Chapter XIX
"I really appreciate this, Akiko," Taki stated sincerely, as he combed his fingers through his hair in some vague attempt to make himself look presentable. He sat quietly on the chilly, wooden floor in the center of his friend's living room while she prepared them breakfast by candlelight. It was about two hours until dawn and neither of them had slept a wink the previous night, spending the entire time talking, reminiscing, and shedding a few tears on Akiko's part. Their conversation mostly encompassed 'Kazuki's' true social standing and their plans to disappear, which was fresh news to Akiko.
"Don't be silly," she responded, although her tone was far less cheerful than she had attempted. "You're my best friend and it's quite possibly our last time seeing each other. I'm not throwing you to the dogs now. Stay here as long as you need to." Akiko smiled, flipping the omelet in the pan before her with some difficulty.
"Zuko and I should be leaving tomorrow," he explained, shivering and pulling his legs up to his chest. Taki couldn't explain how surreal this felt, sitting in the near-dark as their soft whispers floated lazily through the air. This could be the last time he saw his closest friend... "I'll be out of your hair soon enough."
"Don't say things like that." Akiko sighed, trying to suppress the sickening sensation in her stomach. "You act as though I want you gone." She sliced the omelet in two and flipped it onto the plates, spreading the appetizing aroma across the air. Taki remained silent, murmuring his gratitude when he was handed the food. "You're cold," Akiko observed, almost as though she was scolding him for not telling her. She prodded him onto the couch and threw the nearby comforter over both of them, much to Takumi's appreciation.
"You know, if I were you I'd talk to the manager about that promotion I know you want," Taki said, causing her to nearly drop her plate with flushed embarrassment. "Assistant chef, right?" He took another bite of his breakfast, although he was not particularly hungry. "This is delicious."
"You're sweet," she proclaimed, ruffling his hair absently. "I could apply, just to see what happens."
"Good," he affirmed, trying to curl up to himself to retain the body heat he was quickly losing. Why am I so freezing? "Even in a lower class occupation, there's always a chance at making it big. Who knows? You could end up owning a whole chain of restaurants."
Akiko laughed, shaking her head at him and waving her finger pointedly. "You're a dreamer, you know that?"
"Yes," Taki admitted, suppressing a deep yawn within his chest as he shivered to himself. His expression grew strangely nostalgic as his attention turned towards the window that sat beside the front door, allowing him a glimpse at the slowly fading stars. His distressed gaze did not go unnoticed by Akiko.
"Everything's going to be alright." She put a hand to his shoulder as they discarded their half-eaten plates to the side. She gasped softly when she felt him shudder under her touch, trying to banish the tears forming in her eyes. "You're going to be just fine."
"He's giving up everything to be with me," Taki murmured, putting a forlorn hand to his forehead in agony. "And I may not even live to see two more years with him." He put a hand to his heart, pleading silently with his body. "How am I supposed to look him in the eye and tell him? I'm not worth-" His words were stopped short by a sharp, stinging pain as Akiko's hand slapped him across the face, leaving him slightly dazed.
"Don't you dare say you're not worth it!" she growled, shaking him by the shoulder. Her voice grew softer as she spoke, "Zuko loves you more than anything. Don't make his sacrifices out to be for nothing. So what if you can't stay with him as long as you'd like? That's no reason to waste the time you have left watching him from afar, watching him be part of a life that smothers him and wishing you could be a part of it."
It just doesn't seem fair. It's never going to be fair. Taki leant his head back, trying to make sense of his whirling thoughts. "The last thing I ever want to do is break Zuko's heart again." He trembled as he stared down at his bare forearms, cursing his weakness.
"It's a silent killer," the doctor explained, as he examined Takumi's blood through a premature microscope while the shocked teenager lay shirtless on the cold, metal table. "It's a cell malignancy that very little is known about. What we do understand is that it releases a toxin into your blood that weakens your immune system and causes you to become ill very easily. Eventually, your body shuts down and your heart is unable to function under the pressure." The man moved away from the blood sample and stared at the boy, his eyes full of pity. "It wouldn't truly be a danger at its current magnitude, but that is the frightening element. The infected cells divide at a cancerous rate and can overcome a person within months, in the most painful of ways."
"It's hereditary, isn't it?" Taki whispered, shutting his eyes as he quivered. "My mother..."
The man sighed, nodding his head and pulling his stethoscope over his shoulder. "Yes. If an afflicted female is impregnated, the offspring will undoubtedly inherit the disease. Most such families have children without knowing that they a carriers of the ailment, for it usually activates sometime in a person's late thirties and takes their life within years. However, the side effects often instigate within one year of death. In your case... You should stay away from stress, especially that which may cause you emotional strain. If you endure terrible emotional pressure, your health will decrease dramatically. Obviously, your recruitment into the army is out of the question."
Taki put a shaky hand up to his head as he thought back to his dusty memories. His mother's illness had triggered without warning, and she was on the verge of dying in a single year. "Do you have an estimate of- of how much time I have left?"
The doctor was quiet for a while, observing the teenager's young body thoughtfully. The boy was already pale and unhealthy looking. Being so young, there was a good chance that the disease could overtake his body more quickly than it should. "It was caught earlier than in most cases. I would estimate two years from this point. However, I may be completely mistaken. There is only one other method of evaluation. The mile marker for one year's time is when you first orally expel blood."
"I-I'm scared," Taki admitted to Akiko, as she pulled his shaking form into her arms. His silence turned into soft sobs as he clung to her figure, his breathing deep and ragged.
"It's okay to be scared," she whispered in his ear, rubbing his shoulder in a vain attempt to calm him. "Your mother lived with it for a while, Takumi. You have a strong will, and you have someone to stand by your side. You'll be fine."
"My mother..." His words were muffled by his scratchy, winded breath. "She died protecting me, so I could have a chance at a real life! They both did." Everyday their sacrifices lessen in worth. I drop out of school, I abandon my dreams, and now my own life is being cut short. If spirits exist, they must truly despise me. "Why is this happening to me?" he whispered into the darkness as the comforting hands of his friend made their way around his shoulders. "Why is this happening to us?"
Silence immersed the room for a while, allowing the teenager to gather his thoughts and sort out what was left of his broken soul. Dawn littered through the drapes, which only seemed to signify another day lost. When Taki finally gained a hold of himself, he whispered to Akiko, "I have an errand to run today before Zuko gets here. I need your help."
