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Warm afternoon light filtered down through the clouds, casting an orange hue over everything. Lee admired it for a moment, letting the breeze gently tousle his hair. As he continued walking toward the pond, he fidgeted with his locket, running his thumb over the embedded gem on the front.
It was a delicate, beautiful piece that he wore more often than the crown he was given at their wedding; it was an easier thing to remember since he had worn it for so long. And it was easy to fidget with, like he did now, since it was right around his neck- an extension of his husband, always available to comfort him.
The grass was soft under his bare feet, and the wind sang against the windchimes he had put up a few weeks ago, whispering to him, as if beckoning him closer, closer.
It was quiet, save for those sounds, save for Zuko's soft humming as he waited near the pond. As Lee approached him, he felt a smile spread across his face. An instinctive reaction.
Zuko was turned away- this was the perfect opportunity.
Lee silently came up from behind, got on his knees, and hugged Zuko. He squeezed him tightly, kissing all over the side of his face. Zuko's surprise quickly melted into a fit of laughter.
Zuko was warm. And soft.
Most of the time, he wore his uniform, the usual attire as Fire Lord. It had some armor, those huge shoulder guards that made it just that much harder for Lee to cling onto him. Instead, he wore something more casual, something with less armor and less of the ridiculously big shoulder guards which made it easier for Lee to grab him and cuddle him and do whatever he wanted.
The world was hard and cold…his husband was soft and warm and cuddly.
“Hello to you, too,” Zuko said, turning to kiss Lee's lips. “Did you miss me?”
“Always.” Lee relaxed, keeping his arms around Zuko's waist. He rested his chin on his shoulder, peering over to see a small heart-shaped box in Zuko's lap. “What's that?”
“Oh- I, uh…” Zuko lifted the box so Lee could see it better. “I brought you a gift. For Valentine's Day.”
Zuko opened the box and revealed an array of expensive looking chocolates. Lee's eyes widened, not only in surprise but also excitement. Zuko laughed again upon seeing it.
“Come sit next to me,” he said. Lee moved next to him and leaned against him a little. Zuko took a piece of chocolate and put it up to Lee's lips. Lee took a bite and smiled as the flavor exploded on his tongue, rich and dark, with a hint of something sweet and fruity.
“How is it?” Zuko asked.
“Really good.”
Zuko ate the remaining piece. “Wow, you're right. This is really good.”
“Where'd you get it from?”
“This candy store out in town. I went there to pick something up for you and they were advertising their holiday stuff, so I decided to order this for you.”
Lee picked another chocolate and fed it to Zuko. “So thoughtful,” he said, with a hint of amusement. “Thank you, my love.”
“I'm sorry that we ended up being busier than usual, I didn't realize the Fire Sages needed us today.”
“Stuff happens,” Lee said calmly, occupied by another piece of chocolate. “I hope you don't feel like you have to make it up to me.”
“Sort of. I tried to clear our schedule best I could.” They had been busy on the days leading up to today, and there were only a few small tasks to attend to, besides the sudden meeting with the Sages.
“I know. You tried your best.” Lee kissed him. “I like spending evenings with you anyway.” He leaned on Zuko's side and Zuko put an arm around him, a quiet promise that tonight he wouldn't let him go. Wouldn't let anything come between them. Fire Sages be damned. They could figure out their own problems for a night.
But they didn't have to think about that now. At least, for a few hours, they would be left alone. Left to their own devices. Left with just each other, and even years after, they had to be thankful for that, that war didn't tear them apart. At least, not yet. Hopefully not ever.
The sun was setting overhead, turning the sky a mix of orange and yellow, some pink hues in there. Lee lay his head in Zuko's lap as he stared upward, sometimes looking at the sky but mostly looking at Zuko.
Zuko ran his fingers through Lee's hair, and every now and again, would give him more chocolate, and Lee would kiss his fingers. Or he'd hold his hand, stopping it from moving away, and bring it closer to kiss his knuckles.
Lee took whatever chance he got to admire his husband and now was the perfect time, under such lighting that made him appear angelic- there was no other word for it.
Angelic. Perfect.
And how wonderful it felt to call Zuko his husband.
While Zuko watched the turtleducks swim about in the pond, Lee looked at him. Really looked at him. His smooth skin, radiating warmth- he thought about what lay beneath his clothes, the scars there that Lee had run his fingers over many times before.
The smile on his lips, peaceful, unbothered, and Lee knew that was good, that it meant nothing was weighing on his mind. His hair covered his eyes a bit. It was growing out and Zuko still hadn't trimmed his bangs, or tried to keep them out of his face. It made him look cute.
Lee stroked his cheek and Zuko looked down at him. His eyes were the most gorgeous amber Lee had ever seen. It was almost like they glowed. Truly magical.
“You okay, honey?” Zuko asked.
Lee stalled for a moment, robbed of words. “I'm okay.” It was almost trance-like, the way he looked at him. Zuko said something else and Lee didn't respond for a moment.
“...huh?” He finally asked.
