a new light. Perhaps, it was some sort of an opportunity. Is hope merely wishful thinking for someone like you?
Can it be a chance for freedom?
But guilt crawls back into you. You considered rejecting it at first, you can’t possibly live somewhere unfamiliar. Moreover, it’s hard to leave a place where you’ve built yourself from the bottom. Because even though the workplace was rather dysfunctional and unhealthy, you did something right—you made a friend, an ally, someone who will forever choose to run with you.
Ling. The very one who taught you the true, even secret, ways on what it truly means to be a courtesan. You’ve spent a good amount of years together and there lies an undeniable bond between you two.
Testimony of this bond is how you’ve written back a correspondence to the Fire Nation a few weeks after so. It was a favor, you’ve asked the dear Fire Nation for a favor—a condition, even. Accepting the proposal shall mean that you will have Ling as your appointed lady-in-waiting. Marrying into the imperial family means that you will be tied to royal customs that require ladies of rulers to have a loyal assistant by their side, and to you, that position fits no one else better than Ling.
"Why are you suddenly thanking me?" Ling catches you out of your trance, a slight smile on her lips when her dainty arms come around to wrap themselves around your figure. And as if the cold breeze of the sea was never there, you’re now enveloped in this comforting gentleness. It’s soft, and you’d rather stay this way.
"If not thank you," you start, "then I need to say sorry... for dragging you into whatever mess is about to happen. But I need you, Ling."
Unbeknownst to you, not once did Ling ever see you as selfish for making such a decision. Not even while she opens a message from the Fire Nation asking that she become a staff at the Imperial Court of the Fire Lord as his Queen’s lady-in-waiting.
"Do not ever apologize." She whispers, all while hoping that you do not see how her eyes glisten with unfallen tears.
You both jerk when the ship comes to a halt. Startled when it crashes a bit when its bottom hits the rocky shore. Now, as close as ever, stands the Imperial Palace.
Your new home.
"It is an honor to welcome you firsthand to the Fire Nation, my Lady."
My Lady, he calls. It sounds unreal and you wouldn’t even dare assume it’s you who he is pertaining to unless Ling nudges you from behind.
He reaches an arm out, palm spread out as some form of chivalry. You walk off of the ship with his help, you feel an awkward squeeze from him and you can’t help but retract your hand as soon as you feel the concrete of the dock beneath your heels. You realize your hastiness and so as an attempt to regain back the morale you feel as though you’ve lost for abruptly retracting your hand, you tilt your head to the side. “Thank you.”
You stand back up straight, hands instinctively patting down your clothes before you finally look up to take your time and observe the man before you. His clothes are in the hue of red and orange, the Fire Nation colors. You realize it though, the fact that he’s of high status, when you notice the layers beneath his robes.
And now his face. You catch it—that unkind gaze you’d always know. His eyes slanted much like slits, pupils looking down on you. Was it his height? Or the way that he’s boldly perched in front of you that you feel small. Really small. And so it begins—that feeling that creeps inside of you telling you that you do not belong here.
You shake the thoughts off of your head, letting the devil inside your mind wander away before it corrupts your security further. You look around, hoping to get one close on who this man is so that you won’t make a fool of yourself. “I’m sorry that I have to ask but, you are…?” You bite back your shame when you ask.
"I am The Grand Chamberlain, my Lady. I oversee logistics, staff, and resources of the Fire Lord’s Court. Of course, I work directly under him." He introduces himself and as expected, he is a man of high-status, the imperial steward. "I am the person you speak with the letters as well, my lady." He shoots you a close-eyed smile before peeking behind you where Ling stood with a closed off body language.
Oh, so he's the man who approved of Ling’s employment.
"Now, we shouldn't be wasting time, my Lady. You need to get ready."
Ah yes, the day you land on the Fire Nation territory is the day you become His Lordship’s wife. Ergo, it's also the day of your wedding.
Beside the road waited a fancy palanquin, the Fire Nation’s mode of transporation—well, for most nobles that is. You sat beside Ling and in front of you with the Grand Chamberlain. The vehicle starts and your stomach whirls, your clothes begin to feel tighter and it’s suffocating all of the sudden. You felt as though anytime now you’re going to jump out into the road to swim your way back where it all started.
The ride to the Palace was long and tedious, the unsettling feeling dared not to leave you until you’re with the sight of the Fire Lord’s Palace. True perfection, indeed. It’s been crafted with care, precision and passion all together. There is an explicit perfection with the architecture that you’d know, just by looking at it—and to think you are no expert—that whoever crafted the Palace was in love with their work.
"This way, my Lady." The grand chamberlain leads you both to your private chambers.
Your feet halt on its own when you’re met with yet again a picturesque composition. It starts with the marbled door, and ends with the furnished wall bearing the colors of orange and red much like the view in the Fire Nation’s west when the sun begins to set. Everything from colors down to the furniture matches each one like a puzzle piece.
The moment you reach your private quarters, you’re stunned with the feeling of unbelongingness. It’s spacious. And to think that you’ll be calling something this grand as your own just felt wrong.
“The Fire Lord is currently occupied with his own preparations.” The Grand Chamberlain stands by the doorstep. “Our customs here tell us that the bride and groom must not see each other until the hour of their wedding, so I apologize if the Fire Lord cannot extend his greetings until then.”
It’s unfamiliar. And Wrong. But somehow, you feel drawn. Much like a moth to a flame. A thrill that tells you that this may be worth every sacrifice—the long wait, and the impulsive decisions.
The Grand Chamberlain points towards your bed. There lays, in perfect array, your ceremonial attire for the wedding. “Your wedding preparations are set there for your convenience, my Lady. The one assisting you shall be your lady-in-waiting. But if there should be any questions, I will be nearby tending to the staff.” He tilts his head to an angle before leaving you and Ling in this room that is rather generous in size.
The door creaks closed and there’s a loud ting when the lock secures. You finally sigh out the breath you’ve been holding in since you arrived.
"Ling!” You yell out with widened eyes, you two meet eyes when she looks over at you. “This is… crazy!”
Behind closed doors, in careful solitude where you are alone with the person you trusted the most, you are an entirely different person.
