Chapter X
Taki sat vigilantly at the edge of his bed, leaning against the headboard in a jaded manner. He stroked the soft hair of the form beside him, lying listlessly in his bed and curled up into a tight ball. He admitted to himself that the situation would have been adorable if were not for the circumstances. Taki had stood awake throughout the entire night, despite his exhausted mind and body, for his counterpart seemed to be in far more pain than he was. Kazuki had been groaning terribly in his sleep, tossing and turning violently all night, only to be calmed by his boyfriend's gentle words and soothing touches.
A sudden lurch hit Taki's stomach like a ton of bricks, making him incredibly dizzy. Not again! He jolted to the bathroom to relieve his stomach of its remaining substances, though he honestly hadn't thought there was anything left. After washing his mouth from the bitter aftertaste of sour vomit, he trudged back to Kazuki's side and massaged him gently on the shoulder. "I'm sorry," he whispered, not for the first time that morning. He sighed, knowing that everything that had happened the previous night had been his fault.
I dragged Kazuki down to the restaurant.
I let them weasel us into a game of poker.
I allowed myself and Kazuki to get drunk.
I left him alone with Hoshi.
And now Kazuki is paying the price for my foolishness. Loud multiple bangs on the door caused Taki to jump slightly. He frowned, remembering that Akiko had already visited them earlier that morning to ensure that the couple was alright, which they certainly weren't, but it was kind of her to check up on them. Taki trekked sluggishly into the living room and opened the door, increasingly annoyed as the loud noises pounded around his head. Before he could even blink, a stiff hand was wrapped around his throat, choking the life out of him. He was shoved against the wall, three words hissed into his ear.
"Where's my cousin?"
A pair of golden eyes flickered open, followed directly by a groan of intense pain. "Ta-Takumi?" Zuko quivered, trying to collect his thoughts, but having no such luck. It took him several minutes to recognize exactly where he was. Dusty drapes, cold and clammy air, soft pillows... He was at his boyfriend's apartment, sleeping in his boyfriend's bed, with said boyfriend nowhere in sight. The teen attempted to sit up, only being forcibly driven back by the sheer pain in his ribs and chest, and spreading directly upwards. Zuko bit his lip to keep from crying out in pain, as he allowed his body to rest quietly. His hands traced his bare chest carefully, examining the harsh bruises left along his torso, waist, and wrists. Memories of the previous night came flooding back to him and he shuddered quietly.
No wonder Taki was gone. He probably didn't want to have anything to do with the pathetic boy sleeping in his bed. Zuko sighed, wrapping his arms around his midsection protectively. He couldn't remember any other time when he wouldn't have minded being within his own home as opposed to Taki's.
He frowned, straining his ears slightly, having heard rather indecently loud voices coming from across the hall. He identified Taki's voice immediately, though it was stammering and somewhat faulty against the opposition, who seemed to be screaming nonstop at him. Trying his best to distinguish the speech, Zuko's eyes went wide and he cursed to himself. He threw the thin sheet aside and got to his feet quickly, ignoring the excruciating pain shooting through his body. He limped across the room and hesitated at the doorway, the voices getting louder and easier to understand.
"Where is he?! What did you do to him?!"
"Please! Calm down, he's in my bedroom and he's aslee-"
"YOUR BEDROOM!? AND WHAT IS HE DOING IN THERE?!"
"No, no, no! It's not what you think!"
"Then go ahead! Tell me what happened!"
"I-It's not-"
"Leave him alone, Lee," Zuko interrupted in an aggressive voice. "He's not to blame." He fully entered the room, wincing at the threatening position Lu Ten had put his boyfriend in. His cousin immediately left Taki's side and rushed over to Zuko's. Lu Ten looked as though he had not slept for hours, still dressed in the clothes he wore yesterday, his hair ruffled gruesomely, and his eyes sullen and dark around the edges.
"Zuko, I-" The younger teen shushed him frantically, trying to calm Lu Ten down so that he could at least think reasonably enough to remember to use his alias name. This seemed to work only until his cousin saw the markings all across his upper body. The man seemed to freeze with shock, anger flooding his eyes. With a shaky breath, he traced a remarkably large bruise across his younger cousin's midsection before turning back to Taki with a glare that made Zuko's blood turn icy and his heart stop beating.