"Anything," Akiko affirmed as the other pulled away with a deep sigh. Taki felt the warmth of the morning wash over him, strengthening him to his typical self, which in itself was far from holding the title of 'typical'. He stood, suddenly aware of every single muscle of his body that worked for him, every drop of blood that flowed through his veins, and every single beat his heart made.
I'm not going to give up, I promise you. Only for you, my love.
Passports... Boat tickets... Currency... Zuko heaved a sigh, strumming through the paperwork for a final time that morning. Lieutenant Jee had managed to slip him the documents the previous evening by feinting the Firelord's seal on the envelope and demanding to hand-deliver it to the Prince. It seemed that all was in order, yet he wouldn't feel completely safe until he was in Ba Sing Se with Takumi. He positioned the papers so that they could be easily hidden beneath a pillow if necessary and his hand traveled to his chest where his cousin's amulet rested.
"I promise you, brother. I'll live out my life for the both of us. I won't disappoint you." He hadn't been lying when he spoke these words. He was determined to prove himself worth something in this petty little game people insisted on played with him. He was Prince Zuko, cousin of the great war hero Commander Lu Ten. He'd be damned if he played by the rules. A knock on the door made him jump, shoving the papers out of sight. Clearing his throat, he called out clearly, "Please come in."
The door opened slowly at first, the eyes of Minako Mai glancing through the crack. Zuko immediately stood up as his fiancé entered the room slowly, as though he would yell at her for even existing in the same vicinity as himself. "Mai!" he called out with relief, slightly annoyed by the interruption yet thrilled to have some human company for the first time in many hours. He bowed charmingly, motioning for her to enter the room.
"I'm sorry to disturb you," she said softly, clutching anxiously at her skirt as she returned the bow. "However, when I heard about the rumors of assassination attempts, I couldn't help but worry about you."
"That's exactly what they were... Just rumors." More like excuses. He sat down on his bed and patted the spot next to him. Blushing, she sat quietly, her hands still fiddling with her clothing. "I don't want you to worry about me. I'm sure you have enough on your mind, with the wedding in only two days." He felt a certain guilt immerse his heart, although he did his best to ignore it. This innocent, shy girl was far too easily deceived by his gentle words and gestures of affection.
"My father received a notice from Firelord Ozai that you desired to see me," she said in a raspy voice, the blush slowly fading from her cheeks. "I appreciate the fact that you want to spend time with me, seeing as how the ceremony is rapidly approaching." Zuko smiled, covering up the rage that filled his chest. Ozai sent this girl to him to force him to feel guilty. And damn the bastard to hell, it worked. This blameless young woman whom he was expected to care for and respect, was the one who would be the most upset when she woke up on the morning of her wedding day to find that her fiancé had mysteriously vanished without a trace.
"You know, Mai," he said in a low voice, putting a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "If you don't want to be a part of this whole thing, you can back down in the blink of an eye. Nothing has to change for you. I don't want you to feel as though you're obliged to marry me simply because I chose you. You're different from the other women I was presented with, and you deserve the chance to marry for love for that very reason." Zuko stood silent, praying that the girl would just accept the offer. I don't want to hurt you.
She let out a low laugh, shaking her head gracefully. "You're very sweet to pretend I still have a choice in the matter so close to the wedding date." She put a finger to his lips when he attempted to protest. "You must understand. Since I accepted the invitation, I've come to care for you. At this moment, I can come no closer to marry for love than you." Zuko felt sick to his stomach, though repressed the sensation and nodded kindly. "I appreciate the fact that you've spent so much time with me. I feel very comfortable around you, Your Highness. Not many men would be so considerate."
"Not consideration." Zuko let out a hollow laugh. "Merely common courtesy."
Why? Why must you care for me so?
Taki sighed dreamily, the hand in his pocket clasping around article he'd been waiting to present to his lover. It had cost him quite the pretty penny, but it was worth every piece of gold he possessed. Things were going to turn out well after all, he could feel it. Laying his head back on Akiko's couch, he remaining patient as the afternoon sunk into evening, waiting for Zuko to greet him. Beautiful scenarios ran through his head, leaving him utterly breathless and thrilled... He had quite the surprise for his love indeed.
A quiet knock on the door broke him from his stupor, followed by the gentlest of whispers, "Akiko? Taki?" The teenager threw open the door and smiled his brightest smile. Sure enough, there stood his stunning boyfriend, practically begging to be embraced to the point of suffocation. Nevertheless, the older man withheld this urge and pulled the boy into the household and kissing him lightly on the forehead.
"Akiko's working a double shift in my absence. Did you make it out of the palace alright?" Taki asked, as the younger man removed the black cloak that adorned his figure, revealing the pastel red robes that complimented his skin so nicely.
"Of course!" Zuko exclaimed, pretending to be offended by the comment. "I'm part ninja. Sneaking in and out of places is what I do!" They shared a laugh for the first time in a while, as Zuko pulled out an envelope from the folds of his clothing. Picking out a few pieces of paper, he handed them to his boyfriend, saying, "Here are your passports and tickets. Make sure you read through the information listed about you. I apologize, but I had to give you a new name and it was too late to contact you and ask you what you wanted."
"And you couldn't find anything more creative than 'Takeshi'?" Taki teased, allowing the name to roll off of his tongue. He had to admit, it was a nice enough name for his new identity considering Zuko could have very well given him a completely outlandish name.
"It was on short notice!" Zuko proclaimed defensively, crossing his arms cutely. "Besides, it'll fly in the Earth Kingdom too. I'll just keep using 'Kazuki'. It's not a conventional name, but it's forgivable."
"What about your eyes?" Taki asked, skimming through his profile enthusiastically. This is kind of fun. "Those color eyes are fairly rare in Earth Kingdom territory."
Zuko shrugged, his eyes glinting mischievously. "Rare, but not unheard of. Perhaps my lineage stretches back to a couple who produced offspring of mixed blood!"
"Scandalous!" the older teen shouted, putting a hand to his mouth in phony horror. "I had no idea you knew how to smuggle illegal refugees so well. It makes me rather suspicious." Zuko merely smiled innocently, wrapping his arms around the shoulders of the other as he spoke.
"Our first ferry leaves a few hours after sunset. It makes me a little nervous leaving so late in the day, but I'll make sure my Father thinks I'm in the palace just before we depart. It'll give us a while's head start." Zuko felt a comforting pair of hands on his hips, allowing him to rest against the other's body. "The moment we can see the walls of Ba Sing Se, we'll be safe. They take in refugees from all sorts of places. They won't notice two discreet civilians."