You breathe in, “I am about to marry the Fire Lord and inside this big room that is a lot bigger than the courtesans’ lobby back at home and… and…”
Then it hit you. The harsh slap of reality making its way to make you feel like a fool. Although this palace resembled a house a lot, the uneasy feeling of being nowhere near a place you feel most comforted in never ceased to leave you alone. It replays in your head—the laughter of your fellow courtesans when one customer drunkenly confesses to you. Your chest tightens, the laughter fades away and the only thing that envelopes your hearing is the ringing from the deafening silence.
"Enough crying over spilled milk, my Lady. We will get used to this.” She attempts to console you, “I know it won’t be easy but we need to make it happen.” Ling shoots a smile at you.
“Now, now… Shall we get you ready for your big moment, my Lady?”
You roll your eyes at her, “my Lady? All set for the role, huh.” You tease, a playful smile playing on your lips when she nudges you. There’s a brief silence, before you two finally broke out laughing. The sound of your giggles resonating across the room but never daring to leave the privacy of your chambers.
On the edge of the bed rested the ensemble of layers that you are to wear the ceremonious event they call a wedding. A silk mantle draped below a few other layers that glowed the same hues of cinnabar, scarlet, and vermillion. The outer robe had the insignia of the nation embroidered. You stare at the regal attire before you, hands fiddling with hesitation as if these fabrics are so fragile that even the smallest of graze from your fingernails would taint them. It got you thinking—are you really worthy enough to behold yourself in such an imperial and sophisticated image?
In the blink of an eye, you’re veiled with the seemingly endless layers of wedding apparel. Ling’s fingers expertly tying and cinching everything until it’s done. When it is, you feel the weight to it. You feel the weight of the title, the responsibility, and your own decisions.
“How is it?”
Your eyes gaze at your reflection in the mirror. Would it be wrong to think that you do not see yourself at all?
Ling notices the obvious dismay in your expression. She frowns before caressing your arms bedazzled with Fire Nation jewelry. “It takes a while, [Name].”
“We should get your hair ready too.” Ling beckons you to come closer to the vanity table.
Gold accessories all lined up ready to call your skin their home. All that you can do is hope that they don’t sting with the feeling of unfamiliarity because they all look so grand and you’d hate to feel sick while wearing these luxurious heirlooms.
Sitting on the stool and in front of you is yet another mirror. Your hair is now carefully encased in a beautiful hairdo. You’re thankful for Ling, really. But your lips quiver with reluctance when she slips a golden hairpin in.
Should the person in front of you look like the Fire Lady that you are about to become? Because no matter how hard you try to make it seem as though she is, she doesn’t look like it.
And with a few more embellishments here and there, you’re finally done. And in the blink of an eye—
There’s a tall figure of a man that stares back at you across the hall. You can’t see his face clearly with the veil and the distance but you know—he’s a leader. Authority wraps around him like it’s in his nature. Your hand shakes and you taste metal on your tongue, you’re intimidated. More so because it’s the man you’re about to marry.
Your sharp heels clank within the silence of the spacious hall whose weight is held by the tall pillars you pass by with every step. Your eyes situated on the man who waited by the other end of the aisle. He, who is adorned in his wedding attire, and a crown resting on his head. Now that you’re a tad bit closer, you reckon he’s rather ravishing.
You notice he’s staring back at you. Pupils assess everything and you reciprocate by doing the same. This much observation should be natural because you are meeting your betrothed on your wedding day. First time meeting and you’re already going to be tethered to him like the wife that you will become in a matter of minutes.
You try your best to stand tall beside him, but your trembling hands betray you. It’s obvious with the bouquet of roses that you’re holding. The officiant in front of you two clears his throat, indicating that he’s about to speak. Oh, this is bad—you are one second away from becoming a runaway bride.
But you feel warmth. There’s a certain coldness that exudes from his demeanor but beneath it all is comforting warmth. The officiant instructs that you two face each other and it forces you both to close proximity. Finally, you look up. There it is—gentleness behind calloused eyes. You can’t help but notice his scar, and the first thing you wonder is how he got it. But the question comes crashing back to the tides when you realize how beautiful he is.
Perhaps, it’s merely because you don’t see neat-looking men like him back at home often. Or, he’s just that beautiful.
Truly, it was as if in the blink of an eye.
“Do you, Fire Lord Zuko, take this woman to be your wedded wife, to be your equal, to kindle a shared fire that shall serve as a beacon to this nation, and to navigate trials side by side?”
Your breath hitches.
"Yes, I do."
You finally get a piece of what he sounds like. You’re caught off guard when he, Fire Lord Zuko, actually sounds a lot softer in contrast to the authoritative position he holds.
The officiant nods his head and turns to you. All of the sudden, you feel your throat closing in.
"Do you, Lady [Name], take this man to be your wedded husband, to be your equal, to kindle a shared fire that shall serve as a beacon to this nation, and to navigate trials side by side?"
The hall quiets down and without so much warning, your words leave you. Isn’t this all too sudden? Should you have not left after all? Who is this man in front of you anyway? You look around, searching for one sort of assurance but your vision is blinded when you realize every one is donned in their own formal attire, watching the wedding of their leader unfold.
And alas, you're speechless.
But you fall out of your trance when a tender fire lights up on your fingertips. It’s subtle, but it’s there.
"I... do."
It sounds hesitant but it’s all that you can muster albeit the eyes that carefully watched you from the audience.
You peek beside you, hoping to get a glimpse of the man who just lit a fire in you. To the man who subtly touched your hands to catch you back to reality where you two are—
"Then i shall pronounce you as husband and wife."
You meet eyes with him for a second before everything around you goes loud. It’s deafening but it’s a celebration. After all, their Nation has just acquired its very own Fire Lady—you. Their leader has finally found an equal. One to make his cold days a tad bit warmer, and his hot days bearable.
"You may now kiss the bride, my Lord."
But the celebratory screams all blur in your ears when Zuko finally turns to the side. Your eyes having nowhere to gaze at but to the eyes that stared down at you with a gentle glow.
