Sorry this took a while, but this chapter was pretty difficult for me to write – there is SMUT which I got my good friend to write, I just put it in my own wording, it was awkward. I do not own Avatar: The Last Airbender.

Leading the ostrich-horse by the reins, Jet tries not to concentrate too much on the ever present silence beginning to weigh heavily on his shoulders, if Zuko wanted to talk to him, then he'd have to be the one to break this uncomfortable silence, but currently, the Prince sitting upon the ostrich-horse and was more interested in keeping his unconscious Uncle upright.

Zuko's voice finally breaks the silence, "What's that?"

Jet looks up at the sovereign then follows his line of sight, "I – it looks like an old house."

"We'll stop there and see if anyone's occupying it."

Silently following Zuko's order, Jet gingerly tugs on the reins and begins walking towards the abandoned wooden hut – handing the reins to the Prince; the tawny teen leaves the firebenders at the edge of the forest and creeps closer to the dilapidated shack's window. Peering inside, he sees nothing but dust and a caved in roof, no one's lived here for quite some time. Relaxing, Jet gestures for Zuko to bring the ostrich-horse closer. Once close enough, he retakes the leather reins and ties it to a nearby piece of wood then turns to help the Prince with his conked-out relative – it's a little bit of a struggle, but both teenagers manage to get the supple old man in their hold and carry him inside where they place him upon the dusty floor.

Watching Zuko as he situates his Uncle into a more comfortable position, Jet finally turns and is about to exit the hut when Zuko speaks up, his voice soft and weary:

"Where are you going?"

Jet looks over his shoulder, half facing the Prince, "I'm going to get rid of some of this useless armor."

"Oh – okay."

Lacking his usual hesitation in face of Zuko's demure demeanor, Jet continues on his way, moving towards the edge of the cliff where he begins removing the shoulder-guards, he throws them over the ledge, peeling the cuirass from his torso, he drops it and simply watches it fall until he can see it no longer, fumbling with the stupid tassets, Jet pauses with uncertainty – should he get rid of the bow and arrows as well? What's the point of keeping them?

With a shrug, he chucks the tassets as far as he can followed by the bow and the arrows, once the undesirable pieces of armor are gone, he sits upon the dusty ground and pulls out a knife from the left ballista-turned-knife-carrier. Placing the knife before him, he removes his vambraces and slips his arms out of the sleeves of his shirt, half naked; he takes the knife to the sleeves and begins cutting them off at the seams. Before long, he's got two black sleeves wadded up beside him, pulling on his shirt, he reveals a roll of linen and begins wrapping his forearms up, tying it off, he replaces his vambraces and sighs. Bringing a leg up, he rests his chin on his knee and takes to staring out over the setting sun. Behind him, he can hear the crunching of dirt, looking over his shoulder he sees Zuko approaching, turning back around, Jet glares at the scenery. What was with the royalty and creeping up on him? First Azula, then Iroh, and now Zuko?

"Jet?"

"What?"

"Can I – sit – with you?"

"Go ahead." Jet mutters, "I don't care."

Zuko purses his lips but sits on Jet's left with some kind of black cloth and a knife between them, "I – thought you were dead."

"No shit." Jet scowls, he doesn't bother looking at Zuko, "You told me that yourself after you punched me in the mouth."

"I - !" Zuko sighs, gaze turning to his lap, "Yeah, I should – I'm sorry for that. I – didn't mean to do it, it just happened."

"Great excuse." Jet spits, now glaring at Zuko, "When I punch you in the mouth, I'll tell you that I didn't mean to! it just happened!"

"I'm sorry okay!?" Zuko snaps, now he's glaring at Jet, "What is it you want me to do?!"

"How about letting me punch you in the mouth!?"

"No! I'm not letting you punch me in the mouth!"

"Then you can fucking forget about apologizing to me!"

"Well it was either that or I kiss you in front of everyone and make a fool of myself!"

Jet falls silent while Zuko turns his face away, "So your pride is more important than me being alive?"

