Prompt: Spark
Overheated
Zuko's fire made Mai hot. She giggled at the silliness of the observation, covering her mouth quickly to hide the noise. As a rule, she did not giggle. That was the province of children or girls like Ty Lee. Mai felt bad as soon as that thought entered her head. It sounded like an insult to her friend and that was not how she had meant it. Ty Lee was simply freer with her feelings, both positive and negative, much like very young children were. Mai envied her that.
The Fire Lord, Mai's fiancé, was busy training in one of the palace's many courtyards. He was shirtless, though the autumn day had a hint of cool that promised something more dramatic to come. Rain dark clouds scudded across the sky and the occasional drop pattered softly to the ground, momentarily marking the perfectly laid stones.
Zuko was in that trance like state he attained when his concentration reached near perfection and the remainder of the world seemed to drop away. He was beautiful to watch, every move graceful and smooth, the firm muscles rippling beneath his pale skin, perspiration giving him an ethereal like sheen. His eyes were closed and the slightest of smiles curved his perfect mouth upward.
She wanted to kiss that mouth now and Mai felt desire quickening inside her, like a separate being, hungry and wanting. It would have to be fed soon or else it would grow and grow until it was completely unmanageable and Mai herself a rampaging beast. She licked her lips and then cleared her throat.
Standing up, she approached Zuko cautiously, acutely aware of the brilliant orange and yellow flames, the heat they gave off and the danger they posed.
"Zuko," she began softly. "Zuko, it's time to stop now."
Gradually he opened his eyes. The warm gold pools adjusted to the light and then took in Mai. She could see the affection in them, the love and the desire, all so clear. She felt giddy under his gaze.
"Are you hot?" he asked. His gravelly voice sent a shiver of want down her spine and there was a hint of humor in it that made her quirk her lips.
"Yes, in fact, I think that I might be overheating." She inched closer, reached out and brushed her fingertips against the scar on his lower chest.
Zuko took her hand in his and kissed her fingertips with a poignant tenderness. "Well, what are we waiting for then?" Grabbing his towel, he patted his face and arms, then his chest.
"Nothing," Mai replied, "absolutely nothing."
Linking her arm through his, she guided him back toward the palace, and the sanctuary of their bedroom. Hours later, the beast abated, they lay comfortably in each other's arms.
"All better," Zuko teased. He was drowsy and contented looking and proud too of his performance.
"Oh yes, all better; until the next time." Mai pressed her lips firmly to his, reminding Zuko that when it came to loving, they would never really be finished.
And he was more than happy with that idea.