"No," Taki whispered horrified, eyes fixed into the hateful stare. "You don't think that I would... I could never, ever-"
Zuko grabbed his cousin's arm before he could even move and whispered in his ear, "Please, Lu Ten. You're not making this any easier. I need to speak with Taki alone. Just go home, I'll be there in a whi-"
"No," he hissed sharply, putting a gentle hand on the back of Zuko's neck. "I'm not leaving you alone with him."
"It wasn't his fault! He didn't do anything! Please, Lu Ten!" he begged his cousin, desperately.
The older teen stood, looking between the two of them, seeing how Taki stared anxiously at Zuko. "Five minutes!" Lu Ten stated clearly, so that they could both hear him. "I'll wait for you outside." He shot a final dirty look at the teenager across the room, before exiting without another word.
The moment the door clicked shut, Zuko found himself in his arms of a concerned Taki. "I'm so sorry," the taller man murmured, putting his hands on the other's chilled back. He felt the younger flinch against his touch, pulling away with a small step backwards. Taki looked rather downcast, as though it had been a personal rejection.
"Nothing to be sorry about," Zuko murmured shaking his head. "You saved me, Taki. I wasn't... wasn't strong enough. Given a few moments-"The words were forced out, obliging Zuko to face the complete and utter truth about what happened. Lu Ten's words drifted into his head:
"It's dangerous out here! Do you know what could have happened to you? There are tons of people out there, willing to take advantage of you."
"I would have lost my innocence."
For some reason, these words only made Taki quiver in fear of what could have happened, what almost happened. "If I hadn't let Hoshi talk us into that stupid poker game, none of this would have happened!"
"In case you didn't notice, I didn't exactly stop it either." Zuko sighed, eying the floor carefully. "I'm sorry, Takumi. I broke my promise."
It took only a mere second for Taki to recognize what the other was talking about. He shook his head fiercely. "It doesn't matter. You fought as hard as you could. I-I wouldn't have come to my senses if I hadn't heard you calling for me. Besides, even if... Even if someone forcibly took your body..." He cupped Zuko's face gently, lifting his chin slightly, so that they might look each other in the eyes. "I know that your heart will always belong to me."
The younger teen's breath hitched sharply. Taki would still stay with him, even if he were tainted? He considered the scenario for a moment. If his boyfriend was impure, Zuko would have no trouble loving him. In fact, during the beginning of their relationship, he'd almost expected Taki to have lost his virginity being the natural charmer that he was. He smiled, stepping back into the arms of his beloved, who sighed appreciatively. It was odd and unnatural to have such physical contact after the night before, but Zuko slowly adjusted to the feeling.
"I love you," Zuko murmured, kissing him shyly on the cheek.
"I lo-" Pounding on the door effectively interrupted Taki's speech.
"Kazuki?!"
Zuko rolled his eyes, causing the other to laugh quietly. "Can I have my shirt back?" he asked quietly before shouting a quick acknowledgement at Lu Ten.
Taki nodded, retrieving the younger teen's shirt lying idly on the couch. Ignoring Zuko's protests, he stepped behind him and wrapped the open tunic around the boy's chest. Tying it around the middle, the young man embraced the smaller form and breathed deeply into his neck, "As I was saying, I love you too." He knotted the sash perfectly, careful not to put any pressure on the other's wounds.
Turning him around, Taki gave Zuko a chaste kiss on the lips before smiling and shooing him out the door. The teen simply smiled halfheartedly, preparing to face all hell when he exited the apartment. With a final kiss he departed, leaving Taki to his distractedly worrisome thoughts.
The young man sighed, staring at the door through which Zuko had just left.
His cousin is never going to let him see me ever again.
Seeing how his cousin was slightly shaken up, Lu Ten refrained from pressing him for answers for the time being. They walked side by side, heading for the palace in uncomfortable silence. Noticing the slight limp in Zuko's step and the stress written all over his face, he decided that going back home immediately would not be a good idea. Not to mention that Lu Ten was absolutely dead tired. He considered their position, then waited a few minutes before gently pulling the younger teen to the side of the road.
