Maiko Month
Prompt#21: Serenity
Theirs Alone
Zuko hated wishing days away. Iroh had always insisted that each one was an opportunity to learn and though many were difficult, unpleasant or even painful, that did not decrease their value. But as Fire Lord, he experienced more than his share of pressure and conflict and headaches. And at least once each day he spent in official duties, Zuko felt an intense desire to kill someone.
Each evening, sometimes quite late, when he entered his and Mai's rooms, the weight he'd been pushing all day long vanished. Mai usually waited up for him, some silly, romantic novel in hand or something more challenging. Stretched out on the sofa or the bed, relaxed, but not quite, she got up when she heard Zuko, sauntered over and gave him a kiss.
"Dinner's waiting." Eating was important. She insisted on proper meals, no matter how many meetings Zuko might have. "You'll need to warm it up."
Smirking now, she relaxed completely. Zuko was back in their rooms, safe, intact, tired but otherwise in good spirits. She could let go of any residual anxiety.
"Good; I'm starved." He headed toward the table and heated the various dishes along with the pot of tea. "Are you eating?"
Mai had a good appetite; she'd snacked a bit earlier but could do with some more. Besides, she expected they would be burning off a few calories soon. "Yes, I'll join you."
They talked briefly about their afternoons and evenings, not lingering too long on work related things. Zuko's eyes were drawn to Mai. She wore only a nightgown, a clingy thing, black, sleeveless and knee length. All that exposed skin was more enticing than the food. He chewed and swallowed and grabbed more food with his chopsticks using mechanical gestures.
"Did you taste anything?" Mai teased. "Or are you hungry for something else now?"
Peaceful and calm, slightly sleepy, but also aroused, Zuko nodded. Mai was impossible for him to resist. He stood up and began to undress. They'd made love countless times but he could still be shy disrobing in front of his wife. Mai found this quality endearing. She watched as he peeled off layer after layer, her anticipation growing.
They luxuriated in each other, taking all the time they needed. And when they were done, curled up, two bodies one again, Zuko and Mai realized that their rooms, this space that was theirs alone, the sharing of mind and body, was its own kind of serenity. And each cherished their good fortune.
~~~~0000~~~~
Bliss
Tucked into the giant bed at Ember Island, Zuko and Mai enjoyed the sleep of the relaxed and content. It was an hour before sunrise and the birds had begun to sing and chirp, flitting from tree to tree and shrub to shrub, calling to mates and chicks alike. From the ocean came a stiff breeze, cool almost, one that lifted the sheers on the large window, billowing them out before releasing them again.
The darkness was deep and rich like the blackest obsidian. It enveloped the couple, surrounded them with its velvet arms. Neither heard nor saw their daughter enter the room and neither felt her crawl up onto the bed and wriggle her way down, under the covers and between her mother and father.
Mai and Zuko sighed and adjusted themselves in sleep. Smiling, five year old Miyako pressed her back against Mai's expanding belly and faced her father, one hand seeking his. She dropped off, cradled by her parents, the smile never leaving her face.
~~~~0000~~~~
The sun began its rise, fire called to fire, and Zuko shifted about in the bed. When he opened gold eyes, he met his daughter's matching ones. The sun had beckoned her as well.
"Morning, Daddy." She grinned before worming her way up Zuko's body, wrapping chubby arms around his neck and kissing his cheek.
"It is," he declared, kissing her back. "How about we let Mommy and baby sleep awhile?" He put a finger to his lips.
Miyako nodded her agreement. She hopped off Zuko and onto the floor. Grabbing a robe, Zuko put it on over his sleep pants and then took his daughter by the hand. In the doorway he turned to look at Mai. She'd moved and now occupied the centre of the bed. Her knees were tucked up under her pregnant stomach as if protecting the child within. One arm covered the mound and ebony hair spread out on the sheets like ribbons of silk. Her breathing was soft and even and she looked as lovely as Zuko had ever seen her.
"C'mon, Daddy." Miyako tugged on his hand with the impatience typical of a young child. "I'm hungry."
"You're always hungry," the Fire Lord teased in a whisper.
Down in the kitchen he fixed her something and watched while she ate, taking pleasure in her pleasure.
"It's good, I take it?"
"Yep!" She smacked her lips together, proving her point. "Here, have some." Miyako pushed her bowl over to Zuko and he scooped up some rice.
"Thank you; eat your fruit, Miyako."
She stuffed a huge piece of mango in her mouth. Juice dribbled down her chin and Zuko had to smile.
"You eat your fruit, Daddy." Again, she pushed over some of her food.
He ate. When they finished he led the little girl outside and they strolled to the beach. With quick bursts of energy, Miyako darted ahead and then back. She laughed joyously, taking pleasure in the freedom running provided. And once she hit the water and dipped her tiny feet, the princess shrieked.
"It's cold, Daddy."
"Not for long; the sun will warm the water up."
They sat on the sand and watched the waves, Miyako digging holes just because she could. Every time she found a shell, she exclaimed loudly, her cries competing with those of the gulls.
"I thought I might find you two out here." Both Miyako and Zuko swiveled, beaming, at the sound of Mai's gritty voice. She eased herself down onto the beach, rejecting Zuko's proffered hand. "I'm all right." Getting comfortable, she leaned her head on Zuko's shoulder. "What are my two favorite people up to?"
Miyako launched into a detailed summary of everything she and Zuko had done. The sound of her happy chattering warmed both parents' hearts. Their little family, growing soon, and their Ember Island home provided a serenity that Capitol City and the palace and all the other people they knew could not. Soon they must leave, but neither gave that a thought. Here and now was all that mattered.