Summary: Affection wasn't something that came naturally to him. It was like everything else he reached for. It was elusive, ever escaping his grasp, and burning into ashes when his fingers curled around it. But luckily for him…love came armed with a teapot. A love story brewed very slowly and in very small cups.


Flax

Her face was beet red and her eyes were downturned. Even so, he could feel her terror. Her mistake would be her demise. Without thinking, he leaned forward, grabbing a napkin and pressing it against his father's sleeve, though he was immediately pushed away.

"Forgive me, Father!" he murmured, unease adding the perfect quiver to his voice and making the deceit complete. "I didn't mean to—"

Ozai roughly waved off both his son and his apology. "So clumsy," he mumbled, but for once the harshness in his voice didn't seem to hurt. As Zuko settled back into his seat, he dared to look across the table and found her gaze was on him. Though she didn't speak, her eyes shone brightly and her lips formed a silent word.

"Thanks."


the flax, which comes in both blue and red, says 'I feel your kindness'