Zuko chuckled. “It wasn't important.”
“Ah, okay…”
“You seem tired.”
“I'm fine. Just…give me a second.” Lee rushed the last part, attention stolen by Zuko's hair. He tucked it away from his face, the movement slowly, measured. Zuko couldn't help another soft chuckle, amused by Lee's attitude.
“Are you sure?” He asked.
“Yes,” Lee said. He huffed. “You put something in the chocolate…a love potion or something.”
Zuko grinned, amused. “Why do you say that, honey?”
“I can't keep my hands off you.”
“That's not unusual, though.”
Lee smiled. “True.” He took a chocolate and raised it up to Zuko's lips. He put it in Zuko's mouth and watched him for a few moments.
“You've got something,” Lee said, tapping Zuko's bottom lip, “right here.” He leaned up and kissed him. “It was me.”
“Real clever.”
“I know.”
They put the chocolate away after a little while, closed the box and set it aside. Soon they completely forgot about it. A lone turtleduck sat next to the box as if guarding it.
Lee and Zuko ignored the rest of the area, the pond, the small meadow. It was beautiful, yes, but it paled in comparison to their loves- each other, of course.
Hesitant, as if afraid he'd disappear, as if afraid he were a mirage, Zuko reached over and stroked Lee's face, smoothing his hair away from his face. Lee slowly exhaled, relaxing further.
Zuko's hand trailed down to his arm, where he traced the contours of muscle under Lee's skin, traced the veins leading down to his hand. Lee turned his hand, palm up, so Zuko could continue.
Zuko then took his hand. He didn't have to do much work pulling him in. Lee shifted and got on top of him.
Zuko twirled his long hair around his fingers, admiring the way the light played off it.
Lee leaned in. Zuko's angel face was only inches away. “I love you,” he sighed, holding Zuko's face.
“As I love you.” And Zuko threw his arms around Lee's shoulders to pull him in.
Lee grabbed at his shirt, his arms. Kissed him with an intensity Zuko immediately reciprocated. Zuko's fingers gripped his hair, almost pulling.
Everything else faded. It reminded Lee of their wedding night, almost- there was nothing but the sound of their hearts beating and heavy, erratic breathing as they tried to get closer, fit together in every way possible. Like puzzle pieces. Or thread interwoven, intertwined, bound.
There were only a few things Lee could focus on at a time. This was testing the limits. Zuko’s mouth was warm, inviting, like his lips. Irresistible.
Zuko’s hands ran all along his body, his shoulders, his back, his hips. Other places.
Lee grabbed at him, too, mostly at his arms, then ran his palms over his strong chest. One hand went lower, over his stomach, then to the side to hold his hip.
In the back of his mind, Lee wondered if anyone could see them. If the servants caught a glimpse, maybe. One time he and Zuko were making out, much like now, and for a brief moment, Lee saw someone peek into the room. She had fled as quickly as she came, and no one ever mentioned it. In hindsight, it was sort of funny.
Right now, he didn’t care if anyone saw, and on the off chance someone happened to be watching, he thought they might as well put on a show. But not now.
Lee pulled away to finally breathe. It was hard. Zuko’s eyes, that dazed look on his face, the sight of his lips swollen and covered in their spit- it was dazzling. He was dazzling, and it never failed to take Lee’s breath away.
“You know,” Lee said, “dark chocolate is an aphrodisiac.”
Zuko was still out of breath. “Oh, yeah?”
“Did you know that?”
“The shopkeeper might’ve mentioned it.”
Lee fell back on the grass, resting at Zuko’s side. They both reached for the other’s hand at the same time. Their fingers intertwined, they admired the darkening sky, quietly, letting the intensity of the moment fade. The wind picked up, messing their hair again and ruffling the grass. Zuko began to stand up and Lee followed.
“Let’s go inside,” Zuko said, “it’s getting cold.” He picked up the box of chocolates. “How does a warm bath sound?”
“Sounds great to me.” Lee swung his arm as they walked. “You should help me write some poetry.”
“Sure. I’ll give you lots of inspiration.”
“You already have, with that stunt you pulled.”
“You started it,” Zuko said, stepping inside. He let go of Lee’s hand and opened his arms. “Come, I’ll carry you.”
Lee had almost forgotten he didn’t have shoes on. The grass was nice but the floor was a different story. He happily accepted the offer and let Zuko scoop him up. He held the box to make it a little easier, his other arm around Zuko’s shoulders.
“So gentlemanly of you,” Lee teased.
Zuko kissed his head. “I’m trying my best to be romantic.”
“I think you’re doing a good job.”
“Yeah?”
Zuko stopped briefly as Lee turned his head and kissed him. “Of course,” Lee said, smiling.
It took Zuko a moment before he remembered what he was doing and continued walking.
They spent around an hour or so in the bath, chatting about all the random topics that came to mind. There was a play they had been meaning to catch, but had forgotten about it. Maybe the actors would be willing to put on a private show for them.
