Elyrie was lying in her bed, her arm tucked under her head for support as she looked at her new room in the dark. The small nightstand had a book on it and the closet had her clothes in it. There was a soft rug, which was a soft green in the daytime but now looked like a black hole on the lighter wooden floor in the darkness of the night.
Her bed was incredibly soft, unlike the hard mattress she had in their apartment in the Lower Ring. Her new pillow was made of silk and she felt her hair sliding of the fabric every time she turned on her side. The blankets were warm and soft, hugging her comfortably as she lay down.
But despite the comfort, she couldn't sleep. She had the feeling she wouldn't sleep a wink tonight - or any other night for that matter.
She turned on her back again and stared at the dark ceiling. Her heart kept pounding vigorously every time she thought about what Zuko had said to her.
Do you think she could have loved me?
Did he even know what he had said? Did he mean it? Or was it just the fever talking?
A few hours ago, Zuko's fever had finally broken and he got a little better. Even though he remained in bed, he seemed to be in better spirits. He had smiled and thanked Uncle for his good care, as well as thanked her for her kindness.
After he had gone to bed to sleep off the last remains of his sickness, she had withdrawn herself in her own thoughts again. She had hoped that retiring early would help her sleep, but it wasn't doing her any good: it must be after midnight and she was still wide awake.
With a sigh, she pushed her blanket away and got out of her bed. She opened her door and walked into the dark corridor. Her room was the one furthest away from the living room, so she slipped as quietly as she could past Uncle's and Zuko's rooms.
She turned around and let her gaze go over their new apartment. The hardwood floor was covered with a soft green carpet, on which the furniture was placed. There were three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a spacious living room and a kitchen – which was Uncle's favourite spot. It was more than enough for three people, and at least three times as large as the apartment they had shared before.
The large window on the right side of the apartment gave her a view of the Upper Ring. In the Lower Ring, she couldn't see the stars out of the window. But here, she could see the night sky shining above them.
Under the window was a low table which faced their new kitchen. Elyrie sat down and let her elbows rest on the darkbrown wood of the table. The moon was full and illuminated the streets of Ba Sing Se with her light. Elyrie smiled at her cousin as she lit the small candle on the table with a snap of her fingers. "What do you think, Yue?" she asked her, not really expecting an answer as the flame illuminated the room with a warm, orange light.
Folding her legs under her, Elyrie looked at the dancing flame in front of her. Everything was so quiet around her. The city was quiet and peaceful: everyone was asleep in their beds. Only she was kept awake by the thoughts that kept spinning their web inside of her mind. And the longer she waited, the vaster that web became. But what could she do about it?
Her mother used to say: "Never let 'what if' control your life, because it'll wreck havoc on your mind." Yet, all the 'what if's' had crossed Elyrie's mind by now. As she let her hand go over the little flame, she felt the heat prickling on her skin. Letting her fingers dance over her element, she let her thoughts wander off again
What if he had said it while he was awake?
What if we were still in the Fire Nation?
What if he hadn't been such a difficult, stubborn and impossible man?
"The night is perfect for overthinking." Uncle's kind voice came from behind her, "Because only in darkness can you see the light of the stars."
Elyrie let out a low chuckle at the proverbial entry of the older man. "I am sorry, did I wake you?" she asked as she turned around to look at him.
"No, dear." He answered as he walked over to the kitchen, "I slept so long today, that I am not tired now. Do you want a cup of tea as well?"
Elyrie only nodded. Silently, she watched Uncle prepare two cups of the hot brew. Her fingers kept playing with the fire. The warmth and light was soothing to look at, even if she manipulated it from time to time by increasing and decreasing the size of the flame.
She had expected Uncle to scold her for displaying her bending – even if they were such small things as manipulating a candle – but he didn't say anything. Instead, he just used the firestones to make a flame to heat the water for their tea.
"Do you want to tell me what is bothering you?" Iroh only asked her as he handed her the cup and sat down across from her at the low table.