And your body freezes. Should you really kiss? Even if this is all one big scam? A kiss for this façade of a marriage?
You concluded your inner conflict with a chuckle—he’s probably practical and won’t do it. But your assumptions betray you when you see how he’s still staring back at you unmoving, but determined. There’s subtlety with the way that he’s asking for permission and you don’t miss it. Those amber eyes that you’ve been staring into ever since you set foot in this ceremonious hall are now requesting that you share a kiss with him.
Your body moves on its own, leaning in a tad bit into him. He takes it as an indirect answer to his plea and he does the same.
You shut your eyes close and the next thing you feel is the soft warmth of his lips against your own. You relish in the way a kiss feels like—soft, unguarded, and intimate. You find it quite delightful—sharing a kiss, that is. After all, this is your first kiss. The first lips, and only lips, to touch yours are his—your husband by law. His hands, too, are the first to ever touch your fingertips with adamant intentions to make you his wife, as well as the first eyes to stare at you with longing heat.
And you begin to wonder how come? How come he makes it feel so easy?
Why does he make it so easy for you?
When the wedding ceremony finally comes to an end, you are left to roam the hallway leading to your shared room alongside Zuko. There’s a quiet hesitation, he walks with pride yet he’s indecisive whether to hold your hand or not.
The walk to the room is quiet. As if there’s a gap between you two that is yet to be bridged. He walks a few steps before you, leading you to wherever he has been resting all his life. You hope you’re not intruding when you’re introduced to the room he’s found comfort in ever since. He stops at the room farthest from the wandering eyes of the open halls.
And as expected, the room was clad in all sorts of decoration. Furniture spread across all corners of this seemingly boundless area. There’s a nervous breath that catches itself on your throat. Can you really find comfort in a room that to your untrained eyes seem so limitless? Moreover, alongside a rather enticing Fire Lord you now call your husband who had just stolen your first kiss?
On the clothes rack near the window hang comfortable clothes. The statement color of red and oranges never ceases to remind you where you are now.
You hear a clank behind you, your eyes turning out of habit to see if someone had trespassed your private boundaries. But you’re momentarily speechless when you see Zuko ridding himself of the suffocating accessories. It is no longer your own private chambers but his as well.
Zuko notices you staring and shoots back a raised eyebrow. He takes in your appearance, observes how your shoulders slump, probably due to the weight of the ceremonial robes. “You can change here. I’ll call for your lady-in-waiting to assist you.” He grabs his own set of clothes before leaving the room.
Those are the only words he spares you an hour after the wedding has been legalized. Retiring his husbandly duties for the responsibilities that call for the Fire Lord.
When you’re free from the tightness of the stifling ceremony apparel, you feel the wind tickle your skin. The thin night gown barely does its job in keeping you warm against the cold breeze of the night sky. Surely it is the breeze and not the fact that your new husband, who emits warmth like it’s natural to him, is absent on your first night together.
You lay back against the mattress, slightly bouncing on it to test the comfort. There’s a smile on your lips when you realize—it’s nothing like the hard, wooden bed that you’re used to sleeping on back at home.
You stare back up the ceiling. Fingers fiddling when it finally sinks in. The responsibility you hold is immense and it’s heavy. You can’t help but worry, will you be able to uphold your position as Fire Lord alongside a cold-hearted fire bender who renders all your cold feet warmer than ever?
You woke up to an empty bed. Albeit the harsh rays of the sun come blaring in to corrupt your vision when you open your eyes, there is lingering coldness when you realize you slept alone. Almost as if the Fire Lord never came by to rest. But you see the loose silk on the other side of the bed, joustled and disturbed. Perhaps His Lordship did sleep beside you after all.
But your daydream gets cut short when you realize. You have duties to tend to as well. You call for the Grand Chamberlain, asking him for instructions since you’re still new to the customs and the responsibility—coming in on such short notice does that to a woman. But you do your duties with precision, you’ve stunned the Grand Chamberlain with your capabilities, had him thinking that you shouldn’t have been slacking off as a courtesan after all.
But it became a cycle. Duty. Responsibility. Showing up for the people when it matters. It went on for days and it sank in you that you haven’t once spoken in a real conversation yet with your husband. All that you do is inform one another of politics.
To think that this may be how your married life is going to go is far from what your wishful thinking had got you expecting.
But unbeknownst to you, Zuko is under an entirely different impression. To him, you were quiet. And that silence itself is what had the Fire Lord scared to his wits end. You had him intimidated! A fraction of him feels shy—you’re too beautiful when you’re face to face with him. Even more so while you’re clad in your Fire Lady apparel that matches his Fire Lord one. There would be occasional glances, but Zuko would dare not to act upon it.
But despite all the challenges he goes through—one being your unbearable silence—he is, at the end of the day, a husband who is determined to know more about his dearest wife.
"Would you like to have tea with me?” A voice asks, the dim hallway making everything far more dramatic than it should be. Along the end of the hall are a few guards stationed but you reckon they’re too far to even hear the conversation.
Your breath hitches. What could have brought this up? Zuko suddenly initiates a conversation with you, inviting you to tea with him out of all things, too.
You look around for a second, as it’s the only response your body can make out. The scarlet walls seem to be caving in, making the impression that it’s about to eat you alive. You finally release the breath you didn’t know you were even holding and everything returns to normal. “I do not see why not, my Lord.”
You two settled for the balcony in your shared chamber. The wind caresses you both like a mother cradling her newborn child—gentle and easing. After having a servant deliver you a specially brewed tea, you were now finally alone in the quiet solitude of the palace. In front of you is the overview of the Fire Nation’s entirety.
“Your tea here, my Lord, is delicious.” Your lips smack with the sweetness and bitterness combining but you can’t help but frown when the unfamiliar taste is introduced to your taste buds.
Seated opposite to you, Zuko nods his head, “it’s Fire Nation specialty. I am glad you like it.”
Your lips are agape, and your tea is long abandoned when you notice it. You like how Zuko speaks—there is evident confidence that lolls out of his words yet beneath it hides softness. Almost as if he’s scared of showing the vulnerability that he has so much of that it seeps out without even him knowing.