They circled back to the topic of their friends a few times. Lee said he had sent a few letters out to them and they both eagerly awaited their responses. It was hard, when the only times they saw each other were during battle.
They tried to steer away from the topic of work related things- meetings, audiences with government members from other nations and their own. It was enough to almost constantly worry about the state of the world. Better to focus on what was right in front of you.
Which led them to having sex. A few very passionate rounds, then they were over and done with it. Time to get out of the bath.
Zuko finished combing through his hair faster than Lee did- by coincidence or on purpose, who knew- and offered to help Lee with his hair. He took his time, of course, gently doing away with the tangles.
And he got distracted. As expected.
He kissed and nibbled on Lee’s neck, his shoulder, earning gentle, sweet laughs from him. He nipped on Lee’s earlobe and whispered. “You smell nice.”
“Is that why you’re biting me?”
“I’m a vampire.” Zuko gave an unconvincing hiss.
Lee feigned shock. “Oh, no! My husband has turned into a vampire!”
Zuko spoke dramatically, trying to remember what the vampires in Lee’s books said. Or something they might say. “You are my affliction. We are bound by fate. Come to me, my dear…” He lightly bit Lee’s neck, hearing him erupt in laughter. In order to draw more laughter from him, Zuko began to tickle his sides. Lee wriggled around, trying to get him to stop, but failing to since he was laughing so hard.
“Zuko! I can’t breathe!”
Zuko stopped and let Lee catch his breath, the both of them smiling so hard their cheeks had started to hurt.
“You dick,” Lee complained.
“What about my dick?”
“Shut up.”
“Make me.” He smirked. “You couldn't earlier.”
Lee elbowed him. He sat up, facing Zuko. He grabbed his face and gave him a long kiss. “How’s that?”
Zuko took a few seconds to respond. Lee had done his job. “...Perfect.”
Shortly after, they left for their room. Zuko put on one of their favorite records and asked Lee to choose something for him to read. Lee chose a fantasy book and they climbed into bed together.
Lee let his head rest on Zuko’s chest, listening to the lullaby that was his heartbeat. Zuko had one arm around him, both hands holding the book open. They read in tandem and since Lee read faster, Zuko simply turned the page when he was done instead of asking.
Halfway through the second chapter, Lee neglected the words on the page. Instead he was occupied with tracing the pattern on Zuko’s shirt. It was suddenly more important than the book.
Zuko was done with the second chapter when a certain song started to play. Lee sat up, looking at the record player with a smile. He tore the sheets off and got out of bed.
“Come on, come on, come on,” he said as he tugged at Zuko’s hand. Zuko got out of bed and set the book down, not bothering with trying to mark his page.
“What is it?” He asked.
Lee turned the music up a bit louder. “I want to dance. Come dance with me!”
“I’m coming, honey.”
Lee took Zuko’s hands, bringing him in. He threw his arms around his shoulders and felt Zuko’s hands rest on his hips. Lee leaned against his chest and Zuko slipped his arms around him.
“Kiss me once, then kiss me twice, then kiss me once again. It’s been a long, long time.”
Lee murmured the lyrics quietly to himself. He felt Zuko press a kiss to his hair and he grinned, squeezing him gently.
This song was one of his favorites. They’d first heard it in Ba Sing Se, and Lee had bought a record of it and one night, when they were supposed to be asleep, he and Zuko danced to it in their sleeping clothes.
Then, the band played it at their wedding. Neither of them had requested it, so it came as a surprise. Then Iroh revealed it was him who had asked the band.
“Haven’t felt like this, my dear, since can’t remember when. It’s been a long, long time.”
Zuko continued, voice just as soft as Lee’s was. “You’ll never know how many dreams I’ve dreamed about you.”
“Or just how empty they seem without you.”
“So kiss me once, then kiss me twice, then kiss me once again.”
“It’s been a long, long time.”
They gently swayed to the music, just like that night in Ba Sing Se, or the night of their wedding. Completely focused on the other, drowning. But no need to come up for air. This love provided enough to survive on.
Zuko turned, began slowly leading Lee to the bed. He fell back with Lee on top of him and they made love again with their favorite song in the background. It was slow, tender, lots of kissing and grabbing and gasping. Gentle.
They kept going until the music ended. When that happened, they waited until they finished, then Zuko got up, picked up the needle, and dropped it on a new record.
Lee watched him with loving eyes as he walked back to the bed, murmuring lyrics under his breath. He twirled his hair around his finger, slowly, and Zuko thought he was the prettiest thing.
“Twenty-nine pearls in your kiss, a singing smile, coffee smell, and lilac skin, your flame in me…”
“I’m only here for this moment,” Zuko murmured as he climbed on top of Lee.
He adored how Lee’s face flushed darkly at the sound of his voice, at his touch. He held his face and leaned in.
“I know everybody here wants you.”
Lee kissed him.
“I’m everybody,” Zuko said.
Lee's gaze was soft, eyes slightly widened. He smiled.
“Oh, I know. Trust me.”