"You really think we can be happy there?" Taki whispered, his voice full of hope. "We're a part of the culture that houses the most hated people in the world."
"We'll fit right in," he assured his anxious boyfriend, kissing him tenderly on the neck. "They have a world-renowned university, you know. Of course your best bet would be to jump straight into a writing career on the side. If we purchase a house in the upper ring, people will take us seriously and they'll get you an editor right away."
"What about you?" the older teen asked, his heart both pained and thrilled at these new prospects. I can't miss out on these opportunities, regardless of my illness.
"I'll get a job somewhere or another," he proclaimed, waving the issue aside. "I've taken more than enough schooling to get by. I don't really have any particular talents except fighting, which isn't exactly a choice career. Truth be told..." His voice dropped to a low whisper, "I've always wanted to be a librarian."
"You're kidding," Taki said with a raised eyebrow, trying to figure out why on earth that was so funny.
"It's true!" Zuko cried, clutching at the other's tunic tightly. "I've always hated librarians. They're so mean all the time around here. So I thought, 'You know what would be great? To be that nice librarian everybody loves!' I file papers wonderfully, I know all sorts of ancient languages, and I take pleasure in books. Maybe I could get a job at the university as a professor's aid. What do you think about that? Schooling where your boyfriend goes to work?" Zuko smiled wickedly, causing Taki to shudder with oncoming anticipation.
"I think you just earned yourself a kiss, free of charge." He captured his lover's lips, causing the teen to let out an involuntary groan as their tongues tangled politely for a moment, then none too politely afterwards. Zuko gripped the shoulders of the other, as the pair of hands around his waist massaged the sensitive skin beneath them and began to travel down his figure. The younger teen ground their bodies together, causing Taki to break the kiss with a soft moan. "Zuko," he breathed as his lover kissed the junction of his neck and shoulder. "If you knew I was going to die the day after tomorrow, would you still go through with the plan?"
The younger teen immediately backed away, practically crashing into the wall with horror. "Do-Don't say things like that, Takumi!" Is this some kind of sick test? His lover ignored him, pressing him against the doorway with a hand on either side of his head.
"Would you?" he persisted desperately, gently caressing the boy's face with a single finger. "Think about it. I don't want you to answer right away." Zuko fell silent, biting his lower lip contemplatively as he felt the calming touch of his boyfriend stroking against his throat. Bowing his head, he sighed and looked back up directly into the other's eyes.
"Yes," Zuko whispered, solemnity overtaking his manner. "I don't want to be a part of this life anymore. You'd think a prince would have more freedom than anyone, but the only time I can be myself is around you. If you were to die... I would treasure every last second of your life with you." He let out a low chuckle as Taki watched on with shocked eyes. "Most likely, my soul would follow. I don't think I'd be able to live on without you. I just wouldn't function. I know you have trouble accepting the Spirit World but..." He gave the other a gentle kiss on the cheek. "Spirits have to go somewhere when we die. Imagine living together, unhindered for the rest of eternity. Not a bad prospect."
Taki fell to his knees before his lover, his forehead just barely grazing the boy's stomach. "Promise me you'll keep on living. No matter how difficult it is, you must live. Live for your cousin, live for me... Live for those who can't live for themselves."
"Taki?" The whisper drifted into the older teen's ears, causing him to sigh.
No. I'll tell him later. I want things to be as perfect as they can be. Reaching into his pocket he began to speak in an undertone, "I know I never formally asked you this, and I believe you deserve a proper proposal." Zuko's form tensed as Taki pulled out a stunning platinum band that resided on a silver chain, and held it up delicately between two fingers as he spoke, "Zuko, I've devoted to you my body and my soul. I want nothing more than to be with you for the rest of my life, however long that may be. Remembering everything that's happened between us, considering everything we've done for each other, acknowledging all of the ways we've changed each other... I ask that you allow me to become yours in one more way. Will you marry me?"
The younger teen fell back against the wall behind him in near-shock, his entire body shaking as he gazed down at his significant other. This man truly loves me that much. He reached down and grasped Taki's free hand and pulled it up to his chest, allowing his lover to feel the erratic pulse that resided there.
"You're trembling," Taki whispered, wide-eyed and nervous at the unforeseen reactions of the other. Was he not expecting this? Has he changed his mind?! Zuko wordlessly reached into his tunic and pulled out a glistening silver wedding band and held it up for the other to see. The older teen's lips parted with surprise as his boyfriend began to speak.
"I bought this for you, only just an hour ago," he explained in a choked voice, as Taki's grasp tightened and the younger boy's heart beat furiously. "I had a short monologue prepared but I seem to have forgotten it. If you don't mind, I think I'll just ditto yours."
The absolute happiness Taki felt at that moment could not compare with any other feeling of his lifetime, as Zuko slid the band gently onto the ring finger of his left hand and kissed his palm lovingly. He smiled and wrapped his arms around Zuko's shoulders, clasping the silver chain around his neck. The younger man smiled, reaching up to trace the ring with wonder. "You're so thoughtful," Zuko stated quietly, his heart swelling with elation. Normally firebenders couldn't wear wedding bands due to the damage caused by the heat expelled from their hands, but Taki seemed to have considered this matter.
"It has a little engraving on the inside," Taki remarked, wrapping his arms around his lover's waist from where he knelt on the floor, admiring the shimmering charm on his hand in a girlish manner. Zuko's eyes lit up, as he tilted the band forward and rotated it a bit. He smiled, for the beautiful ancient characters read, 'My Prince'.
"I'd nearly forgotten, yours has one too," Zuko laughed, causing Taki to raise his eyebrow challengingly.
"It'd better not say, 'My Peasant.' I'd find that slightly wounding." The younger man shook his head and stifled another laugh as Taki deposited the ring in his opposite palm and held it up towards the light. 'My Beloved'... "It is a little strange," Taki whispered to himself, stroking the band affectionately. "We both chose primordial, formal kanji. When we met, the first thing we did was translate each other's names in this language."
"It's the most exquisite language there is," Zuko murmured, as Taki finally rose up to meet his gaze. "As well as the most intimate." He felt his lover press him against the wall, tracing a hand under his shirt and across his stomach lovingly. So Zuko found the ancient language intimate, did he?