“I’ve heard from Chamberlain how competent you are in your duties. Considering you are new to this line of work, I must say you’ve impressed me.” The compliment leaves his tongue carelessly and it makes you freeze in your spot. But nonetheless, an appreciative smile plays on your lips.
Your work has been acknowledged. “Thank you, my Lord. It’s merely professionalism, I’ve learned it the hard way back in my home.” You add humor to your words, and Zuko hums at this before taking a sip of his own tea.
“You… have worked as a courtesan, am I right? What was that like?” And there it is. The circle you’ve held so tightly secured is now jeopardized by one single question. He asks and you don’t see through it; he has no ill intentions. They are merely words of a husband who wishes to know more about you.
You think for a bit, carefully choosing your words as to not intimidate him and his rather conservative way of living with the Imperial Crown. “It was… careful. Much like this work. Well, not exactly but it was still work. I met a lot of good people because of it and I guess that’s the part I am most grateful about.” You catch yourself before you start oversharing, afraid that you might scare him off by being overly talkative.
Zuko pays no mind to it. In fact, he’s intently listening. As if your words are the most interesting he’s heard of in all his years of living. “And one of them is you lady-in-waiting? Ling… was it? I’ve heard from Chamberlain, I had him approve of your request.”
Your eyes widen. So It was him after all—the one who approved of your favor.
You tilt your head back straight, a smile spread across your lips. “Well, I’ve got to thank you, my Lord. For approving my… rather selfish request.”
Zuko shakes his head, a low chuckle leaving his mouth as he leans back the chair in a lazy manner. “It’s just right. If anyone is selfish it should be me, right?”
Whatever that means, my Lord?
The words never leave your mouth, not because you were too much of a coward to ask but because duty calls for him yet again.
“I need to attend a meeting.” He speaks right away, leaving you no place to ask him about it. “I apologize if I have to leave you alone so soon again. I will call for the maid to clean this up.”
You shake your head, reaching out to hold his arm and your hold falters for a second, hesitation washing over you—are you allowed to do this much? “No need, my Lord. I shall finish my tea while watching the sunset. Only then shall I ask them to clean up. Thank you.”
Your hold against him feels warm. Albeit it being the only thing that Zuko has ever known, your touch is an unfamiliar blaze that he has begun feeling desperate to know more about. “I will leave you to it. I will… see you later.”
Zuko leaves the room and you’re now left to tend to yourself. The sunset is beautiful before you, the wind is warm and the ambiance is just right—exactly what you’ve been seeking all these years. The scenery washes your thoughts away and everything feels as though it’s falling into place.
The night sky envelopes the entirety of the Fire Nation. Hours have passed, the clock never stills and yet you’re still alone. This oddly far-reaching room has never felt this expansive before now that you’re seeking the presence of your husband. But cheers to the nights you’ve spent alone that you’ve grown used to the feeling.
You are hoping to sleep early to compensate for your overtime duties last night, so when Ling enters the room to tell you that your bath is ready, you comply almost immediately.
You slipped right into the bath with ease, its warmth encasing you making your inside tingle just right. You feel your muscles loosening and your shoulders dropping, the hot bath immediately relieving you from the stress that your responsibility brings you. The water sways you from left to right and you can’t help but lean against the edge of the tub, eyes closed and no longer wary of your surroundings.
You dared not to stay for long because the water began to gradually drop its temperature, and you’re not that much of a fan of cold, painful water. You disliked the feeling of your skin tightening.
You exit the tub and you see Ling by the doorway, waiting for you whilst holding a towel in her hands.
“My Lady.”
You frown in disapproval. The night has settled and everyone in the Court is most probably retired from their duties—you don’t feel like acting the Fire Lady role in front of her anymore. “Don’t do that, Ling. I don’t like it.”
She smiles at this, “you need to get used to it, [Name].” She finally drops the honorifics and that earns a satisfied smile from you.
The towel makes contact with your skin until you’re dry. She tends to you with expertise and when she tells you to open your arms out so she can drape the night gown around you, you oblige immediately. One thing about you is you’re good at doing what you’re told to do; a habit you developed while you were still a courtesan.
“As usual,” Ling starts, “your skin is flawless.” Your fingers wouldn’t be enough to count how many times you’ve heard that overused compliment.
From both women and men alike—they will always, always, say the same when they get the chance to finally rest their fingertips atop your skin. May they be customers, or your fellow courtesans, it’s always your skin.
You smile, “you can retire for the evening, Ling. I am sure you need plenty of rest.” You usher her to leave and rest but she insists on assisting you on your evening routine. But it’s a good thing, you’re fairly good with convincing others.
And yet again, you’re alone. The Palace is quiet enough that the only thing that’s keeping you sane is the sound of the clock on the wall that’s become so loud when the emptiness surfaces.
You sit on the stool in front of a vanity table, opening the drawer wherein inside rested a collection of your skin care regimen. Skin this flawless is ought to be maintained. Especially when it’s your one asset that got you through your courtesanship.
You take each one out, gentle fingertips tending to your skin with mastery. The products are soft and cold to the touch, but it’s nothing new. This is your definition of normal—this tedious routine.
But your tranquility gets cut short when a knock is heard from the door. You freeze in your spot, you almost drop whatever it is that you’re holding—scared that it might be someone out to get you. It is, after all, a new marriage. “Who is there?”
“It's me.”
His voice resonates against the door and there’s an air of comfort that he brings, making your heart race just a tad bit. “Come on in, my Lord.” You call back out, hoping to freely resume your ritual when he’s back inside but you don’t.
You notice the obvious exhaustion displayed across his features. It’s there and he’s tired—you deem it’s due to his rather never-ending duties as the Fire Nation’s number one in-charge.
When he enters, the first thing he searches for is not his night gown. But your eyes. Almost immediately, he catches you by the vanity and when your eyes meet, he dares not break it.
He watches, notices that you’re perched on his furniture, wearing a thin night gown—in his colors—of the same material you always wore to sleep. Your neck and clavicles are exposed and he doesn’t kiss the way your skin glows with the firelamp next to you. It’s uncanny—how can someone’s skin glow this radiantly? And then he realizes the products before you.