"What-" Zuko's soft voice trailed off when he saw where Lu Ten had led him. He allowed himself to be pulled into the building and down a series of deep mahogany stairs, the temperature becoming increasingly warmer as they went. When they reached the bottom of the staircase, Lu Ten walked over to the counter in the center of the underground room, talking briefly to the man behind the counter before motioning Zuko over. He hesitantly followed his cousin, as they slipped into the adjacent room.
Steam trailed smoothly from the area, giving it a mystic, spiritual appearance. Within the room were a series of deep pools of cloudy water, allowing thin vapor to escape from their midst. These underground hot springs were said to contain a healing effect on most minor injuries, and were efficient in solving inner conflicts... Or perhaps those were just the excuses Iroh gave for attending them so often. Lu Ten kneeled next to the nearest pool and dipped a hand into it. He frowned slightly, using his bending to heat the water before giving an approving nod.
Lu Ten began to undress quickly, and Zuko reluctantly followed his lead. Thankfully, his older cousin took no interest in observing his distorted bruises for a second time, and slid into the water gracefully. He swam for a few lazy strokes waiting for Zuko to join him. The younger teen slithered into the water, moaning softly as the blazing warmth overcame him. He rested his head back on the edge of the tub, shutting his eyes in relaxation, for he knew it wouldn't last long.
Soon enough, he felt the water ripple around him as Lu Ten came closer. "Are you going to tell me what happened?" the gentle voice asked. Zuko could not sense even the slightest threatening or resentful tone. It was a simple inquiry. The teen opened one eye and nodded, seeing the sincere look on Lu Ten's face.
And so, Zuko explained the events of the night before, taking little caution in including minor details that might make the story seem worse than it really was. He summarized the attempted assault in extremely brief detail, elaborating extensively on the heroic actions of Takumi. Zuko kept his eyes closed for the majority of the time, trying not to envision his memories too vividly. Lu Ten was silent the entire time, knowing it would be much easier to understand the situation if he didn't interrupt every five seconds with concerned questions, for he knew his younger cousin would relinquish as minimal information as possible. After all, Lu Ten was grateful that Zuko was choosing to share the events with him in the first place.
When a full minute of silence had passed, Lu Ten found it safe to speak. "And nobody forced the alcohol on you?"
Zuko shook his head. "My stupid choice."
"I see." Lu Ten wasn't quite sure what to say. It wasn't as though he himself had never decided to get drunk along with a group of friends. But Zuko wasn't supposed to do something like that. Zuko was the young, innocent, naïve one! He was the 'good' child!
"Zuko, I'm disappointed in you," he stated slowly, collecting his thoughts. However, it tore his heart in two to see the teen's face so devastated, as he gave a miserable nod. "However, I've decided not to be too hypocritical, considering I've made plenty of idiotic choices that have resulted in wor- well, some pretty bad situations. I'm relieved beyond all belief that you weren't fully taken advantage of, and I-I hope that you're not... I know it was probably upsetting for you."
Zuko shivered, feeling his eyes sting once more, tears taunting him persistently. "I-I feel so worthless. I couldn't protect myself. You were right, Lu Ten. I just didn't want to listen because I wanted to be independent. I wanted to make my own choices, even if they were the wrong ones. I'm so sick and tired of being expected of."
Lu Ten bowed his head, these thoughts all sounding extremelyfamiliar. "I understand. I went through exactly that when I was your age. Back when I was heir to the main branch." He didn't seem to notice the flinch of the younger boy. "That's why I started spending more time away from home with my friends, dating girls, and taking risks. Because it was a pathway only I could understand, one that nobody else could dictate or control." He laughed suddenly. "Love is a lot like that isn't it Zuko?"
The teen hung on to his every word, as though they were his lifeline. He never truly realized how much Lu Ten actually understood him. He didn't seem to observe that the water around them had cooled down considerably. However, Lu Ten took silent note and grabbed a pair of towels from the side of the pool and tossed one at Zuko's face, who barely caught it in time. They both stepped out of the pool, the younger still dazed by the other's empathy.
Drying off and redressing as quickly as possible, Zuko trailed after him, still unable to speak a word. Finally, when he was able to articulate, he asked his cousin, "Lu Ten?" He chose to change the subject for the time being. "I missed something last night, didn't I? Where was I supposed to be again?" He blushed heavily at Lu Ten's exasperated glare.