"Anata ga hitsuyou desu, saiai no hito," Taki whispered in a low voice, trying to control the urges forming deep within his stomach. "I need you, my beloved." Zuko shuddered at his choice of words, feeling a fire spark deep in his heart. Taki placed a gentle, passionate kiss on the other's lips, before Zuko wrapped a leg possessively around the man and deepened the contact. Taki sighed with pleasure as his boyfriend's tongue provoked his own into play, caressing every crevice and cavern of his mouth. The younger pulled away suddenly after only a few seconds, shaking his head vigorously despite his apparent enthusiasm.
"Iie! Ikanakutewa narimasen,Takumi!" Zuko breathed sternly against the other's mouth, in a vain attempt to vanquish their desires. "No! I have to go, Takumi!" The young man would have to be home before dawn in order to make sure his excursion stayed a secret. Yet, even as he spoke these words, his lover kissed the sensitive skin of his throat, making him moan with desire. It had been quite a while since either of them had been so blissfully happy, and he knew he couldn't pass up a chance to be with his lover. Taki laughed at his desperate expression, caressing the younger teen's face gently. Zuko sighed, allowing a smile to grace his lips.
"Kokoro ga dokidoki... Kimi to netai," he admitted softly, taking his lover's hands into his own, making Taki shudder with longing. "My heart is pounding...I want to make love to you." This was all the older teen needed, for he scooped up his fiancé gently in his arms as he so enjoyed doing, and carried him down the adjacent hall and into Akiko's spare bedroom, sparsely furnished provided a small bed against the peeling white walls. Laying Zuko down on the less-than-comfortable bed, the older teen kissed his young counterpart with tender affection as he trailed his hands lovingly up and down his form.
Zuko let out a soft groan, his arousal growing more prominent as Taki's hands trailed along his defined chest while sneakily removing his shirt and strewing it upon the floor. He glanced down, eying his engagement ring with pride, resting on his chest next to his cousin's pendant. The older teen's gaze became slightly more predatory as he thumbed his boyfriend's nipple gently, leaning down to suck tenderly on the other patch of sensitive skin. Zuko let out a shaky cry at these ministrations, arching his back slightly before grazing his hips against the other's, allowing him to feel his strengthening need. Mind overcome with desire, Taki pressed his lover further into the mattress and traced his tongue across the distinct muscles that adorned that gorgeous, smooth chest. The trembling teen beneath him slowly pushed his tunic off of his shoulders, trailing his hands down the man's form.
Taki gave the younger a chaste kiss on the cheek, before lightly palming his erection through his clothing. Zuko gasped and arched pleadingly into the touch, rewarded by the hand pumping him firmly. He growled, determined to rid himself of the fabric that kept their flesh contact to a minimum. The young teenager grew impatient, gripping the other's shoulders and pushing him backwards into the bed forcefully. Taki's eyes grew wide, but did not object as Zuko slid his fingers across his bare hips and began removing his last articles of clothing shielding his boyfriend from him. Taki inhaled sharply as the chilling air hit his bare erection while Zuko tossed the forgotten garments over his shoulder with ease.
The younger smiled lovingly down at his partner, before leaning down to give him a comforting kiss on the lips. Taki sighed with gratitude, before moving his hands up towards his lover's waist and untying the lazy knot that held his slacks up. Zuko gripped the sheets beneath him and threw his head back as Taki's touch grazed against his member. "Ta-Takumi, please!" The raven-haired teen raised an expectant eyebrow, causing Zuko to roll his eyes with a chuckle and whisper, "Kudasai." His appeal was punctuated by a loud moan, when the older teen rolled them over and leaned down, taking his lover carefully into his mouth. Tonguing the sensitive underside of the boy's erection, Taki lifted a hand up to Zuko's hips to keep him steady while the other hand caressed the globes behind the member, massaging him to his utmost stimulation. Zuko involuntarily thrust his hips forward, the painful ache between his legs only elevating as Taki sucked the very tip of his erection, coating his lips teasingly with his lover's precum.
"Sore wa ikaga desu ka, koibito?" Taki murmured in a deep tone, causing blissful vibrations to jolt up his sweetheart's body and make him twist with desperation. "How do you like it, lover?"
Zuko began to pant heavily as the exotic quality of his counterpart's voice reached his ears. "Od-Odorokubeki!" he cried out in his daze, his hands intertwining with Taki's hair. Mougamandekinai! Kudasai, Takumi!" he begged urgently, trying to refrain from touching himself. "Won-Wonderful! I can't stand it any longer! Please, Takumi!"
Completely ignoring his own throbbing need, he continued to selflessly pleasure his lover, deep-throating him and massaging him with his tongue while his hands attended to the boy's sac and the nerve-rigged area behind it. The younger teen cried out in bliss, as his most sensitive limb was surrounded by a tight, humid cavern. His lover began to dip his head up and down, creating a beautiful sensation for his sweet boyfriend that caused his eyes to roll back and his breath to deepen. As Taki increased his pace, Zuko writhed in masochistic delight, trying not to thrust upward and choke his boyfriend. His hands ended up clutching the headboard as he let out a few wild moans just to release some of the pressure building up inside of him. The ecstasy pounded through his body as Taki began to hum softly, sending pleasurable pulsations up and down his form. "Yukkuri shite! I-Iku!" Zuko warned delicately, trying to control the trembling in his voice. "Slow down! I-I'm coming!"
Taki only redoubled his efforts, rewarded when his lover finally climaxed within him, leaving the boy breathless and starry-eyed as he attempted to regain his vigor. The older teen pulled away with a soft choking noise, cheeks flushed with heat as he waited patiently for his counterpart to recover. Taki often felt guilty when he entered his lover, for it seemed his own pleasure always came at the expense of the other's pain during their lovemaking and inevitable soreness for days after. For this reason, he spent their foreplay experimenting on that which made Zuko scream, squirm, and plead. He smiled down at the winded young man sprawled out beneath him, who could barely keep his eyes from closing. "Saikou, koi," he whispered, sitting up to kiss the man gently on the lips. "Amazing, love."
Zuko pulled back against the headboard once he'd caught his breath, and stared fiercely at his craving lover through his sweat-matted hair. Spreading his elevated legs apart, he slid the three foremost fingers of his left hand into his mouth and swiftly coated them with his saliva. Taki looked on with wide eyes as Zuko trailed his hand down his body and began stretching the muscles of his entrance. The older teen gripped the sheets around them tightly, watching this show with immense enjoyment. Never before had Zuko prepared himself and allowed Taki to watch on as he did. His arousal pained him sadistically, as his boyfriend entered the first finger, arching his back as he eased the digit slowly into his body. His head slouched to the side as he gently rotated the appendage, his brow slightly wrinkling in discomfort.