"No! That isn't what - !" Zuko jerks his attention back to Jet, "I – if Azula saw she would - !"

"She would what?!" Jet spits, jumping to his feet and glaring down at the flustered teen, "Tell Daddy-Dearest!?"

"No! That's not – ugh-h-h!" Zuko yanks Jet down, their lips slamming together painfully.

Spooked, Jet rips himself away from Zuko and stares wide-eyed at the other, a hand hiding his mouth from Zuko's view, "What are you - ?! You don't - ! You can't just - ! You don't get to do that to me! Not after – you don't love me the way I - !"

"I do like you!" Zuko shouts over Jet's babbling,

"Wha - ?" Jet blinks before narrowing his eyes, "No, you don't get to make fun of me for - !"

"I'm not making fun of you!" Zuko snaps, jumping to his own two feet, "I really do like you the way you like me! I just – as a Prince – I couldn't! Not unless I wanted you to get hurt because something always happens to the people I care about in the stupid Fire Nation and I didn't want anything to happen to you because I couldn't stand the thought of losing you!" Zuko swallows the lump in his throat, "Not like – at the North Pole. I thought you died and because of that I was blaming myself for your death. Telling myself, that if I told you how I felt – then maybe something would have turned out differently. I hated myself. And I hated the Avatar because I thought that he killed you – I thought he might have dragged you under the water just like he did to Zhao and – I was so angry and it hurt so much - !"

Zuko stops once he feels Jet pull him forward, "It's okay – I forgive you."

Stunned, Zuko hesitates before burying his face in Jet's shirt, wrapping his arms around the taller boy and grabbing onto the back of his shirt, Jet is here and he's alive. Zuko can't help the tears that spill and ruining Jet's shirt. Feeling Jet's hand cup the back of his head, fingers entangling themselves in his hair, doesn't help him at all for it only makes him cry harder. Melting at the sight of his Prince crying into his chest much like he did when his mother had disappeared, Jet gingerly pulls back, Zuko refusing to let go. Cupping Zuko's chin, he coaxes the younger teen to look at him.

"Hey now," Jet whispers softly as he uses his other hand to wipe away the tears, being extra mindful of the scarred side, "No more of that, Fire-Bird." he leans forward and gives Zuko a tender kiss, "I always hated seeing you cry when we were kids, I always thought something so beautiful shouldn't have a reason to cry."

Zuko's entire face goes red and Jet laughs as the Prince, well ex-Prince really, separates from him, "Why would you say something like that?!"

Jet grins, "Well we are dating now aren't we ~ ?"

"I - yeah! But - !"

"Then I don't see why not." Jet hums as he pulls the firebender into an embrace, "You won't regret this, I swear. I'll be so good to you Zuko, you'll see."

Hearing the sweet sincerity in the voice that could sell a thousand lies to a thousand different people, Zuko angles himself so he can look up into his friend-turned-boyfriend's eyes, almost immediately, he regrets doing so for when their eyes meet he sees a deep vulnerability in them with a warmth the ex-sovereign has never seen for all the time he's known the teen before him – Jet has followed him for 9 years, and has loved him for 5 of those years. The Jet before him wasn't the one he was used to seeing, the Jet he knew was snarky and angry at the world. This Jet was sweet and wholly trusting. This Jet was in love. Suddenly, Zuko isn't too sure of himself or the kind of power that's been willingly handed to him. Jet places a quick peck on Zuko's temple, the action sending Zuko's heart racing and blood rushing to his face. Embarrassed, the firebender buries his face in Jet's shirt. Hearing Jet laugh, even if it's at him, Zuko feels his body begin to feel light – right then and there, he decides that it doesn't matter if he makes a fool of himself, he loves Jet just as much.

Reaching up, Zuko tangles his fingers in Jet's mess of hair, their gazes instantly connecting, "I love you, Jet." his heart skips a beat, "I love you so much."

Jet smiles so goofily as he places a quick, gentle kiss upon Zuko's scarred cheek, "I love you too, Zuko."