His lips are agape before moving closer, approaching you with careful steps—afraid that even just a fraction, you might lean away.
“Excuse me, my Lord. I have occupied your vanity for my routines. I shall be finished in a minute.” You resume your routine, patting down a translucent gel against your cheeks before smoothing it evenly across your face.
“No need to hurry, take your time.” He lets out a sigh whilst his fingers untangle the tie encasing his hair around the crown. He takes the accessories off and his dark hair falls without restriction—even a mere glimpse of it, one would know it’s finger-combing soft. He places the accessory on the vanity then approaches the bed to plop himself on the edge.
He unbuttons his outer robes, placing it carefully onto the mattress beside him. And using the vanity’s mirror, you can see how he’s hastily tending to himself as if the bed is calling him to rest. You feel conscious as he takes one layer after the other; you wonder, how far will he go?
You cleared your throat, catching his attention. “Are you perhaps… done for the evening, my Lord?” You ask, glancing at him through the mirror and he meets your gaze, catching you in for a conversation with eye-contact.
“Yes. I am.”
You nod your head before opting to finish up so that he can use the vanity sooner. But even though your gaze already averted to tend to your skincare regimen placed on the desk, Zuko’s lingering eyes did not falter. He watches carefully through the mirror, he takes in the sight of you touching your skin with familiarity. He notices the particularity—the delicacy of your fingertips against your skin.
His amber eyes trace down to your neck, glossy with the product, as well as your lips that are pink with whatever product you’re using. And Zuko can form only one thought: you are beautiful in his firelamp’s light.
“Is there a reason…” He stands up, and you hear his footsteps approaching, “on why you are so meticulous with this routine?” You’re thrown off guard with his question that you don’t notice the proximity. You feel a strand of your hair getting tugged and you realize he’s wrapping them around his finger and he’s watching as it smoothly slides off.
"Why bother?” He breathes out. “When you’re already so beautiful?” The words leave his lips carelessly and you question why he would dare voice out his thoughts.
The hand that combs through your strands leaves to caress the skin on your neck. He feels the product stick to his fingertips but he pays no mind to it. There’s desperation beneath, an unlit fire begging to catch sparks against his touch. His index finger runs across your clavicle until it reaches your throat, and your breath hitches. He’s got you in a chokehold.
“There is a reason,” you pause when you look up to the mirror only to see Zuko staring back at you. A dangerous flame hiding behind the faint glint in his eyes—half-lidded, and luminous with intentions. “My Lord.”
He leans down. Never stopping until his chin lays on your shoulder, he’s nuzzled against your nape with his eyes closed and he takes in your scent—fruity with the faint fragrance of cedarwood and orchids. He glances one last time at you through the mirror before he turns his head to face you. Your cheeks are blaring crimson, and you feel blood rushing when his breath fans over your cheeks and, in slightest bit, across your lips.
“Would you like to tell me?” He hums out before looking back at you through the mirror, eyes imitating desperation. “I would…” His arms come to wrap themselves around your torso and you feel that certain warmth again through your thin nightgown, “love to know more about you, my dearest wife.”
The mirror beholds a view—the reflection of Zuko embracing you from behind, his cheeks colored with the slightest hint of red and his lips turned upward in a satisfied grin. And there it is again: his eyes subtly asking for permission as if he’s too scared to ask verbally.
"There’s not much to know about me, my Lord.” Shakily, your hands come up to hesitantly hold the hands that rested on your stomach. As if you’re testing unstable water, your hands tremble ever so slightly when they land on his big ones. “But if you insist.”
And that’s the confirmation that Zuko has been waiting for. He understands that you know what you’re in for, and he’s satisfied with knowing that you’re willing to do so too.
With less hesitation now, Zuko’s lips make their way to your cheek. They are soft and scarred, as if he’s been biting through them during the countless hours he’s spent stressed and slumped against his desk. Or during the times he’s helplessly unaware of what to do after being passed on such a big responsibility at such a young age.
You merely watch him through the mirror. The hand that you held abruptly leaves for a second when his impatience—the overwhelming need to touch you everywhere—begins to exude. His big, calloused hands make their way to caress the skin on your forearm and finally to your waist and hips. You squirm with every touch, especially when he runs them up and down with a teasing motive.
He notices the contrast between his calloused, fighter hands and your flawless, unbellished skin. He laughs at this, “your routine seems to be paying off. Your skin is the softest I have ever touched.” He compliments, fingers never leaving to trace circles on your exposed thighs. While he does so, his lips does an entirely different thing—you’re tilting your head to the side as an attempt to help him get more access to your neck.
“I really hope they do. These products… they cost a fortune.” You share and he huffs.
You let out a sound when one hand makes its way a tad bit closer to your breasts—you are bare beneath the night gown so you feel every single touch closer than you’ve ever been touched.
“Then more reasons on why you should tell me why you do such a routine.” He mumbles against your neck, nipping and biting on it without a care in the world. You bite down on your lips when he stops beating around the bush and finally uses one hand to cup your tit. “Tell me.”
Your cheeks are flushed and you can’t seem to organize your thoughts the same way you would normally. His palm brush against your hardened nipples and you feel hot—in the head, in the neck, and most especially down there.
It is your first time. First time that you’ll ever be touched in this kind of way, with these kinds of intentions.
His hand fondles you, not in the way that would hurt you, but in a gentle kind of way. You shut your thighs close when his fingers begin to squeeze your erect nipples, the heat slowly becoming more and more unbearable. Then finally, he stops and sighs, tugging onto the fabric.
“Would you rather tell me in bed?” He asks, and it’s an embarrassing question on your end but he asks it bold enough to make you nod your head.
You lean your head against his and your hand falls to hold his hand. “You’re quite clingy, aren’t you, my Lord?” He merely shoots you a smile before sliding his arm underneath your knees and the other supporting your back.
He carries you across the room and when his legs hit the edge of the bed, he tosses you onto the mattress wherein you plop. You scoot over to the middle before letting Zuko hover above you. His hands on either side of your head while you stare back at him with an innocent gaze that makes Zuko question if he’s ready to taint such purity.
