Prompt #25: Illuminate

Inspired by the beautiful Florence and the Machine song 'Spectrum': "Say my name and every colour illuminates; we are shining and we will never be afraid again."

Say my Name

More than three years had passed since Zuko last heard Mai's voice. He dreamed about her often and sometimes when he awoke, disappointed and forlorn and alone, he wept bitter tears, pounding fists into his pillow. Everything about her was fading, looked like some sepia coloured painting instead of bright and sharp. She'd been twelve and he couldn't imagine the changes she'd gone through. Part of him feared seeing her again, feared rejection and feared that everything would somehow be different between them.

She'd been such a lovely girl, tall and slender with slight curves and a head of ebony hair that was the envy of many. Her voice was not high pitched and girly, but deep rather and already somewhat sensual. The thought of it made Zuko quiver.

He never said her name aloud, never mentioned to his uncle how much he missed and longed for Mai. He kept that to himself, a valuable treasure, something intimate and painful, something to savor.

And so when he saw her in Ba Sing Se, fifteen and all grown up, taller still, he was struck dumb. He wanted to say so much, ached to tell her how he'd missed her presence in his life, the way she had of making everything seem better, something that he could at least endure. But he stared shyly instead and waited for her.

"Zuko." Mai walked toward him, all easy grace, loose clothing trailing along behind her. Her face was neutral, as if anticipating any and all outcomes of this meeting. But her eyes betrayed her; they glistened with emotion. And her voice, it betrayed the girl too. "Zuko," she said again, tasting his name on her tongue. She'd missed him as well; it was clear to the prince now.

The world, his world, brightened with those two syllables. Everything was illuminated now. Vibrant colours filled his vision. Mai filled his vision. And for that moment, forgetting all his troubles, Zuko was happy.

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A/N: Also, here's a poem I wrote for the previous prompt 'Promise'.

Promises

His promise is a whisper, breath tickling her ear.

She takes it in, examines it and accepts.

With you I'll stay 'til the end.

Neither wants to think about that.

I am yours; heart, soul, body, mind.

He's a romantic, an idealist, so different from her.

This she accepts too.

And she sends her own promise back, in the paths her fingertips weave.

You, you, only you; it could never be another.

His skin twitches, absorbing her vow.

He sighs, content again, pacified; all is well.

Her fingers rest on his hip, the curve of bone, their dance over for now.

Each carries two promises within, and each falls into sleep,

Cradled by their truth and cradled by their power.