Taki's breath had been stolen away from him, as he watched the other add a second finger, weaving them deeper and deeper into his body while thoroughly preparing him. His hand passed over his erection in hopes of easing the arousal, but instead indulged it, causing him to moan aloud with pleasure. Zuko grit his teeth as he forced his fingers into a scissoring motion, causing an old ache to be welcomed back into his body. He groaned with exasperation when he couldn't quite find his prostate, as his lover watched on in a trance. Takumi unintentionally crept towards the attractive teenager, trying to contain his urges as he watched his lover add the final digit, gasping with pain.
"Daijoubu?!" Taki asked nervously, jolted from his stupor. "Are you alright?!" He leant forward and put a gentle hand on his panting lover's shoulder, accompanying it with a kiss on the cheek.
"Un... Daijoubu desu yo." Zuko murmured, trying to regain his composure. "Yeah... I'm fine; no problem." He smiled lovingly at his partner before removing his fingers from his entrance and pushing his lover back into the mattress. "Rirakkusu," he whispered, straddling his massively erect partner as he ran a hand apprehensively though his hair. "Relax." Without warning, Zuko fell forward and plunged himself over the other's member, biting back a pained cry.
Taki let out a choked scream, nearly losing all control as he was immediately encompassed in the tight warmth of the welcoming body. He shifted slightly, trying to get used to this strange new position as Zuko squirmed with restlessness, panting heavily as he tried to unwind his tensed muscles. "Zuko! Ki o tsuke nasai," Taki urged, his hands gently caressing the flesh of the younger man's bare hips. "Zuko! Be careful."
Zuko nodded in acknowledgement, before using his legs to pull himself up and ease back downward. His cheeks were flushed a deep crimson as Taki's hands steadied him, and he slowly built a rhythm as Taki clutched tightly at his hips whilst moaning softly as his erection hit Zuko's back wall with each push and pull. After a minute of finding a pattern, the older teen managed to meet the other's movements with shallow thrusts of his own, causing Zuko to gasp with appreciation as his hotspot was struck deep within his body. "Oh... Oh, Ta-Takumi!" He let out a cry, using his legs as a tool to increase the speed of their lovemaking. Their hearts pounded until the point of bursting, forcing out deep groans and exotic cries.
"Zuko..." The friction of their bodies drove Taki wild, as the thrusts became less predictable. Zuko would squirm and change his tempo from quickly timed dives, to agonizingly sluggish slides. The younger teen moaned quietly at an exceptionally well-intended thrust, his hands sliding down where they massaged his lover's chest with gratification. The man beneath him began to affectionately stroke his rigid member, before pumping it roughly in time with their movements, thereby causing the tender ache at Zuko's entrance to be numbingly disregarded. Sweat matted their bodies as they shared in a passionate frenzy of deep penetration and gentle caresses. Zuko began to purposefully tighten his body's opening, opening an incredible world of sensations for the man beneath him. In gratitude, Takumi pressured his prostate and stroked a bundle of nerves that couldn't be ignored and his lover finally came, letting out an erotic moan with a desperately arched back. The older teen inhaled sharply as he was further constricted within that incredible warmth, his own ejaculation following shortly after.
Zuko slumped forward, throwing his hands against the headboard to stop his fall. His lover's blazing seed filled him rapidly, his heart racing with pleasure. Panting frantically, Takumi gazed wordlessly up at his significant other, wondering how a single person could possibly bring him so much satisfaction. He traced a hand down his own chest to feel the sticky evidence of his lover's orgasm splashed along his body, his heart swelling with joy. No one could make Zuko react the way he could... A token of his devotion. Their eyes met and Zuko smiled slightly, reaching down to caress the man's cheek kindly. "Aishiteru," he whispered, making Taki's heart leap as he stared into those glistening golden eyes. "I love you." But it wasn't just a profession of love... It was the ultimate profession. This phrase was neither used, nor taken lightly.
"Mou ichido itte, kudasai," Taki begged, closing his eyes to listen to the words. "Please repeat it."
"Aishiteru, Takumi," Zuko repeated with a chuckle, running his hands through the other's hair. He leaned down and kissed the man lovingly, pulling away only to catch his lost breath.
"Aishiteru," Taki responded, his hands embracing the man above him gently. Their hearts swelled with joy, and Zuko raised an eyebrow with a challenging smirk.
"Mou ikkai?" "Once more?"
"Mou ikkai."
Zuko fell backward, taking his lover with him. He wrapped his legs around the older teen's waist while Taki reached down towards the floor, lifting up the two fallen pillows and placing one beneath Zuko's head and the other beneath his lower half. The younger sighed in adjustment, before obediently grinding their bodies together, using his toned thighs and lower legs to bring the other's softened member back to life within him. Fire burned in Taki's stomach as he watched his lover at work, using his desirable figure to leave him vulnerable in a state of longing. If Zuko were a controlling person, he would have been at his boyfriend's mercy quite a while ago.
The younger teen hardly even acknowledged the blood running along his chin, as he bit down deeply on his lower lip. This sensation was incredible, feeling his lover growing erect inside of him. His irregular heartbeat quickened as Taki stared down at him with eyes that belonged on an angel. How they glistened even in the darkness, Zuko would never know. The other sighed with content as he began a slow, almost lazy pattern of thrusts as his lover became accustomed to him. Taki wasn't sure why, but he felt as though this night should be made to last as long as it possibly could. The teenager below him didn't seem to mind the change of pace, breathing deeply as his lover gently manipulated his member and its orb-like entities with his hand.
Zuko's steady breaths morphed into soft pants as Taki's hand massaged his balls and stroked his hardened member. His enjoyment in the slow, balanced rhythm of their lovemaking overcame his desire for climax. He simply laid back and watched his counterpart's facial expressions as their bodies rocked gently together in sweet ecstasy, a sacred union that could only be fit between a perfect pair such as them. Zuko wrapped his legs around the other's waist and waited until Taki had fully sheathed himself before pulling their bodies even closer together, causing them both to moan. The younger was rewarded with a palm tenderly, though with just the right amount of pressure, kneading his scrotum. Unimaginable pressure built up within the boy, as his hips unconsciously jerked forward and bittersweet fluid dripped from his erection.
