A/N: Looks like I'm on a roll.
Maiko 100: Prompt #48: Dance
For you, anything
"Come on, Zuko," Aang encouraged the Fire Lord. "It's your wedding. You have to dance."
Zuko pouted like a little boy, all dressed up in his wedding finery, new wife beside him and the music getting louder and more playful as the time passed.
"Look, I've told you that I hate dancing; I feel clumsy and awkward and self conscious."
"And the difference with dancing is what?" Mai gave Zuko a glare and then a poke with one pointy fingertip. "Everyone is waiting for us. No one else can dance unless we do it first."
"Nonsense; there's nothing stopping anyone from dancing," Zuko snapped.
"Tradition; something it's nice to adhere to sometimes," Mai reminded her husband. "Don't be such a wimp."
"Fine, but don't blame me if I stomp all over your toes."
Zuko got up roughly from his high backed chair and offered a hand to Mai. She gave him a smirk and took it, following him out onto the dance floor. The music stopped then and everyone watched as the newly married couple stood hand in hand, waiting.
"Everyone is staring," Zuko hissed.
His cheeks grew red and his hands grew sticky.
"Who cares?" Mai replied with a roll of her eyes. "You're the Fire Lord. People will always stare at you. Right now, just pretend that we're alone."
"So we just randomly decided to dance?" Zuko stared into Mai's eyes, inhaled deeply and readied himself.
"Exactly; we're in our room and the mood to dance suddenly struck."
"That would never happen," Zuko contradicted his wife. She shot him another glare. "But I'll try."
Mai nodded to the band leader and the music began again, something sweet and romantic this time. Zuko clenched his jaw and began to move, jerkily at first, like he had little control over his limbs. His hand on the small of Mai's back was damp and his fingers pressed hard into Mai's spine.
"Ease up, you're hurting me," she said softly into his ear.
"Sorry."
Zuko's voice was contrite. Hurting Mai in any way was the last thing he wanted to do. Dancing poorly was enough of an insult to his wife. He lightened the pressure of his fingers and inhaled deeply, recalling his breathing exercises and meditation. That helped and his body began to relax. Zuko's jaw was unclenched now and he moved more freely.
"Listen to the music," his wife encouraged him. "Just go with it."
Zuko did and decided to enjoy himself too. He held his beautiful wife in his arms. It was his wedding day. The present was wonderful and for once in his life, the future was full of promise. He twirled Mai around, a mischievous glint in his eyes. He didn't look at anyone else; he forgot that other people were even there. Zuko concentrated on Mai's face, her cheeks slightly pink now and her eyes shining. 'Beautiful 'did not do her justice.
"I'm really glad that I married you," he uttered softly as the song came to a close. "I love you, Mai. And I'll dance with you anytime you want."
"That's good because I see at least two more weddings happening sooner rather than later. And much as I like Toph, I prefer you for a dance partner."
Mai planted a lingering kiss on her husband's lips and pulled him off the dance floor. People applauded but Zuko took no notice. The sway of his wife's hips as she walked ahead of him was mesmerizing.