"Zuko, you were supposed to meet Mai's parents."
"What?!" Zuko cried, causing much attention to be attracted this way. Lu Ten shushed him, hurrying them towards the palace gates. "Why-? Shit, shit, shit!" he cursed. "Father's gonna kill me! Let go of my arm! I don't want to go home!!"
"Stop whining!" scolded Lu Ten, putting a hand over his mouth and yanking him into the courtyard, littered with multicolored leaves from the coming of fall. "It's been rescheduled for tonight. I told your father that I forgot to tell you. He was pretty steamed, but it blew over fast. He can't kill me. I'm not his son!" Lu Ten winked, causing Zuko to smile.
"I don't deserve such a great brother," Zuko stated, climbing up the stairs to his room, intent on changing out of his rather uncomfortable clothes.
Lu Ten froze behind him, wondering if he had heard the last statement correctly. Brother? He stared at Zuko, trying to determine whether or not the younger teen had meant to say that precise word. Apparently not, he mused, as the teenager put a hand to his mouth in surprise and turned a deep shade of scarlet.
"Umm, so-sorry. I wasn't-"
He faltered, for this was the first time in days he had seen Lu Ten truly and utterly delighted. "You mean that, Zuko?"
"Yeah..." The boy hid his flushed face in his sleeve. "I guess I did. You, um- I have to change!" he cried, running up the stairs past a flustered official, who was left stroking his moustache indignantly.
"Wait! Zuko! This is a tender moment! I want a hug!"
Taki stood pacing outside of the Asahi's restaurant in quite the daze. He knew he was already late for his shift, but he was incredibly troubled. What if Hoshi was in there? What if they had an awkward confrontation? What if Taki couldn't help himself from beating the jerk into a pile of green goo? He cussed to himself, deciding to just ignore the other young man if he happened to be there. Yes, that would work. Complete ignorance. Yes, blissful unawareness! Perfect.
The moment Taki bolted into the building he was smothered by Akiko's aggressive embrace. "Where have you been? You're killing me here! I had to lie to the Boss and say you were in the bathroom. I've been working all of the tables and we're swamped! Now get your apron on and fast!" Taki took quick notice that Hoshi was not in the small restaurant, before setting out to deliver the orders in a frenzy. People just had to pick today to be hungry for noodles?
"How is Kazuki?" Akiko whispered as they passed each other, as she took orders and he served the completed tables.
He waited until they passed once more to reply, "A bit banged up. Where's Hoshi?" He spat the words with a certain venom that Akiko couldn't remember ever hearing in his voice.
"I don't think he'll be coming in for a while. I stayed with him last night till he woke up," she murmured in his ear, pretending to explain her scribbled orders to him as he poured water from a pitcher that threatened to slip from his hands. "He was really appalled by what he did. I suppose mostly because he can't remember ever feeling attracted to another male before. But I don't think he was fascinated with Kazuki at all. He just wanted to get off on someone. He could have just as easily hit on me or y-"
"He wasn't just 'hitting on' him, Akiko!" Taki snapped quietly at her. "He almost raped him! He would have too!"
"I know," she murmured hanging her head slightly. "And I'd never defend him, but- Taki, you have to understand, Hoshi has always been jealous of you." With that, she departed, allowing him to douse himself in muddling thoughts.
Jealous? What of? If he wasn't jealous of the fact that he had Kazuki... Hell, there was nothing else to be jealous of!
"Um, sir? That glass of water is already quite full!" He was jolted from his thoughts by the soft voice of a young woman. He looked down to notice that indeed, the glass was already overflowing.
"I'm terribly sorry!" he cried, patting the wet surface with a towel from his back pocket, noting that the water had dribbled into the woman's lap. He winced, handing her the towel. "Your soup is on the house this afternoon!"
Taki backed away nervously, leaning exhaustedly against the wall. I am not going to survive this day. His chocolate brown eyes fluttered tiredly, trying to remember the last time he had requested a day off. Perhaps two years ago when he caught a nasty influenza bug? Sighing, he brought his hand up to feel his forehead, knocking a loose leaf of paper to the floor. Shaking himself of his fatigue, he bent down to retrieve the paper and post it upon the announcement board on the wall behind him. Snagging a tack, he glanced briefly at the flyer. It seemed as though there was an engagement celebration at the palace that night. Why do they post these here? It's not as though anyone in this part of town is going to be attending.