Elyrie contemplated it for a moment as she took a sip from the sweet tea. It was chamomile, used to treat anxiety and insomnia. She smiled inwardly at the attentiveness of Uncle, because he could so clearly see she was bothered.
With her gaze fixed on the dancing flame, she thought about it. She could lie and say that nothing was bothering her. That she was fine, just a bit nervous for their new shop. She could think of a thousands things she rather wanted to say, but she knew it was no use.
"Zuko said something to me today that I can't stop thinking about." she said in a small voice, "He was sleeping and he didn't know he was speaking to me, but he was asking about me. He asked me if I-, if I could-…" She stumbled on the words now that she had to repeat them out loud to another person.
"Yes?" Iroh urged gently.
"If I could have loved him."
She said it. The whole day, she had tried to convince herself that he hadn't said it like that. That he meant something entirely different; that he was delirious from the fever, not in his right mind - but he had asked her this, asked her if she could have loved him.
"And can you?"
She looked up at Uncle, but his reaction remained neutral. Even in the flickering light of the candle could she tell by his reaction that this didn't surprise him. His question was direct, but she wasn't ready to answer it yet.
"Aren't you surprised by this?" she instead asked.
Iroh repressed a smile when she turned the conversation around, but he decided to humour her for now. "Actually no," he answered, "I am shocked it took you two so long."
Elyrie opened her mouth in surprise, but closed it again when Iroh placed a finger on his lips and motioned to the bedrooms, indicating her to be quiet.
"The tension between you is almost palpable, so it was hard to miss." He said in a hushed tone. She only nodded as she stared at the flames.
"What you have together, goes deeper than mere love." Uncle continued in a soft tone, "You two have an almost spiritual connection, forged in childhood and formed as you grew older. Have you never wondered why it didn't seem like any time had passed between the two of you, even after being years apart?"
Elyrie started twisting her ring around her finger as she listened. She had never wondered about it, she had taken it for granted.
She didn't answer, but Iroh continued: "Because of that connection you share: platonic love at its finest, because you bring out the best in each other - you always have done that. You are the calming influence on Zuko's temper and the cheerfulness compared to his more solemn character. And he makes that you think about the serious questions in life, that you look further than your own safe circle where you've grown up in. His determination is in stark contrast with your own wait-and-see attitude, which inspires you to take more action."
"What do you mean by that?" Elyrie asked quietly, still playing with her ring.
"That you're not exactly the type to go out of your comfort zone." Iroh replied. Elyrie's blue eyes shot up and she opened her mouth to protest, looking almost offended.
"Please, let me explain," Iroh quickly said, "I don't mean to say that you are a coward – far from it. But you adapt to a situation if you have to, but your feelings take longer. You create the safe haven for yourself by bottling everything up inside, so you don't have to face the conflicting feelings. That's your comfort zone."
Elyrie let his words sink in as she took a sip of her tea. "I don't know how to love him." she finally said, saying out loud what she had been feeling for quite some time, "I'm in love with him, but I don't know what to do with it."
"Why?"
"Because I don't know how I can possibly cross over from friendship to more?" she answered, "There will be no turning back once I do."
"You are afraid?"
"Terrified."
"Even now you know that he loves you too?"
She let out a low chuckle. "That is even worse. I am already terrified, but I wouldn't want to hear it from him. As long as we can keep the silence, I can pretend it isn't there."
"You could ask what he thinks of all of this?" Uncle frowned, "Don't you think he gets a say in this?"
"Sorry," she answered as she stood up, "I cannot do that."
"Why do you deny yourself a chance?"
"Because it is much easier."
"So, what now?" Iroh sighed, wondering what he had done to get two such stubborn cow-pigs under his wing. Well, at least this one was willing to discuss her feelings and emotions – albeit to confirm that she'll shut them off.
"Carry on with our lives as we've always had." Elyrie answered firmly, "I can handle that."
"I once told you, you need to be open to be able to generate lighting. You understand now what I mean by closing off? For you, the most difficult part is letting go of the control." Iroh tried for the last time as he picked up the two empty cups.
"Uncle, you know how much I value your advice,-" she began as she crossed her arms.