A wave of confidence crashes over you and your hands come around his neck, pulling him down and closer to you. “Mind dimming the lights, my Lord? My figure is rather unsightly.”
He backs away. An unapologetic look as he stares at you in disbelief, “don’t say that.” His voice drops an octave lower and you can’t help but smile as his attempt to assure you of something that has been instilled in you for too long that not even his words can change your mind.
A hand runs up and down your waist until it cups your breast again. You let out a whimper when his fingers pinched your aroused nipples. “This body I’m touching is unsightly, you say?” He leans down, amber eyes predatory while he lets his lips trace down your silk-covered chest area.
“I would tear down nations just to touch this soft skin, my love. And you dare call it unsightly?”
But for the sake of your comfort, he dims the lights, keeping only one firelamp open. “Forgive my selfishness but I would rather that I see your face. You are most beautiful to me.” He strokes your cheeks and you lean into it.
Just a few moments after so, you’ve begun frowning again. The very same moment when his fingers are expertly tracing down, calloused fingers making contact with your skin until the next thing you know is that your night gown is off your body.
In front of him is the entirety of the vulnerability. And, you’re frowning.
Now, having been left with nothing for Zuko has finally freed you of the silk night gown that restricted him from touching you directly. You have him to thank for dimming the lights, because then, he won’t be able to make out the shape of your actual figure. Your figure that lacks curves, your body that doesn’t compare to that one an actual courtesan’s.
However, soon enough your husband takes note of the somber expression you wore whilst you’re laid bare beneath him. His hand abruptly stops, mildly shaking for confusion—it stops memorizing your body under the impression that his dear wife is unhappy.
“Why is it that you frown, my love?” He reaches up a free hand, running his fingers over your lips. You hear him call you by an endearment and there is a quiet sense of home to it.
And that is precisely why it’s confusing.
You breathe out shakily. “Why are we doing this, my Lord?” Even if he calls you his love, you still aren’t bold enough to reciprocate that kind of action so you opt to call him by his title—the one that everyone calls him, and the one that he’s used to.
Zuko freezes entirely, leaning away before taking a good look at you. He hovers. “Because,” he starts, “we have a marriage to consummate, or do we not?”
He’s correct. Yet why? Why go all through the trouble of validating a marriage when it’s been sealed by law? Could you have truly enchanted the Fire Nation’s Lord?
Your hands that settled around his neck gently pull him down, creating an even closer proximity between you two. Your torsos touching and his breath fanning over your nose that you can smell the slight mint.
“Kiss me.”
You knew since the wedding that Zuko is a great kisser. It’s subtle but it’s there—that insatiable craving for a kiss from Zuko that has been going on for days.
And Zuko would be a fool to deny you. He obliges immediately, parting his lips before sinking down to become one with you. His kiss is soft, and his lips feel perfect against yours to the point that the only thing you’re capable of thinking is how easy it is to get addicted if this kind of intimacy was some sort of drug. He continues to mold your lips together, saliva mixing and you’re satisfied with this much, until his tongue begins seeking entrance to your mouth. As a woman unfamiliar with this kind of practice, your eyes widen when you feel his tongue intertwining with your own. You almost choke, having to experience such a weird feeling with no warning yet almost immediately it turns pleasurable—the way he would keep on chasing you every time you try to retract, as if he’s unwilling to let go.
He finally pulls away, his amber eyes gazing down to linger on your swollen lips and he swears he’s gone crazy—he doesn’t know what to do anymore, mind blank with the view of you beneath him with your cheeks flushed and lips agape gasping for air. You are so utterly beautiful that the only response his body can make out is to rest his head against the crevice of your neck.
“I have a question.” Your fingers run through his long strands. “Why me when you’ve been given the blessing to choose your own bride?” He doesn’t withdraw, instead, he moves even closer.
Pulling himself up so that he can run his body along your own, feeling every inch of your skin against his. He slowly sinks down, and painfully slowly too. The firelamp’s light no longer reaches him and the next thing you feel, without a warning, is his lips against the flesh underneath your breast.
In surprise, your eyes widen and your breath hitches. Then, a low whimper exiting your lips before you even realize and purse your lips tight enough to not let any sound get out.
“I’ve been watching you.” Then, his lips latch onto your nipple—tongue swirling along the circular boundary of your perked up buds. He flutters his eyelids up to peek at your expression. He sees you holding back, eyebrows creased in pure ecstasy.
He reckons that the pleasure might have blurred the sounds for you.
“I’ve been watching you.” He repeats, and this time you catch his words. “Huh?”
It comes out choked, a whimper and a moan combining with your words. He detaches from your sensitive buds, only to turn to the side to give the other one some love. He works hard—fondling you on one side and kissing you on the other.
“Ever since I visited your homeland as an envoy of the Fire Nation.” He confesses yet you don’t hear him. You’re still trapped in a hazy trance where all that you can feel is his tongue swirling around your sensitive buds and your body responds to this by trembling. You must be addicted.
You do hear his words but you’re not focused enough to register them. You’re oh too focused on the sensation of his tongue expertly licking and lapping across your skin until you’re certain you’re covered in his saliva.
Zuko notices your absent-mindedness and clicks you back to reality with an innocent kiss on your chin. “Listen for a while, my love. I am pouring my heart over here.” He chuckles whilst daring you again for yet another eye-contact.
You clear your throat before your body squirms, pushing yourself back against the head rest of the bed while you keep your elbows propped on the bed. “Go on.” You nod your head while your hand sweeps softly against his cheeks—a part of you actively seeking the compelling warmth he brings inevitably.
“Ever since I came to your homeland in the guise of a Fire Nation envoy, I have been watching you.” He reveals, a hand making its way to swipe away the hair that stuck on your forehead due to sweat.
“During the night banquet,” he starts but stops himself when he notices you tugging on his arm. He looks back up, meets with your eyes that are requesting he bares himself off the distracting layers he wore. It would be unfair, considering you are completely naked beneath him.
He nods his head, letting you undo the buttons in front before he yanks it off himself.