He fixed the paper back into place and was about to turn away, when the sketch on the poster caught his attention somewhat. Taki frowned, leaning closer until his nose nearly touched the picture. He read the caption beneath the picture, recognizing the name immediately. Prince Zuko... Which one is that again? Firelord Ozai's son. Isn't he a little young to be getting married? His eyes scanned the picture once more, bringing a smile to his face. If the artist had drawn the boy smiling, he would have looked rather cute. He laughed to himself, wondering what Kazuki would say if he thought Taki had the hots for the Prince of the Fire Nation. Not that it was true of course, but it would have been funny to see his reaction. He studied the sketch intently, his heart growing a bit lighter. That is, until a dishrag hit him in the back of the head.
"Takumi! Get moving!"
"Feeling better?" Lu Ten asked, eying his cousin with a brief nod. "You look a thousand times better."
"I'm nervous," Zuko answered honestly, his heart racing cruelly. Lu Ten sat on the edge of the other's bed, observing the younger teen's attire, while said teen paced frantically around the room. "How could he do this to me, Lu Ten? How could he have possibly-?" Lu Ten had to admit, even in his raving state, Zuko looked quite dashing. He was dressed in beautiful red silk robes, embroidered in a thin line of gold, and lined in a black hem accompanying a plain, dark sash that tied it all together rather nicely. "I can't do this!" Zuko cried, running a hand through his unkempt hair roughly. No matter what he did with his hair, there was always that rogue strand that fell just over his left eye when it was not tied up.
"Zuko, you need to calm down and straighten up," Lu Ten offered his advice. "You are way too nervous about this. She's a girl, not a bloodsucking wolf-bat! And these are just her parents!"
"No, no! That's not it!" he cried, slapping himself in the forehead. "I'm getting engaged! Do you hear me? Engaged!"
"How can I not hear you when you're screaming in my ear?" Lu Ten bit back, rolling his eyes. "Chill, kid." Although Lu Ten could understand the younger boy's nervous fuss. Ozai had decided to morph the quiet dinner occasion with Mai's parents into a full-out engagement party for Zuko, where the engagement rights would actually take place.
"You know why he's doing this, don't you? Because I missed yesterday's dinner with them! So he turns a quiet evening in to a night full of pain and suffering!" Zuko began to go into hysterics, making his rounds across the room. "I have a boyfriend! I can't be engaged to someone else! That's called an affair! And I can't even tell who I'm cheating on! Stupid double life!" Zuko swore, kicking his amour in rage.
Lu Ten winced. Poor dresser. "Listen, Zuko! It's okay!"
"How is cheating on my fiancé and/or boyfriend possibly okay?"
"Um, well-" He had to do some quick thinking. "It's not as though you love one person and then cheat on them for the thrill and intimacy of it. You're heart is totally devoted to one person while you just have to... marry another on the side?" he finished weakly, knowing he had done a terrible job.
"We will be forced to produce an heir of my blood. It will be ensured." Zuko looked slightly sickened. "I can't do that to Taki! I almost lost my purity to another person before. I can't willingly impregnate a woman for the sake of these ridiculous laws. I-I love him."
Lu Ten sighed deeply, unable to comment. He had always treated the subject of sex rather lightly, jokingly. However, he did recognize the feeling of wanting to save yourself for your 'special someone'. Still a virgin and never really in love, Lu Ten couldn't quite relate easily to Zuko's worries. He could imagine that the incident the night before had made Zuko far more wary about how easily one's innocence could be lost.
The said teenager flopped on the bed next to Lu Ten, burrowing his head in his hands. "I don't want to do this. I don't want a wife!" he murmured.
"Then what is it that you want?" Lu Ten asked quietly. He didn't really mean to ask the question, but it seemed to come naturally. The younger teen lifted his head, also looking surprised, but took a few moments of silence to reflect on the worth of the inquiry.
"I want a lover," he answered simply, closing his eyes gently. Lu Ten did not look at all surprised by the answer, but perhaps curious.