"Which means you intend to ignore it." Iroh cut in with a raised eyebrow.
"- but I am not going to overturn his life now that he finally seems to be doing better. I am not that selfish."
You're confusing stubbornness with strength, dear, Iroh mused as he looked at the girl. With her arms folded and her face stoic, she didn't allow for any other arguments. And I warn you: you aren't going to like yourself for it.
The following morning, Zuko woke up feeling like he had slept for weeks on end. He felt refreshed, like a new person. As he got out of bed, it seemed like the sun had finally broken through the thick blanket of dark clouds that had surrounded him for months. He felt lighter, almost as if he was flying every time he did something.
Rubbing the sleep out of his eyes, he walked into the living room. Elyrie was sitting at the low table, eating the breakfast that Uncle had prepared. The smell filled the entire apartment.
"What is that smell?" Zuko asked as he walked towards them.
"It's jook." Iroh answered, preparing himself for a scowl from his nephew, "I'm sure you wouldn't like it."
Zuko leaned forward and sniffed the porridge. "Actually," he said as he picked up a bowl, "It smells delicious. I'd love a bowl, Uncle." With a smile, he lifted his bowl to the older man, politely waiting for him to give him the jook.
Iroh filled the bowl and exchanged a look with Elyrie at the table. She only raised her shoulders, apparently just as surprised as he was by the soft demeanour of his nephew.
"Now that your fever is gone, you seem different somehow."
"Tonight we have the opening party for your new teashop." Zuko smiled content as he took a sip from the jook, "We have a new apartment, new furniture. Things are looking up, Uncle."
And he meant it. Uncle's new teashop, 'the Jasmine Dragon', was almost ready to open and he was actually glad that he could help his Uncle prepare for his special day.
"So, we're going to have a busy day." Iroh answered as he sat down as well, slurping the jook from his bowl, "You both know what to do, right?"
"Run our errands, but be back at four o'clock to prepare ourselves for the party," Elyrie repeated, because the schedule was hammered into her brain, "Or in my case: at three o'clock."
"Are you planning to take that long to prepare?" Zuko asked her and she turned around with a mischievous grin.
"Of course!" she exclaimed, although her voice was slightly higher than normal, "I have to prepare myself without help, so it's going to take forever. But how often do I get the chance to dress up?"
"If everything goes as planned, dear," Iroh smiled, "You'll have to dress up more than you'd like."
"I'm counting on it!" she answered as she stood up and placed her bowl on the kitchen counter.
A few hours later, all three of them were preparing themselves for the party. Not only Quon and the investors would be present, but other important shopkeepers and merchants from the Upper Ring would attend. Any other person had worried about the etiquette and customs of the upper classes; after all, they were mere refugees from the Lower Ring. Quon had given them a brief summary of the customs in the upperclass, but it hadn't been necessary; they didn't differ much from the ones in the Fire Nation. Zuko smiled at the irony: from upperclass Fire Nation citizens to refugees in the Earth Kingdom, only to rise in the ranks of the city.
He was confident that tonight would be a success. Elyrie and he had been brought up in these circles, so he wouldn't be too out of place. And even if he was, he could hide behind her – as he had done so often.
"- and that is how I became acquainted with your father." the Councilman finished with a wide smile that made his round face even more look like a full moon.
"Indeed, sir," Elyrie answered as she waved her fan, feigning interest, "What a fascinating story." In all of her sixteen years, she didn't think she had ever heard such a long and boring story, which could have been summed up in four words: we met at court. "But if you'll excuse me, I think my presence is required by the Princess." Without waiting for a response, Elyrie turned around.
As if she ever would attend to Azula, but she needed an excuse to get away from the tediously boring man.
"You know," Zuko said as he walked beside her, "You are a terrible liar." Elyrie gave him an annoyed look as he smiled arrogantly at her. He had been standing just behind her the entire time without even bothering to help her get away from the Councilman.
"Hard times require hard choices," she answered as almost frantically spun the fan in her hand, "How long do you plan to hide behind me?"