Taki exhaled sharply at the sight of his needy lover, his hands retreating to Zuko's hips where they firmly grasped the younger body. One last time. He gradually increased the rate of his movements, pounding in and out of the other's tight channel without reprieve. Angling himself just right, he slammed into boyfriend's prostate with intent to satisfy, causing the man beneath him to writhe and grasp the sheets around them with torturous ecstasy. Throwing his head back, Zuko let out an unrestrained cry as he felt himself approach his end. With only seconds to spare, the younger teen bit roughly down on his already abused lip as he clenched his muscles and just slightly raised his body temperature.
Taki all but screamed as unrivaled pleasure burst through him with every passionate beat his heart provided him. A heart that beat only for Zuko... He shakily grasped his lover's member and pumped it whilst fingering the slit, causing the boy to throw his arms desperately around his significant other and grind forth his entire body into the movement. His hands sliding up his boyfriend's upper back, Zuko made a hymn out of Taki's name repeating it in soft sighs as they came to the climax of their session. Their bodies had become one, moving in perfect rhythm in a surreal world that was all their own. Faster, deeper, harder the thrusts became, as the two lovers dwelled on a bond that was all their own.
"I-I love you," Taki whispered, coming to a sudden halt deep within his lover, pressuring the spot that caused so much pleasure.
"I love you too," Zuko replied with a soft moan, leaning up to graze his lips just slightly against Taki's.
The older teenager caressed him affectionately, before pulling back and allowing himself a final deep thrust into his lover, putting forth everything he had into the single motion. With a deep moan and a strained cry they came in unison, both filling Zuko to his capacity with Taki's seed and blessing their chests with his own. The older man collapsed on his lover as their bodies pulsed with the effects of their release. Zuko squirmed beneath him, before settling down as he listened to his heartbeat echo in his ears. It was nearly unbearable, feeling Taki's heart against his own.
It took ages for either of them to calm their pulse, although Zuko was quite apt at allowing the other to rest within him. He felt so complete when the other was inside of him... He would do anything to remain this way for the rest of eternity. Raising his arms languidly above his head, he smiled and embraced his panting counterpart around his midsection. Taki gained the strength to pull away slightly and offer Zuko a chaste, respectful kiss. It was his way of reflecting his admiration for the younger man, as well as his appreciation for gracing him with such indulgences. After all, in his opinion, a partner should never be obligated to share the gift of purity. It was something Zuko offered Taki as a cherished endowment, a luxury that he could never take advantage of.
"You're unbelievable," Taki complimented, nestling his head into the boy's shoulder. He wasn't afraid to admit it: He was high off his lover, and quite addicted to the way he was feeling. The other's beauty never ceased to amaze him, nor did his willpower. His pulse was rough, his stomach was fluttering, and his body was just... ecstatically, indescribably fulfilled. It was undeniably the best sex they'd shared in so far.
The younger man shook his head in a daze, staring up past his boyfriend and at the ceiling with near-shock. Never before had lovemaking felt so spectacular for him. He could shamelessly call his lover an expert at pleasuring him. "That was... You're... Wow." Unable to decide how to describe how he was feeling, he settled with a soft, "Thank you." Taki felt a blush creep, uninvited, onto his cheeks. As Zuko's worldly senses came drifting back to him, he observed their surroundings with a strange gaze, seemingly registering the fact that they were not in Takumi's bedroom. "Taki? Is Akiko going to be angry?" he asked with a laugh, glancing out the window to see complete darkness had fallen upon the horizon.
"No," Taki breathed, his hands trailing lovingly down his sides. "This is the guest bedroom. Her aunt stays here perhaps once a year. Still, I wouldn't want to take advantage of her hospitality. I'll have the sheets washed before she can notice." He couldn't disguise the guilt in his voice, but Zuko restrained from teasing him, still lingering in his elation. "We should clean up," Taki urged, making his younger partner groan and try to disappear into the mattress. "It's okay." He smiled and pulled out of the other's body as gently as he could, earning himself a thankful kiss. Of course, that was before Taki caught sight of the crimson streak of blood that ran across the off-white sheets of the bed.
"Zuko?! Did I hurt you?!" He began to panic, quickly spreading Zuko's legs and running his hands up and down the young man's thighs while examining his entrance.
"Hmmm?" The younger gave him a strange look, before glancing down to see the evidential blood on the sheets. "No, I'm fine! I must have been too eager, that's all. I should've taken more time to prepare myself." Taki looked down on him worriedly, before retreating off of the bed and taking his lover into his arms, bridal-style. Zuko sighed and slung his arms around his boyfriend's neck, silently appreciative that he was willing to carry his rather sore body. The raven-haired man walked him carefully down the hall and into the next room, while Zuko tried to stifle his yawns by cuddling his head into the other's shoulder.
Zuko nearly laughed when he saw the bathroom he'd been brought to, giving his betrothed a kiss on the cheek. "I can't believe what I'm seeing. An actual bath." For so long he had been used to washing in his boyfriend's bathroom, which consisted up a measly little glass shower that they both had to squeeze into... which was generally never actually a problem, considering they had their arms around each other the entire time anyway. Taki smiled, carefully tipping the boy in his arms so he could touch base with the floor and strode over to start the water. Zuko sighed, wrapping an arm around his midsection unconsciously as he shifted his weight from one foot to the other, trying to find a position that aggravated his condition the least.
With a sigh, Zuko waited patiently for the water to fill the tub as Taki knelt tiredly next to the knobs that attached to the wall, the glossy look still present in his eyes. Just to be cute, his lover seemed to have added some sort of bubble bath to the water that made the entire room smell of sweet watermelon. Glancing up, the younger teen eyed himself in the oval-shaped mirror that adorned the wall, portraying him from the stomach up. It had been such a very long time since he'd truly paid attention to his reflection. His features were slightly more worn that normal, although his complexion was a healthy color and the strength hadn't left his form. Yet, there was something different about what he saw reflecting in that opaque glass. A certain maturity, a level of adulthood that he had finally achieved. He was ready to move in with his lover; he was ready to engage in a serious relationship; he was ready to live his own life.
"I'm sorry." Taki's apologetic voice pulled him away from his thoughts. "The complex's heater must be out. Akiko warned me about this before she left. Looks like we'll have to take a cold bath." He shut the water off and sighed, dipping his hand into the bubble-infested chilly waters.