"Zuko, you-"
"Your Highnesses!" A call from outside of the door came, loud and squeaky. "The time has nearly come for you to make your entrance.
"We will only be a moment!" Lu Ten shouted back nervously. Zuko wasn't ready to leave, not like this.
"I can't do this," the teen repeated, clutching his hair wildly. "I can't! What should I do?"
"Zuko, just take a second to breathe, alright? I know you're anxious, but you need to understand that the time has almost come for you to make a choice." The younger boy took a sharp breath before Lu Ten continued, "My father used to tell me that love prevailed over all obstacles. That power, wealth, and even honor always fall short of it. Now, being a part of the Fire Nation, it is in our blood to take these things for granted. But once you've experienced love, there's no turning away from what you've discovered from it. I know this might be a bit of a foreign idea, but try to bear with me. You have responsibilities to your country, but the responsibilities to your heart come first. Perhaps you should set aside the importance of honor. If you truly love Takumi, maybe its time to tell him the truth."
Zuko took a moment to digest what the man was saying. "You mean... tell him who I am? But that could wreck everything."
"You can't expect to keep lying to the person you love. If he loves you, he'll stand by you as though nothing has changed. From what I've seen, it can only strengthen your relationship with him."
"And what about the engagement?" Zuko pressed, knowing he was getting closer to the answer he searched for. "To carry on with my relationship with Taki would be a mortal sin, as long as the betrothal stands."
"I am absolutely sure that the Spirit World does not condone loveless marriages, hardly deeming them a union." Lu Ten smiled gently, putting a limp arm around his cousin. "It wouldn't matter if you signed that contract in blood, there isn't a thing that cou-"
"There's- There's a written contract?" Zuko yelped, staring at him with wide eyes. "I have to sign a written contract?" The teen was nearly hyperventilating.
Now you've done it Lu Ten! The man clasped a hand to his mouth to keep from saying anything else remarkably stupid. "Okay, we'll just take this a step at a time. Forget about getting engaged and forget about Taki. We have to go walk down the stairs, okay? Nothing too scary about that."
Zuko paled, but nodded nonetheless, allowing the other to tie up his hair as traditionally worn. "Okay, stairs." Straightening up, the teen took a deep breath, and checked himself in the mirror for the last time. "Let's- Let's go."
"I'll be right next to you the entire time," Lu Ten whispered. "You'll be fine, I promise.
Only a few minutes later, Zuko found himself sitting at his father's left hand, sweating as though he had been running a marathon. The grand ballroom had been redesigned with a long, rectangular table that sat at least over two hundred people, the walls decorated in gorgeous banners consisting of dark crimson and black designs. Coincidentally, Zuko's favorite color tones. By themselves, crimson was far too intense and black was far too simple. Together, they balanced each other in such a way, the entire congregation was influenced by the mellow atmosphere of the décor. Everyone it seemed, except for Zuko, whose blood pressure had never risen so high.
Platters and platters of food were set across the table, the most prominent figures of the Fire Nation attending the service. Of course, it was much smaller than many of the celebrations thrown at the palace, but it was enough to drive Zuko up the wall. Not only was he seated across from his nearly-fiancé, who would look up at him every fifteen seconds, only to blush and look away when she met his eyes, he was seated across from Captain Zhao, who was having a heated, virtual exchange with both of the princes. Lu Ten had distinctly taught Zuko if his hatred and disgust should ever be directed towards any man, it should be Zhao. Though Lu Ten had never quite told him why, Zuko found many reasons of his own to despise the ape-like man. The sound of his name jerked Zuko from his thoughts, as he tuned into the conversation Lord Minako was having with his father.
"We are thrilled that our daughter has been chosen to court your son, Prince Zuko," Lord Minako stated proudly, glancing at Mai over her mother's head. "And. I must admit, very surprised," he added in a low voice.
"Why, not at all!" Ozai proclaimed, a smirk etched across his face. "My son is an excellent judge of character. Receiving the profile on your family provided by Princess Azula has assured me that Lady Mai will be a most worthy addition to the royal family." Saying this, Ozai gave Zuko a look of utter pride and, if Zuko thought it were possible, affection. A tiny fire ignited in his heart, distracting him from the awkwardness of the situation.
.
Ozai was proud of him.