“You danced.” He continues. “I sat in the front row and saw how you danced for the delegates of other nations. How you danced for me.” The amber irises of his eyes hid a glint of desire and without hesitation, he dives back into you.
He kisses you on the lips again, all while you’re trying your best to get rid of his upper clothing. And when you do, your impatient hands waste no time to explore the entirety of his bare skin. Although unfamiliar to you—touching another man like this—it’s less intimidating, after all, he is your husband.
“And ever since then, I started looking for you.”
He confesses so casually as if it were the most obvious information on the planet. All while he’s unaware of the effect he has on you—how he’s got your heart racing and your blood coursing all throughout your body. However, it’s mostly to your cheeks and down there where you’ve kept your thighs closed all evening.
Zuko starts moving further down until his warmth becomes absent in your hands. You cope with the absence by opting to tug onto his hair. You squirm with a lewd sound exiting your lips when his lips ghost over your stomach and his hands firm against your hips. He takes his time before trailing his tongue down, leaving a line of saliva while he does so. He stops where you kept your thighs closed, he coaxes them open and sinks down to suck on the inner parts.
It’s normal that it feels painful, it is your first time after all. Moreover, the Fire Lord had his teeth digging deep into your flesh while his plump lips sucked on your skin. You bit on your lower lip, afraid that even the slightest of sound would startle him and he’d stop. You have no idea how to navigate this strange experience you’re partaking in for the first time and all that you can do is hope that the Fire Lord doesn’t change his mind when you slip and make a mistake.
Irresistibly, a quiet moan leaves your throat. His breath fans over your soaking pussy and your breath hitches, panicking when you’re overtaken by a foreign feeling so close to your untouched bud.
Zuko panics the same way when you sit up so abruptly. He straightens to seek any discomfort in your expression but instead, he sees confusion.
“Are you alright? Have I done something to upset you? Please, tell me.” He reaches out to hold your shoulders, eyes widened as if the thought if ever being responsible for your discomfort is a nightmare to him.
“I—I am sorry, I am really…” you shakily breathe out, "unused to this, my Lord.” You admit.
Zuko realizes the root of the problem and shoots you an assuring smile. “Please, relax, my love.” He consoles before sinking down to come face to face with your dripping pussy once more. He feels you relax under his touch before he sinks into your warmth.
You don’t have the words to describe it, but you’re sure he’s an expert. With the mere introduction of his tongue inside of you, he’s got you in an arch. Your eyes shut close with the overwhelming pleasure and your hands fisting the silk bedsheets beneath you, trying best to stabilize against the satisfying ache of his tongue swirling inside of you.
“M-My Lord,” you moan out, voice muffled when you turn your head to the side to bury yourself in the creases of the pillow in hope that you don’t let any more embarrassingly lewd sounds. But the way Zuko’s tongue enters inside you is impossible to ignore. Your lips open to let out a loud moan that is muffled by the pillows and unbeknownst to you, what you’re letting out is music to your husband's ears and the drive to his mission to satisfy you.
The stimulation becomes overwhelming to your senses when he reaches his hand down to circle his thumb around your clit.
You’re unsure if this is how it goes but you feel this tide slowly growing inside of you and it’s going to crash down very soon if Zuko continues. A few more strokes and kisses before you finally reach your peak—a loud moan exits your lips and you hope the walls to your chambers are thick enough to not let the guard stationed outside hear you climax.
Zuko retracts, hovering over you while his amber eyes are admiring his work—you’re body trembling and your hips jerking while cum spills out of you like a waterfall. Even like this, Zuko is convinced you belong in a museum.
You turn sideways, closing your legs while you tremble, still letting your orgasm end. But when it does, you feel an unsatisfied knot in your stomach.
He watches you come down your high, peeking to see your expression that you hid behind your forearm. He catches a glimpse of your tears streaming down your cheeks. Gently, he pulls your arm away and grabs your chin so that you’re facing him. “Are you alright?” He searches for signs of discomfort but when you nod he sighs in relief. “Good.”
He locks both of your wrists together in his hold, pinning them above your head while he ignites a small flame in his fingertips. He trails it down your figure, eyes glinting with desire as soon as he finally sees your body with his own two eyes.
His face is caught with the flame’s light too and you notice how his lips are glossy with your juices and his cheeks pink with lust. You can’t deny it, he truly is the most beautiful man you’ve laid your eyes on.
“Your skin is flawless.” He remarks.
Your scar-free skin doesn’t go unnoticed. He looks back at you, “you still haven’t told me the reason, beautiful.” He pinches the flesh in your waist, attempting to teasingly coax out the reason behind the particularity with your skin and all more secrets that you hold he’s ready to keep.
You sigh. “If you compare my figure to those of the other courtesan at the house,” you begin. “You’d realize that I don’t have the typical courtesan-standard figure.” Your eyes stare blankly at him, the mood suddenly becoming serious as you unfold your biggest secret before you. You try to look away but he seeks your eyes no matter what. The way you’re eyes old hate doesn’t go unnoticed by him—so full of hate for yourself because the only person that should have ever come this close to your vulnerability is Ling alone.
“Does that make you less of a courtesan?”
You feel something intrude from below. He slips a slender finger into your wetness, easily too. You whimper when it submerges fully but he ushers you to continue while he pumps the finger in and out at a slow, testing pace.
You shake your head. “But I didn’t have many—ah—clients to begin with.” You moan in between words, biting down on your lips in an attempt to keep your cool while he gains speed. “So to attract more customers…” You breathe out sharply, hips jerking with his thrusts, “ah—I had to use what I had. I took care of my skin… more than ah—nything.”
He fastens his pace, adding two more fingers while doing so. The knot slowly becomes tighter and you feel as though in a matter of seconds you’re going to break. You squirm, trying to ease the pleasure that’s coming over you but all that you can think about is how his fingers are so long that they are able to reach a deep part inside you, the part that puts you on the edge.
“F-Fuck, my lord—I'm a-ah close…”
“Customers?” He speaks, picking up his pace even more and you’re shocked—is this speed even possible? But Zuko is a fighter, and he uses that to his advantage, especially when it’s the matter of satisfying his dear wife. He watches your face contort with pleasure, a smug smile on his lips before leaning down to give your lonely lips a kiss. “Have you done this before with them?”