Zuko smiled, shaking his head as he approached the drawn water. "Don't worry about it. Let me." Taki stepped aside as the younger teen approached the bath, plunging both his hands into the water and concentrating his chi for a few moments. The liquid slowly began to warm, as Zuko stirred his arms around gently as a waterbender might. Heavy steam gradually filled the room and he stepped back, proud of his work.
Taki approached his exhausted figure from behind, gently taking his boyfriend into his arms with a kiss on the cheek. "I'd forgotten," he whispered with a smile, before stepping around the other and carefully into the rectangular bath. He sighed as he knelt down in the hot water, holding out his hands for Zuko. The younger gratefully accepted, carefully entering the water with an unreserved moan as warmth washed over his tensed, overused muscles and he sank down so he could lie with his head resting on the edge and his legs on either side of his lover's body.
"I've trained my body for hours upon hours," Zuko groaned, rotating his shoulders warily as he sighed with relief. "And yet, an hour or two with you and I wish I'd trained twice as hard."
Taki laughed as he scooped up a hand full of bubbles and blew them into the other's hair. The younger teen hummed affectionately before splashing his boyfriend. The taller of the two reached towards the floor and lifted up a fresh bar of pomegranate soap, before sliding his hand lifting Zuko's left leg and resting the boy's lower leg on his shoulder. Thanking the spirit of fire for his lover's flexibility, Taki lathered the soap in his hands before trailing them up and down Zuko's unraveling muscles.
Zuko blushed, as one of his silliest fantasies came true. Taki washed his entire body in that steamy bathtub, ridding the young teen of the excess evidence of their activities. Those hands. Zuko wouldn't deny that his own touch was a bit rough, being a firebending swordsman. However, Taki's touch was truly of one who washed plates, delivered bowls of warm noodles to others, and skillfully dragged a brush over paper to create beautiful calligraphy. The pads of his fingers were gentle, while his palms slickly glided over his exposed skin as easily as the stream drifted around them. The appendages of his hands were smooth and caressed every inch of his body, allowing Zuko to immerse himself in the appreciation his endearing lover offered him.
When Taki was finished, Zuko had somehow ended up in the man's lap with his legs wrapped loosely around his waist. Their embrace lasted for quite a while, Zuko's hands trailing up and down the slippery slope that was his boyfriend's back. "Thank you," he murmured, just barely nibbling on the other's ear. He was much more relaxed now, the residual ache from their lovemaking having faded. His flushed face still evident, he took the soap into his own hands and pressed Taki into a reclined position in order to return the favor. The older teen beamed and relaxed as his valued counterpart worked his magic.
Taki whimpered with anticipation as Zuko came to their favorite segment of bathing: When the younger teen would lather the soap into his lover's hair, massaging the ticklish skin beneath it and run his fingers lovingly across his neck and head. "You seem like a porcupine-puppy when you make those sounds, my precious pet," Zuko whispered, stroking the man's scalp in gentle circles. "That's my favorite domestic organism." Even as he spoke the words, he could not suppress a laugh at the way they sounded.
"I'm not domesticated," Taki moaned, as Zuko rubbed the tender skin behind his ears. "D-Definitely not... a puppy. I could survive wi-without... this."
"Sure you could," Zuko teased, watching the dazed man succumb to his touch. He withdrew his hands and his boyfriend tilted his head in a pout.
"Why'd you stop?" he whined, wrapping his arms tightly around the boy and pulling him close to his chest. "Hmmm? That felt good."
"The bathwater is getting cold," Zuko murmured, tracing blind patterns against the bubbles on the other's chest. "It's been a while. I should think about going home." Taki sighed, leaning back against the curved wall of the bath, allowing his lover to fall against him. Zuko gathered water into his cupped hands, and allowed it to fall and wash the soap from the older teen's hair.
A terrible feeling of heartache suddenly overcame Takumi, flesh to flesh against the other, raising a hand to his chest in order feel Zuko's heartbeat. "I-I don't want you to leave," he whispered softly, stroking the other's back fondly. "Don't leave my arms, not ever." He wasn't sure if it was the pulse of his lover against his own, or simply the tiny amount of soap that had dripped into his eyes. Whatever the sensation, it was enough to cause the young man's eyes to glisten with hot tears. He clutched desperately at his lover's back, trying to absorb as much contact as he could.
"We'll be on our way in a few hours," Zuko comforted him, pressing a kiss against his neck. He caught sight of the other's watery eyes and bit back a gasp, raising his hands to rest on the man's chest. "Koibito?" "Lover?"
This word only made the man sob, bringing the other closer to him. "Please don't leave, please! I-I have a terrible, terrible feeling deep in my chest. You just can't." His voice broke off into soft hysterics, leaving Zuko in a state of fright. The younger teen cupped his boyfriend's face in his hands and kissed him slowly, trying to measure his breath back into normalcy. Slowly, Taki began to calm, tears streaming down his cheeks as he attempted to speak, "I-I'm sorry. I ju-just can't watch you leave, not this time."
"By the end of the day, I'll never leave your side again," Zuko promised, taking the other's hands into his. "We'll have a fresh start with new friends, new jobs, and a chance to make your writings shine. You'll like that won't you, my beautiful?"
Taki laid his head back in a slight bewilderment, trying to gain control of his emotions. If all of that were true, why did he feel so heartbroken? "Zuko, will you do something for me?"
"Anything," the boy whispered, prodding the other to look into his eyes.
"I want you to mark me. To make me yours."
Zuko flushed immediately, trying to work out what the other was saying. Does- Does he mean what I think he means?! He waded backwards slowly, trying not to be alarmed. "Taki, you've asked me if I've wanted this before; you know I don't feel comfortable with... You're my seme Takumi, and I-"
Taki hushed him with a gentle kiss to the lips and shook his head. "Not that way. I know you don't desire that. I want you to mark me in a visible way, so everyone will know I belong to you forever. Come with me." He stood up and carefully exited the water, allowing Zuko to wrap his arms around his neck so he might follow. Snagging two towels from the cabinet in the hallway, Taki tossed one to his lover and they dried themselves, although Zuko insisted that Taki allow him to dry the other's hair. Zuko wouldn't deny it: He had a hair fetish.
Taki took his lover by the hand and led him back into the guest bedroom, sitting him down on the bed. Rummaging through his bag that lay only a few feet away, Taki lifted three vials of black ink from his bag and laid them gently on the bed. "Zuko, I want you to paint your name on my back in ancient kanji."
The younger teen sighed with relief, nodding in affirmation. That's not so ba-
"Then, I want you to burn the ink into my skin."