Ozai was proud of him.
Ozai was proud of him.
Trying to remain within the drift of expectancy, the young teen gave Mai a soft smile, who gave a shy grin in return. She would seem like such a sweet girl if it didn't feel as though she were his death warrant. "Provoke her into conversation," Lu Ten whispered in his ear. "Flirt a little. It's what they want." His cousin gave his shoulder a soft squeeze before turning back to glare at Captain Zhao.
Flirt? Zuko had no idea how to flirt! He thought back to his early relationship with Taki, when they had been only friends. The only thing he could remember that was even close to flirting was casual conversation. Oh, well. It would have to do. "Azula tells me that you are skilled in weaponry combat," he said in a low voice, slanting his head a little. "I find that very impressive." He tried his best shoot her a seductive glance.
Meanwhile, Lu Ten shook his head vehemently. His cousin was flirting alright; he was flirting like a girl might, which wouldn't be out of place considering his orientation. But seeing as how Lu Ten was the only one who knew about this, it was definitely out of place.
"I-I train often," she said, a cherry-red glint tainting her cheeks. "However, I wouldn't say that I am skilled."
"I'd love to watch you practice sometime," Zuko exclaimed, remembering something Taki said to such an effect when he had mentioned his swordsmanship skills.
"I would be honored," Mai said, overcome by the politeness her crush was administering to her.
Zuko bit his lip, returning to his food for a moment. Damn. He ran out of things to say fast. And he was sure that she had been brought up with the whole "do not speak unless spoken to" deal. He looked helplessly at his cousin, who nodded for a moment in approval, before leaning over to whisper, "She looks scared. Try comforting her."
"My Lady, you look a little flustered. You aren't nervous, are you?" Zuko asked, trying to be sincere. For never having a steady girlfriend, Lu Ten certainly did have a massive surplus of advice.
"I suppose I am a little nervous," Mai replied, looking away shamefully. "I was not expecting to be courted for a few years."
Once more, Zuko felt the guilt of the upcoming marriage overwhelm him. "It's okay," he assured her, with a smile. "I'm anxious too."
Mai looked up in surprise, before whispering, "Thank you, Prince Zuko." Their chatting proceeded calmly and rather blandly throughout the entire evening. The prince's nerves were steadied considerably. However, when dinner came to an end, and the dishes were removed, he knew it was time for the rites.
Taking a deep breath, his mind racing silently, Zuko walked around the head of the table and offered his arm to Mai. By now, the entire assembly was watching the pair of them wordlessly. Mai rose from her chair, her flush suppressed, as she wrapped her arm around his lightly. Slowly, he walked her over to the very center of the room, where two cushions were set out for them. Zuko waited until Mai had kneeled down gracefully on the left one, before he descended to the right.
A servant dressed in elegant white brought out a small tray consisting of a beautiful tetsubin and two small, accommodating cups. Zuko recognized the patterns and characters etched on the apparatus immediately: Togetherness, longevity, eternity, and fertility. Tea was poured for both of them, and Zuko's heart began to pound harshly. This is it. This is where we are bound together for life, no matter what. The servant departed, a tense silence filling the room. This is where I surrender my heart.
The young teens embraced their cups with a delicate hand, while supporting it underneath with the other. They simultaneously brought the cups to their lips... Zuko's fingers shook, noticeable only to him. The tea's odor was bitter and unpleasant, just as the whole ordeal had become. The rim of the cup touched his mouth...
This is when I sign my life off to the law.
This is when I bind myself to a girl I do not love.
This is when I betray every aspect of my heart.
This is when I make my father proud.
Zuko pursed his lips, and did not drink.
Later that night, Zuko sat wrapped in the arms of his boyfriend, his guts twisting and turning like never before. While he had not united himself with Minako Mai, it did not change the fact that he had signed a lawful contract with his father peering over his shoulder. He was engaged by decree, and here he was in the house of his beloved other, drinking tea with him. Never before had Zuko done something so rash. But he had come tonight for a purpose; he had come to tell Takumi the truth.
"Takumi... I love you," Zuko whispered, breaking the silence that lingered for a few minutes, sipping his tea contently.