"Just as long as this party lasts," the eighteen year old Prince said with a grin, "Doesn't your face hurt from all the fake smiling by now?"
"Don't laugh at me," she said, although he saw the lights dart in her eyes, "At least I am playing my part. That is more than I can say of you." Accusingly, she poked him in his chest with her fan.
"I am the Prince," he answered as he pushed her hand away with a smirk, "That comes with certain privileges." His eyes lit up in an amused way as he looked just over shoulder into the crowd. "And one of those privileges is seeing the young Nishio coming over here to speak to you."
"Help." She mouthed before she turned around to look at Nishio, who almost stepped on her toes as he practically ran to them.
"Miss Elyrie, what a pleasure seeing you at this party in the Palace." He said as he took her hand. Elyrie might have been able to smile, were it not that every time he said the letter 'p', he covered her in consumption.
"The pleasure is mine." She answered, subtly wiping her hand on the skirts of her dress.
"I can see that: his pleasure his all over you." Zuko mumbled before she stomped on his foot with her heel.
He smiled at the memory. She had been the one to do the small talk and she had been great at it. He didn't doubt that tonight she would be the one to do the smooth talking- but what surprised him was that he didn't felt exhausted by the idea of socialising now. He felt excited, like he hadn't felt in a long time. Uncle was right: he seemed different, but how could he not be excited? Things were looking up for them and everything seemed to be going well.
Even more, he finally felt as if the heavy stone wall that he had build around his heart slowly started to crumble down. His Uncle told him he would emerge stronger than before, and he felt stronger.
"You look very handsome, nephew." Iroh said approvingly as Zuko stepped out of his bedroom in his new attire. He wore a white tunic with an olivegreen overcoat, decorated with golden embroidery. It was perfect for a festive event.
Uncle had surprised them all by gifting them new clothes for the special occasion, and he hadn't forgotten himself. He looked very sharp in his softgreen robe complimented by a round hat, according to the latest Earth Kingdom fashion
"Thank you, Uncle." Zuko answered cheerfully, before he turned around and saw Elyrie enter the living room.
"How do I look?" Elyrie asked as she twirled around in her jade dress. The sleeves were white, but the bodice was made of the beautiful green shade of mousseline. It was tight around her waist, but the skirt flowed around when she moved as she walked, as if it was made of air. Her hair was pinned up in a bun in the nape of her neck, with the two front locks framing her face. A elegantly curved jade pin was placed in her dark hair, complimenting the colour of the dress. Her face was powdered with a blush on her cheeks and kohl around her eyes. Her lips were a tint darker than normal, which suited her look perfectly.
"You are a vision, dear!" Iroh exclaimed as she walked to him.
"You are so beautiful." Zuko whispered with a smile she had never seen before. Elyrie stopped in her tracks when she looked at him and he saw that a faint blush spread over her cheeks.
She looked at his outfit and smiled at him. "Don't you two look handsome too." She complimented them with a smile. Now it was Zuko's turn to blush as he shyly looked away.
"Ready?" Uncle asked as he opened the door for them.
Zuko nodded and offered Elyrie his arm, ready to escort her as a nobleman would do. Elyrie looked surprised, but immediately took his arm. When Zuko felt her touch, his heart started pounding faster but he remained stoic as they walked outside.
As they walked toward the shop, Elyrie took in their new surroundings. Even in the twilight, she could see the green grass on either side of the pavement. The lawns were in immaculate state, very well-kept like the rest of the street. Her gaze went over the other houses, very much the same as theirs.
She was ashamed to admit that she felt immediately at home in this neighbourhood. It was almost amusing how similar Ba Sing Se was in comparison to the Fire Nation Capital. At least, the part of the Capital she had grown up in: the wealthy part where the streets were clean, the people were happy and poverty seemed to be non-existent.
The big difference was that the Capital at home was mainly inhabited by the wealthy aristocrats of the Fire Nation due to the presence of the Royal Family. But here, in Ba Sing Se, only a few kilometres away from this paradise, thousands of people were in the streets begging for work and food.