"What?!" Taki was forced to lean down and grab the younger by his thighs in order to keep him calm. "Th-That'll hurt you! You can't expect me to do that!"
"I'm not expecting it of you," Taki said quietly, running his hands up and down Zuko's bare body. "I'm requesting it. Please-"
"I could seriously harm you," he whispered, shaking his head violently. "I'm hardly decent with my control. I would kill myself if anything happe-" He was silenced by a deep kiss by the man, who was on the very verge of tears again.
"I trust you," Taki whispered, caressing the other's face gently. "The same way you trust me when I make love to you. I know you can do this."
Zuko drew a deep breath and nodded anxiously, stepping back from the bed and allowing Taki to lie down on his stomach. He opened the first vial of ink and dipped his two foremost fingers in it. Using his opposite hands to soothe and massage the skin beneath his fingers, he straddled his lover carefully and made the first long, delicate stroke going down from Taki's neck to the slight left of his spine. Taki shivered at the cold sensation, trying his nest to keep still for his boyfriend. Carefully he worked, dipping his fingers into the ink with every fresh line, trying desperately not to drip the fluid onto the already-messy bedding. However, he ended up patting away his mistakes with the sheets anyway, thus his efforts were in vain.
When he'd finished the first character, it stretched from Taki's neck to his mid-back and its width extended between his mid-trapezius muscles. The lines were flawless, each curving perfectly around the center of balance for the letter. Letting out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding, he continued on to the second character, the last he would need to paint. Taki had nearly fallen asleep, for one of Zuko's hands continued to lovingly massage the muscles in an attempt to calm them for what was to come. He began and ended the second character on Taki's lower back, ending just after his waist line. Every motion of his hand and wrist contained such power and finesse, that Zuko himself was shocked by the beautiful calligraphy that lay before him.
"Is it finished?" Taki murmured sleepily, as Zuko's movement ceased and his breathing quickened.
"Y-Yes, it is. I'm going to wash the ink off of my hand." The young man leapt nervously off the bed and slunk back to the bathroom, washing in the provided sink beneath the mirror. He glanced down at his engagement band the entire time, smiling softly. I'm engaged for real this time. Zuko chuckled to himself as he dried his hands on the previously used towel that hung on the rack beside him. Maybe we can have a tea ceremony later.
He slipped back into the room, smiling when he saw his lover nearing sleep. He carefully straddled his boyfriend once again so that he had proper balance, and two fingers from his left hand gingerly traced the first character. Too little heat, and it will be slow and painful. Too much heat, and I'll damage more than just the first layer of skin. Taki's breath became slightly uneven as Zuko clasped his hands together and heated them to a blazing temperature.
"Takumi?" he asked gently, his heart pounding in his throat.
"Do it," the older teen affirmed, laying his arms out in front of him. Turning his head to the side, he waited tensely as Zuko began to trailing his fingers along the mark, burning the flesh where the ink rested. Taki let out a soft cry and clutched the sheets firmly, but kept steady so his lover could work in peace. The younger's heart ached at the pain he knew he was causing his significant other, yet he carefully pursued and ignored the other's murmurs for the sake of concentrating on keeping his chi flow steady.
Taki allowed tears to flow from his eyes as his skin was slowly tinged with blistering heat, tracing in smooth patterns along his skin. "It hurts," he breathed, trying to control his shaking. It was so slow, so hot, so painful.
"It's okay, baby," Zuko said calmly, trying to suppress the terror he felt. "I'm almost done, I promise." Taki seemed to deal much better when his boyfriend spoke to him, so Zuko continued to distract him with his words.
"You have such beautiful skin, my love. I'm afraid if I don't put you on a leash, those girls will be all over you. Perhaps you could walk around shirtless all day, just so they can see my name. What a tease you'll be..."
"Did you know Zuko means 'conceited' in old Taiwanese? They used to speak it in the southern Earth Kingdom territory. I've forgotten what it means in early kanji. Something about a lightening fast sword? I like that meaning much more. But if you spell it in modern mandarin..."
"I want to read your novel when you've finished. You'll let me see it, won't you? That last essay you let me read, the one about the reasoning of the faltering relationship between the Northern and Southern Water Tribes was pure genius. I'd never have thought the ambassadorial interrelations and closed economy would have had such an effect. You know last year I studied..." He continued with his tender, haphazard words in some attempt to calm them both.
Finally, Zuko drew his hands away, giving his lover a gentle kiss on the nape of his neck. "I'm done, Taki." He sat back to admire his work. "The flesh is a little rough, but it'll smooth over once the burns heal. The ink will cover the scars and it'll turn out nicely."
The man nodded shakily, letting out a yelp as he tried to sit up. Ignoring the burning pain, he stood and they both began to dress, although Taki dressed only halfway. When he was finished, Zuko grabbed his hand and led him to the bathroom, standing far enough from the mirror so Taki could turn around and examine the tattoo over his shoulder. "It's- It's beautiful," he whispered in awe, and Zuko wrapped his arms around his lover's waist.
"Maybe we can find a waterbender in Ba Sing Se who can heal it faster," the younger teen comforted, seeing the pained look behind Taki's smile. "You want me to wrap it up?"
"No," Taki breathed, staring at the gorgeous calligraphy that adorned his back. "It's far too striking. Maybe I will have to go running about shirtless."
Zuko laughed, bringing his hands just above the tender flesh. He gave his lover a deep kiss, tangling their tongues together for a moment before pulling away. He stepped out into the hallway and glanced out towards the window with a content sigh. "It's still pitch-black outside. What do you want to do for the next hour or so?"
Taki's expression grew solemn, putting his arms gently around his lover and sliding his hands beneath his shirt to caress the bare skin. "I want to hold you." Zuko sighed happily, content to be drawn back to the bed where he allowed himself to be embraced by the man he loved.
Against all odds, they were determined to pull through.
Despite their destinies, they had managed to find each other and change each other for the better. That night on the bridge had forever changed their lives... Zuko's willpower and Taki's compassion had brought them together. It had been a long road since that night; since Zuko thought Taki was peculiar and reclusive, and since Taki believed Zuko was shy and cold. It seemed that one completed what the other had lost. However, the Spirits determined that Prince Zuko had another destiny, one that could resolve the fate of all that existed. The bond of love between no two humans was strong enough to overcome the will of the Spirits, and was not important enough to allow the world to suffer its final breath.
For that very reason, this night would be the last that they ever shared together.