The tips of his fingers reach the farthest spot inside of you and you finally cave in. He hits your sweet spot repetitively and it gets you coming undone on his fingers. Cum oozing out of you, covering his fingers and instead of wiping it off on the sheets, your husband licks them off.
“No way.” You answer his question before he’s leaning down to kiss you again, making out with you for the nth time of the night.
“Why not? You are delectable.” He teases, referencing how sweet you—or your cum—tasted.
You look away with an embarrassed look on your face, eyebrows furrowed and a pink blush spreading across your cheeks. “That’s not how courtesans, my Lord.” You shake your head.
You feel something protruding in your pussy’s entrance and you bite down on your lips when you turn your head down only to see Zuko lining up his fully erected cock at your entrance. While he does so, he maintains eye contact, you nod your head when his eyes ask again then push yourself up to elevation with your elbows.
“Hm,” he hums out. “Then do share, my love. I would be glad to know more about what you used to do.”
His tip sinks out of view and into you, this elicits a whimper from you—how could you not when his tip is thicker than you anticipated. The girth and the pressure is overwhelming, and as an inexperienced wife, you’d need more than mere fingering and oral to ready yourself for such a big surprise. You bite against your lips until you’re certain they’ve bled, trying to fight against the pain in hopes that it turns to pleasure soon. Zuko groans, trying to push himself to be fully inside you but it’s not use—you’re still too tense, and he’s too impatient.
“My love,” he breathelessly calls out. “You are going to break my dick off. Please relax, it’s just me.”
You apologize then soon after the muscles in your pussy starts to loosen and Zuko finds himself slipping inside you with ease. Your dripping juices acting as the most effective lubricant. You watch how his entire length disappears, moulding inside of you and the unusual feeling of fullness turns your mind upside down. He presses down on the bulge he’s created on your stomach before beginning to thrust in and out.
“You’ve still got a story to tell, my love.” He reminds but all you can think of is the pleasure that you get from the sensation of having Zuko’s veiny dick push in and pull out of you at a quickened pace. Your tits are bouncing and Zuko finds it enticing that he can’t help but latch onto one of them, swirling his tongue around your aroused nipple making your mind go haywire with the overwhelming stimulation.
“A—ah a c-courtesan’s value is… ah—” you moan out loudly, words inconsistent with every whimper that he elicits out of you. “B—based off of her—ah fuck—pureness.” You groan when he picks his pace up even more. The sound of lewd skin slapping resonates across the spacious chamber along with the creaming of the bed. Everything is wet and all you can sense is the vile sound and smell of sex.
“Go on,” Zuko encourages, attaching a finger on your clit before slowing down and firmly wrapping a hand around your hips to make you meet his thrusts.
“Essentially, one’s… a—fuck ch-chastity…”
Zuko’s lips come to kiss you harshly, as if your words had triggered something inside of him. Little did know, he’s being swallowed by pride. Pride from realizing that he is your first. His lips chase you endlessly all while his dick is repetitively comes in contact with that one sweet spot inside of you again.
“Ah fuck—fuck… I’m so—so ah close, my lord.” You wrap your arms around him. “Because of that, I’ve never let a man touch my skin because it's my most valued asset that got me through life.” You whisper whilst you bury yourself in the crevice of his toned neck, voice muffled as tears start to stroll down your cheeks, the knot slowly becoming tighter and more desperate to untangle.
“Then it’s a good thing you’re not a courtesan anymore,” his thrusts quicken as if he’s chasing his own high too. You feel them getting harsher, rougher with the way his tip hits your good spot in the best way possible. “But my wife now.”
He repositions you, holding your legs above and placing them on his shoulders, giving him an even deeper access inside of you. Your mind is nothing but a foggy forest now and you’re free of any form of thought right now. All that you can feel is the way his dick is overwhelming your insides—his dick that is trembling, desperate to spur out his loud inside you.
“Because I’d never forgive myself for tainting such a skin with my marks if I weren’t your husband.”
Without a warning, the knot finally unravels and you’re left trembling underneath him again. You shut your eyes tightly when it begins to roll up, your legs slowly descending from his shoulders to settle on either side of his hips. There is white cum that drips out of your pussy—his and your own—while his dick warms inside of you still.
But it’s not just you who’s stimulated with orgasmic pleasure. He groans, calling out your name as he shoots his load deep into your womb and you feel the comforting warmth of his seed getting planted. You feel it, his dick spasming inside of you and you can’t help but clench around him. His head drops, sweat on his forehead while he hugs you.
“A—ah, my lord—”
“Zuko.”
“Please give me a chance, [Name].”
that was crazy i cant write smut & this is a new version; ive edited, revised and proof read this :)
have to get this out of my head before going to sleep.
—
zuko x reader who are not together… yet
but imagine being a earthbender and going on a mission to retrieve a scroll to a part of the earth kingdom that is mostly deserted. like almost no human/animal lives there. the mission takes longer than expected and you didn’t pack correctly so when day turns into night you are very cold.
and zuko keeps glancing at you while you both walk with the ancient scroll in possession. you try not to shiver but when the last rays of sunlight are totally gone and zuko has to light a fire in the palm of his hand to see you both decide to call it a night and look for a place to sleep.
the problem is that your shivers are getting worse. and zuko would finally sigh and drop one of his robes over your shoulders while you two are sitting close to each other next to a fire that he made. right in front of the little earth tent you just made.
“you could’ve just asked” zuko said with a little smile. meanwhile you kept staring into the fire. not wanting to give him the satisfaction.
“i dont want to tell you thi-“
your head turned immediately and you blocked his mouth with your hand. “dont. finish that sentence.” you warned with a slight playful undertone. his amber eyes almost glowed in the orange fire light. you could feel him slime underneath your palm.
because that morning before you both went on your journey he had suggested to bring an extra layer of clothes in case the trip would take longer…
later you pretended to not like laying down pressed against his warm body both laying underneath your makeshift tent and his robes. and pretended to not be affected by the warm breathing in the back of your neck.