In the Lower Ring, she had taken weeks to feel comfortable with her surroundings. Most difficult of all was the smell: the stench of poverty. It wafted off everything. Uncle told her that was what poverty smelled like: like desperation and transpiration.
But here in the Upper Ring, everything was clean and proper. The streets were swept every evening and the grass was watered. The jasmine in the gardens wafted their smell around, almost as if they were decorating the perfect state of the wealthy. The people walking around were dressed immaculately. Elyrie had seen some girls around her own age with beautiful dresses and jewellery. Her own sapphire ring had maybe drawn attention in the Lower Ring, but here it was barely noticeable.
"There it is!" Uncle said enthusiastically as he pointed to the building in front of them. The building was once home to another business, but it was forced to close due to lack of interest. Uncle had told them that Quon had been looking for some new form of tea shop and that's where he came in.
The sign was the first thing that drew attention: black, decorated with the carefully applied golden letters to form the name 'The Jasmine Dragon'. The sign was flanked by two elegant dragons, painted in a shimmering gold.
Zuko looked up at the large building. Two separate, broad stone steps led up to a neatly tiled patio. Wide stone steps stood before the wooden, double front doors at the centre of the building. The sweet aroma of tea welcomed them even before they stepped inside.
"It is beautiful!" Elyrie exclaimed as they entered the shop on Zuko's arm. On both their sides, two hostess welcomed them with a respectful bow.
Uncle gave them a tour through the building, pointing out all his suggestions and the functions. The working area and kitchen were similar to the ones in the shop in the Lower Ring, but the main area was the largest room and took Elyrie's breath away. It was filled with brown square and round tables with matching chairs. In the middle of the shop was a large, dark green carpet edged with a yellow border and depicting two dragons. The large windows let in the last rays of sunshine, but as the sun was setting a dozen lanterns were lit to provide the lightening. All colours were yellow and green, the colours of Ba Sing Se.
"And this was my addition as well!" Iroh pointed to a framed piece of calligraphy above the entrance.
"It is better to go for three days without food than one day without tea." Elyrie read out loud, and Zuko chuckled. "Proverbs about tea in your shop," he said, "Why am I not surprised?"
"And this is our menu," Iroh said as he handed them a beautifully decorated paper. Zuko let his eyes go over the beautiful calligraphy on the soft green paper. All the tea's had different names: White Lotus Tile – made of white tea and sweet fruits; The Jasmine Dragon – Jasmine tea with spice and cloves, and …
"The 'Fire Rose'?" Elyrie asked as she read the ingredients. "A mix of green and black tea with rosebuds and spice. But Uncle, this is -,"
"Your favourite tea, exactly." He nodded, "That's why I named it after you." He gave her a knowing wink and pinched her cheek.
"Does that mean that the 'Red-blooded Nephew' is named after me?" Zuko frowned as he read the ingredients.
Elyrie let out a chuckle as she read the ingredients: it was a black tea with cinnamon in it. "Jup," she nodded as she smirked at Zuko, "That's you, alright. But Uncle, this is so sweet." Elyrie looked at the beautiful menu again, feeling touched that he would name a tea after them
"Sweet is not necessarily the right word for it,-..." Zuko began, but he was interrupted.
"Roman!" Elyrie said surprised, "What a surprise to see you here!"
Zuko looked up and saw the young man enter the shop with a wide smile. Roman was impeccably dressed in a fine white shirt with an emerald green overcoat. He nodded politely to Zuko and Uncle, but walked straight to Elyrie.
"Hasn't your Uncle told you then?" the young man said as he took her hands, "He employed me as the pianist to entertain the guests."
"That's wonderful!" Elyrie smiled at Uncle, who nodded to her. Zuko repressed a frown when he saw that Roman continued to hold Elyrie's hands. It wasn't necessary to hold on to her for that long, was it?
"The young man impressed me so much with his performances, I decided to offer him a job during the evenings." Iroh smiled, "These are the songs I would think suit this shop very well." He handed Roman the sheets of music.