Melting, Zuko allows himself to be subject to many affectionate touches and various adoring kisses that kissed nearly every inch of the firebender's face, from his forehead to his chin and everything in between, meanwhile Jet relishes in the almost constant physical contact between them, the many cuddle-fests, and Zuko's shy kisses. As night falls, the two finally separate from one another's embrace and sleep independently, or they do until Zuko slowly blinks awake, his vision blurry is blurry at first, but he eventually finds himself staring into the core of their small, but cozy, fire. Sitting up, he glances to his Uncle's still unconscious form then to the slumbering figure of his boyfriend - he fights back the smile that threatens to take over. Biting his lower lip, he quietly moves to Jet's side, the earthen boy showing no signs of waking any time soon, but once Zuko touches his bare arm, he startles rather violently. A hand flies out and grabs Zuko's wrist, the firebender suppressing a yelp as he's flipped over the once slumbering body and laying flat on his back with a knife pressed to his throat, Jet blinks momentarily before the haziness of sleep leaves his eyes. Recoiling from the ex-Prince, Jet quickly removes himself from Zuko's personal space and sheathes his weapon:

"What the hell?" Jet hisses quietly, watching Zuko sit up, "I could have – I don't – what is with your family and sneaking up on me!?"

"I didn't sneak up on you." Zuko retorts just as quietly, "And I was – well, there's something important I have to ask you."

"It must be if you're willing to chance a knife to the neck."

Zuko bites his lower lip self-consciously, "Well, you know that we're going to Ba-Sing-Se, right?"

"Yeah?"

"And well, I was – I don't know," he feels his face heat up, "Maybe I – we could," he can't help but shrink in on himself, "Fool around."

Jet is only momentarily confused before he realizes what it is Zuko's asking, his entire face glowing bright red, "Um – moving a bit fast, aren't you?"

"Yeah but – I don't know, I thought, maybe if I was going to lose – have a first time, then I'd rather it be in some peaceful forest than a crowded, dirty city."

"Oh, okay – well – okay." Jet rubs at the back of his neck, "What – how do you wanna do this?"

Zuko dips his head sheepishly, "However you want to."

"Okay – are you sure?"

"Yeah – I'm sure."

"Alright," Jet leans reaches out, cupping Zuko's jaw only to stop, he glares at Zuko, "If we do this and you leave me, I'm going castrate you."

Zuko smacks Jet's hand away, returning the glare, "What do you think I am?"

"I think you're beautiful," Jet starts, taking Zuko's face in both of his hands, "And I know people do stupid things when they see something pretty."

Letting Jet kiss him, Zuko pulls away, "I hope you don't think we're doing this in front of my unconscious Uncle."

"What?" Jet grins as he stands, pulling Zuko up with him, "He's out cold, I don't think he'll hear a thing."

"It's still wrong." Zuko snorts.

"Well then," Jet begins leading them outside, "I guess we'll just have to take this outside."

Outside, the stares shine bright within the midnight sky and the silver moon offers enough light that the two love-struck teens are able to see one another once their eyes adjust to the dim lighting. Taking Zuko's hand, Jet begins leading the way through some of the trees, he doesn't know where he's going but he doesn't particularly care so long as he has his sovereign at his side. They walk through the woods until they come across a small, grassy clearing with rays of moonlight shining through the treetops and fireflies flitting to and fro – Jet spins Zuko so the firebender is facing him and pulls him close so they're chest to chest, placing a hand upon Zuko's hip, he offers a cheesy grin.

"May I have this dance ~ ?"

Zuko arches his good brow but nods, "You know how to dance?"

Jet shrugs as he takes the lead, "For some reason, they felt that it was a skill I needed to learn."

A low hum of acknowledgement escapes Zuko as Jet twirls them in lazy circles, their movements slow and considerate – twirling Zuko, Jet smoothly brings the Prince in close intimately, he meets Zuko's gaze and finds both amusement and a calm contentment in his firebender eyes. Smiling softly, Jet cups Zuko's jaw and places a sensuous kiss upon the other's lips. Making an approving sound, Zuko wraps his arms around Jet's neck and returns the kiss. Sneaking his hands underneath the Earth Kingdom rags Zuko had appropriated from somewhere, Jet feels hot skin against his fingertips. Both boys pull away to look down, Jet cups Zuko's chin and coaxes him to look him in the eyes, he has to ask again.