"I love you too," Taki responded, not fazed at all by the spontaneity of the comment. His hand caressed Zuko's stomach beneath his shirt, tracing tiny invisible patterns against his skin. The events of the previous night had been forgotten, as the two breathed in each other's essence, filling their hearts with the presence of a loved one.
"No matter what?" he asked softly, setting his teacup down on the side table. He flipped himself around on his stomach, sprawled over his boyfriend in what many upper-class folks would consider an indecent manner.
Taki frowned at his tone, setting his tea down as well. "Of course. No matter what. Kazuki, is something wrong?"
Zuko winced at the use of his false name. That was why he was here; he could do this. "I-" His voice trailed off, trying to focus his thoughts into words that were less blunt. He sighed, burying his head into Taki's shoulder. Scenes flowed through his head: Taki screaming at him, crying, kicking him out of the house. He wouldn't, he couldn't! I can't-
"Forget it," he whispered, snuggling back into the teen's chest. "It's nothing." Zuko sighed, his anxiety turning into self-loathing.
"It doesn't sound like nothing," Taki responded lightly, tilting the other's chin upward. "Is there something you want to tell me?"
He sounded so trusting, so loving. Zuko couldn't bear to tell the other what was on his mind. "I'm just a little stressed. I'm not thinking clearly I suppose."
"Okay," Taki murmured, not completely convinced, but willing to drop the subject. "Stressed, huh? I can understand that." He wrapped his arms tightly around the teen nestled lovingly into his chest. This perfect, beautiful, affectionate teen. He was all Taki had ever wished for and more. So perfect. The older teen placed an arm under Zuko's legs and around his torso, lifting him up carefully.
"Ta-Taki?" Zuko blushed at the vague seductive look in the other's eyes. Yet, the back of his mind still screamed at him, 'Why does he treat me like such a girl?'
The man didn't respond, as he slowly walked Zuko into his bedroom and shut the door. Taki smiled, laying the boy down onto his bed gently. He crept on top of him, covering his neck with soothing kisses that made the younger boy sigh with contentment. "You're so beautiful," murmured the teen above him, eyes glistening with sincerity.
Heat immediately tainted Zuko's cheeks, as he pondered for a response. However, it wouldn't have mattered if he came up with one, for Taki's lips went straight to his own, begging for attention. The boy conceded instantly, allowing the older teen to slide his tongue into his mouth, while wrapping a loose leg around his waist. To his distinct pleasure, Taki deepened the kiss, his hands traveling beneath the barrier of his shirt. Zuko moaned softly, urging the man to continue his ministrations along his neck and jaw line. Everything else seemed to melt away as the two teenagers lost themselves in each others' affection.
The mattress sunk gradually as Taki ground his hips firmly into the other, who hissed with surprise, reciprocating the action without thought. Pleasure twisted in Zuko's gut, as he writhed under the tender hands of his beloved, trying to steady his breathing. His nimble hands traveled swiftly up Taki's chest, untying the sash that held his blood-red tunic in place. Sliding it from the man's shoulders with ease, he sighed blissfully and embraced the man across his back, trailing his hands across fresh skin. The teen above him shivered, lying his head down on his chest, murmuring incoherent phrases as Zuko stroked his body gently. There was something different about that night...
"I love you," Taki whispered, his eyes flickering with unspoken desire, breathing deeply into the other's neck.
For once, Zuko didn't feel guilty as the use of his alias. He was utterly content to be Kazuki, if that was who Taki wished for him to be. After all, Zuko and Kazuki were one in the same.
"Takumi," he sighed, uncertain of what to say. There were so many things he wanted to tell him; he wanted to convey an entire universe full of love and devotion with words alone. Closing his eyes, Zuko found four words that expressed everything he felt.
"Make love to me."
Taki's hazy eyes suddenly turned incredibly focused, as he lifted himself up to look the teen in the eyes. "Kazuki..." His lips parted slightly, breathing the name with passion. He cupped the teen's face in his hands, staring him directly in the eyes. "Are you sure you want this?" He forced himself to keep a clear head, determined not to ravish the naive teen.
"I want you," Zuko corrected him, lovingly tracing patterns on his bare skin. His eyes glimmered and his cheeks flushed with excitement. "Tonight."
The young man smiled softly, inclining slightly to meet the pale lips with his own. "As you wish, my lover."