"Oh, but these I know!" Roman exclaimed happily as he let his eyes go over the pages, "And you too, Liana." He handed her the sheets and Zuko looked over Elyrie's shoulder to see, and approved Uncle's choices. They were all soft and easy songs, perfect for a peaceful teashop.
"Good choices." Elyrie agreed as she gave the sheets back.
"And of course," Uncle continued with a wiggle of his eyebrows at Roman, "You'll need a singer to accompany you from time to time."
"Ah yes," Roman agreed immediately – a little too fast for Zuko's liking – as he nudged Elyrie, "Do you want to help me make this a success?"
"You guys planned this," Elyrie groaned, but Zuko saw that she smirked. Her eyes began to lighten as she look from one to the other, obviously eager to grant them their request.
"I don't know what she's talking about. You?" Iroh said innocently as he winked at Roman, who only shrugged.
"Thank you so much." Elyrie smiled with a twinkle in her eyes, "When do we start?"
"Tomorrow!" Iroh said as he handed her a glass of wine, "For tonight is a party. Now, can I offer you a drink?"
"Anything the new owner wants!" she answered with a mischievous glance.
Zuko smiled at her enthusiasm as she took her glass of wine. With her beautiful dress and her pinned up hair, she looked perfectly at ease. As the crowd grew larger, she whipped out her fan – an accessory that came with the dress. The light colour of the bamboo complimented the soft green shade of the paper as Elyrie elegantly waved it near her face. Zuko repressed a smile when he saw that she closed the fan again and let it spin in her hands with impressive skill. She did it so casually, because she had always done that in the Fire Nation whenever she had one; playing with it and doing tricks. They were much needed in the hot summers on the mainland, but it was nice to see that they were also available in the Earth Kingdom. It suited her, almost as if she was back at court again.
Zuko took his own glass from the tray and took a sip while he turned away from gazing at her – although he would never admit to that.
He looked around his Uncle's new shop and the people who had gathered around. A band, standing on a small podium, started playing music to entertain the guest. Zuko let his eyes go over the crowd in the shop. Everyone seemed to be ready for a party, judging by their clothes and their happy faces. All came their way to greet Uncle and congratulate him on the opening of his new shop.
Zuko nodded politely to all the unfamiliar faces and knew that nobody would blame him for his silence. Next to him, Elyrie had a radiant smile on her lips as she thanked everyone for their kindness and complimented people on small things.
As Zuko watched her interact, he knew she would fit right in. She could sing and help in this shop, all the while being here with him. He would help his Uncle realise his dream in the shop. He would be here with the two people he cared for most in the world - wasn't this more than he could have hoped for?
"Lee!" he heard Uncle's voice and it took him a second to realise he was Lee, "Come, ask a nice young lady to dance!"
Zuko blinked confused as he saw the wrinkled smile of his Uncle beside him. He had been so lost in his thoughts that he hadn't realised that more couples had gathered on the dancefloor as the band continued to play. He looked to his side - where Elyrie had been only a few moments ago - but found it empty.
The whirl of jade on the dancefloor indicated that she was otherwise occupied. Roman had asked her to dance, and she was apparently eager to follow the music.
Reluctantly, Zuko turned away from the pair on the dancefloor. At that moment, he cursed himself for not paying more attention during his mother's dance lessons. She was the one who taught them how to dance, but it was so long ago. Oh, how he would have loved it to dance with her. Watching her eyes sparkle, her face light up and her beautiful lips form the most beautiful smile.
Elyrie – on the other hand – twirled around with Roman as a very capable partner. It had been a long time since she had danced, but it felt natural as soon as she heard the music. Roman was a good dancer: steady and with a feeling for rhythm. Nevertheless, she found that she secretly had wished she could have danced with Zuko. Immediately repressing the idea, she focused on Roman's steps as he let her spin around the dancefloor. The figures became a blur as she spun around again and again, laughing and enjoying herself.
She wasn't the only one who enjoyed herself, because Iroh was even more content with the evening. "Ah, Mushi," Quon said to Iroh as he joined him, "It is a success, yes?"