"Are you sure you want this?"

"Yes," Zuko breathes, "I'm sure."

Nodding, Jet and Zuko move in for another kiss – he mumbles against Zuko's lips, "Gonna have to take our clothes off for this to work."

Zuko snickers into their kiss shortly before they pull away, "You think?"

Grinning at the sarcastic retort from Zuko, Jet turns on his heel and begins undoing his metal vambraces, finding, what he deems, a suitable spot, he drops the forearm pieces and slips out of his shirt in one fluid move. Snapping the article of clothing out, he lays it out on the grass before him, turning away from the makeshift cover he freezes once his eyes fall upon his sovereign shimmying out of his own uncomfortable shirt with a catlike grace, and apparently, Zuko's sensitive to staring since he looks over a fair-skinned shoulder and glances at him – the sight he makes has Jet's body catching fire and a tingling sensation start in his groin. Short of breath, Jet opens his mouth to call out to his boyfriend:

"Hey," he rasps instead, Zuko moves so that he's half-facing him, "Come here."

The ex-Prince turns back around, his arms wrapping around himself almost self-consciously until he spins around and starts walking towards Jet at a slow pace, reaching out slowly as to not spook Zuko, Jet gingerly grabs Zuko's hand and maneuvers the firebender into sitting upon the makeshift bedding with his legs on either side of Jet's body, leaning forward, he kisses Zuko, the latter wrapping his arms around his shoulders as Jet lays him down so he's on his back. Separating himself from Zuko with a smack, he looks down at the boy he's come to love. Grabbing Zuko's leg, he removes his boot, placing an innocent kiss upon his ankle that has Zuko momentarily tensing – this isn't them, they both know that, but neither cares to stop as Jet does the same process with Zuko's other leg. Placing the boots beside his vambraces, he hovers over the heated body. Hooking his fingers within the hem of Zuko's pants, his eyes flit to the firebender's one last time, silently asking if he still wanted this, when he received no negative response, he continues, slowly pulling his pants down and trailing kisses down his leg, from his inner thigh to his calve. Zuko throws an arm over his eyes, the motion catching Jet's attention, pulling away from his gentle ministrations he stares at Zuko worriedly.

"You okay?"

"Yeah," Zuko chokes out, "This is just – embarrassing."

Jet leans forward so he's face to face with Zuko, despite the Prince hiding his eyes, "We can stop if you want."

"No," Zuko shakes his head, Jet sees the boy's Adam's Apple bob as he swallows, "I just – you're," he inhales loudly, "You're so – gentle."

"Of course." Jet murmurs, removing Zuko's arm away from his eyes, "I love you, Zuko."

Zuko swallows hard, Gods, he was going to cry, "Just – please do something."

"Are you - ?"

"I'm going to punch you in the mouth again if you ask me if I'm sureone more time."

Jet snorts, rolling his eyes as he sits back on his heels, "You're so romantic."

Annoyed with his boyfriend's attitude, the Fire Prince wraps his legs around Jet's slim waist and grabs onto his shoulders, yanking him forward and causing the taller boy to topple, both hands planting on either side of pale, flushed shoulders. Sliding his hands along his boyfriend's shoulders, up his neck, and into locks of messy hair, he pulls the brunette in for a messy kiss, one which Jet eagerly returns. Brushing his hips against Jet's, Zuko feels a thrill rush throughout his body when he feels Jet's lips part and a low growl vibrate against his own mouth. Swallowing the lump in his throat, he watches Jet sit back and yank his own pants down, the firebender immediately noticing the other's own raging hard-on. The head was red, swollen, already wet with pre-come beading the slit, he was no thicker than his own but Spirits he was longer in length. Hot and heady. And just the thought of that pushing him open and filling him up had him biting his lip and spine arcing off the ground, successfully capturing Jet's attention.