"Indeed it is." Uncle agreed as he raised his glass to toast.
"Is he the musician you want to hire?" Quon asked as nodded in Roman's direction, still dancing with Elyrie.
"Yes," Iroh nodded as he watched the pair danced, "He is very talented and played a couple times in the teashop in the Lower Ring."
"He's got the rhythm, I can see that." Quon laughed as he saw Roman masterfully direct Elyrie around the dancefloor. Zuko saw it too and took another sip of his wine, hoping to repress the jealousy he felt building up in his chest. And if he couldn't repress it with the wine, than at least soften it.
"And the singer?" Quon inquired as he watched the pairs continue their dance.
"Oh, that would be Liana." Uncle said with a proud smile, "She is the most talented singer I have ever encountered."
Quon raised his eyebrows and looked in Zuko's direction, who nodded in agreement. For the first time, he felt that his Uncle wasn't overselling it. "She is a wonderful singer." Zuko agreed immediately, "Ever since she was a little girl, everyone praised her for her talent."
Quon nodded pensively as the music came to an end and the couples applauded for the band. "Liana!" Quon said as she walked in their direction, "Mushi told me he plans to have you sing here."
"Yes, and I am honoured by the request." Elyrie answered, humbly bowing her head.
"If you sing as good as you dance, you are the perfect addition," Quon said as he extended his hand to her, "May I have the next dance?"
"You guys can go home," Iroh insisted, "I'm joining in a minute."
"You don't need any help cleaning up?" Zuko asked as he put on his overcoat. Most of the guests had left, but there were still a few people in the shop.
"No, please," Iroh urged as he practically pushed them outside, "I am fine."
"Then we see you back home!" Zuko said and he started walking with Elyrie. "Why do I have the feeling Uncle wanted us gone?" he asked, half-joking as he turned to her.
"No idea." She shrugged, but she started walking faster as she said it.
Zuko expected her to be chatty, happy, cheerful – or at least anything else other than silent. He walked beside her for a few more moments, but the silence was almost unnerving and it made him feel a bit uncomfortable.
As he searched his brain for things to discuss, he felt the chill of the night air. He knew that Elyrie didn't bring a shawl, but just when he wanted to give her his overcoat to help with her permanent coldness he noticed that she kept inhaling through her nose. She was using the breath of fire that Uncle had taught her: very subtle so nobody would notice it as it happened inside of her, but she was regulating her body temperature.
"You mastered it." He commented as he felt her temperature increase next to him.
"I had to, otherwise I would have frozen to death on the North Pole." Elyrie responded, her tone laced with pride. It looked as if she wanted to add something, but after that she didn't say anything.
Confused, Zuko walked next to her in the silence as he searched his brain what could have made her so quiet. It couldn't be the party: it had been a great success. All night, she laughed and danced and met new people from the Upper Ring. Even he had enjoyed himself, although he hadn't danced with her – or any other girl for that matter. But nevertheless, he thought it had been a fun night, so why was she so…? He couldn't place his finger on it.
As she walked into the apartment, she pulled the jade pin from her dark locks. "Glad to be home." She said as she shook out her curls and they fell over her shoulders. The gesture was so simple, but he felt a shift in the air as she did it.
"You were so beautiful tonight." Zuko said before he could stop himself.
Elyrie stopped tossing out her curls, but she didn't turn around. She didn't acknowledge the compliment, but instead went silent again. Zuko frowned at this. It was as if she had frozen on the spot as he said this. It was almost cold, like a layer of ice had separated her from him.
"Lily, are you alright?" he asked her softly as he touched her shoulder. She didn't move when he did, but didn't look at him either.
"Fine." She answered, her voice a bit raspy. Elyrie seldom gave such one-syllable answers. Zuko walked around her to look at her. He took her hand in his and gently warmed her cold fingers between his warm hands.
"Tonight was a great success," he told her with a gentle smile, but she didn't meet his eyes.
"It was." she answered but she still avoided his gaze. Her lips were pressed in a tight line, but even now was the dark colour in stark contrast with her pale skin.