Propped over Zuko with one hand keeping him from resting his weight on the ex-sovereign, Jet dips his head forward and catches his soon-to-be lover's lips in a kiss, slipping a finger into the mix, the seventeen year old is rewarded with a hot tongue lapping and prodding at the intrusive digit. Licking his lips, he adds another, not breaking eye contact for a second. Inhaling shakily, he removes the fingers and leans forward once more.

"Ready?"

"Y – Yeah."

Kissing Zuko once again, he lets the tips of his fingers ghost over taut skin and stop at the ring of muscle, Jet noses at Zuko's neck and breathes, "I love you."

"I - ,"

Jet pops the first finger inside, the Prince gasping sharply and tensing all over – he's tight, sinfully tight, and the heat, oh how the heat drove him crazy, he'd always wondered if firebenders were hotter on the inside, always wondered if Zuko was hotter. And Gods, the heat was damn-near insane. Licking at a patch of damp skin upon Zuko's neck, he laps away until the salty taste of sweat is gone, replaced by something a little sweeter. Beneath him, Zuko is whimpering. Running his tongue over the tops of his teeth, he bites onto the freshly cleaned skin, the sudden pain distracting the smaller teen from the fact that he'd slipped in the second finger.

"Fuck - ," Zuko breathes, pants into Jet's ear, his nails digging into the flesh on his back, "Fuck – Jet."

Groaning, Jet picks up the pace – his every sense filled with Zuko.

Hot. Hot. Hot.

"Fuck." Jet hisses, he pulls his fingers out and spits into his palm, "I need you now."

Zuko cups Jet's cheek in one hand, looking up at him through lidded eyes as Jet hurries to lube his dick, "Well I'm waiting."

Jet growls, "Don't say that."

He presses the head against the ring and begins pushing, Zuko's mouth falling open and back lifting off the ground once the head slips in with some resistance, Jet wants to close his eyes, to savor the feeling, but he can't bring himself to as he rocks himself slowly, until, inch by inch, he's buried to the hilt and fully encased within heat. For Zuko, it's weird, and the burning sensation of being stretched, while unpleasant, begins to soothe, and soon he feels full. Complete. It feels amazing. Sinking himself onto his boyfriend's dick, he chases what little feeling is offered. Jet's hips stutter, briefly pulling out before slamming back in, the sudden movement startling a strangled moan from Zuko's throat.

"Jet." Zuko gasps, nails digging deeper into Jet's back, "Move."

"Anything for you." Jet kisses Zuko's forehead.

Pulling out, he pushes back in, listening to Zuko inhale sharply and a quiet oh~h~h escape parted lips. This is what he's always dreamt about, this is what kept him up at nights back on that Gods forsaken ship. Skin on skin contact. Zuko's pretty eyes staring at him, his voice husky and laden with lust, calling out for him, his body slick with sweat and willing. And the heat – oh the heat. Picking up the pace, Jet feels a high coming on when he starts drawing out more whimpers and choked back moans from the Prince.

Nails claw trails down his back, body jerking with each thrust, "Faster."

Curling over Zuko, he angles his hips and thrusts harder, soon erotic noises begin filtering from his boyfriend's mouth and it's downright lascivious. Some part of Jet always figured Zuko was a loud lover. Zuko feels his body begin to shiver, a tight heat coiling within his groin, and thighs quaking – all of this seconds before he comes onto his own stomach, his body clenching around Jet and bringing the other with him over the edge. The ex-Prince registers a foreign heat spill inside, but he can't bring himself to care at the moment. Body going limp, he relishes in the feeling of Jet's entire body weigh him down. Both trying to catch their breaths.

Rolling off of Zuko, Jet feels Zuko curl up against him. Wrapping an arm around Zuko's shoulders, he places a kiss upon his temple and mumbles:

"I love you."

He hears Zuko's tired voice reply five seconds later, "I love you too."

Goodness gracious! Look at the sin!