He waited for a moment, but she didn't seem to be willing to talk to him. He felt his chest constrict in sadness: was this because of his unapologetic behaviour in the past? He knew he had been a jerk to her and Uncle, so he didn't blame her for keeping her distance. But it saddened him; he wanted nothing more than to hold her close and tell her how much she meant to him.
"I'm going to bed," he finally said as let go of her hands, "Good night, Lily."
"G-good night." Elyrie couldn't help that her voice came out slightly jagged. His golden eyes had looked at her with such intensity that for some reason her normal functions seem to have left her. Her heart started pounding when the silence continued longer than was normal between the two of them. The sudden tension could almost be felt now, although she couldn't explain why. Oh, how she hated this feeling. It was as if her bones had turned from ice to water, making it almost impossible for her to remain standing upright.
Zuko looked up when her voice slightly faltered. In all those years he had known her, he had never hear her stutter once. He met her sapphire eyes, shining even in the dark of the night. In the soft light of the full moon seemed her skin to glow with an almost magical light.
Her lips parted slightly, barely enough to inhale some much needed air. He couldn't help himself as he took a step closer. That was enough to break the tension. He opened his mouth to say something, anything really. To explain to her what she meant to him, how much he cared for her.
His hand cupped her cheeks at the same time she placed her hands on his chest and tilted her head back to look up at him. His thumb softly caressed the thin scar on her temple. It was almost invisible and during the day, you would hardly notice it if you didn't know where to look. But now, he was standing so close to her that he could hear her soft breathing. His eyes caressed her face as he admired every detail. Her smooth forehead, her arched eyebrows, her small nose, the softness of her cheeks, her long lashes, her beautiful eyes and lastly, her full lips.
A million things crossed his mind at that moment, more than he could ever comprehend. Years of friendship, hardship and trust came together in this one moment. In an apartment in the capital of the Earth Kingdom were they lived as refugees. He had nothing to give her, nothing to offer. There was a hundred men prepared to offer her more than he ever could now. Why would she ever choose him? - but he wanted her to choose him.
Elyrie did her best not to avert her eyes from Zuko's gaze. In her entire life - all those years they had known each other - he had never looked at her like this. It made her slightly self-conscious, like it always did when people looked at her for a long time. Her pounding heart was slamming against her ribs and she couldn't calm it.
But the longer Zuko looked at her, the more she felt something building inside herself she didn't know existed. The comforting feeling of his hand on her face, his other hand lightly around her waist. The physical contact from which she shuddered from others felt so natural with him.
She let her eyes go over his face, the one she knew so well. His strong jaw, slender eyes, straight nose and high cheekbones were nothing short of perfection. He was so handsome, even if he didn't see himself that way. If only you could see what I see, she though as she looked into his golden eyes. The colour was so special, so entirely different from Azula's amber eyes that she was sure it was because of the gold that was hiding deep within Zuko's soul. The fragments that now started to show, now that he let himself be the man he always was supposed to be.
A few strands of hair fell over his forehead and she lifted one hand to wipe them away, a habit she had picked up as his hair grew longer. As her slender fingers pushed the hairs out of the way, the tips of her fingers caressed the rough skin of his scar. She saw him flinch slightly when the touched it and she retracted her hand. "I'm sorry." She whispered, but he took her hand and entangled his own, warm fingers with hers.
"Zuko?" she asked, her voice quivering slightly. The moment she opened her mouth to whisper his name, was the moment that Zuko placed his lips over her. In her surprise, she froze for a second before she finally let herself enjoy the softness of the kiss. It was only for a second when Zuko pulled his head slightly back.
"I'm sorry." He said, his face still inches away from her. He leaned his forehead against hers as he still wasn't able to let go of her. He never wanted to let her go, but he couldn't force her into a decision. The look of surprise in her eyes made his heart sink. What would she think of him? He of all people knew how much it frightened her, how she was scarred. What had he done?
But then, as she always did, she smiled at him. "All this time, and only now you kiss me?" she quipped as she gently pulled him back to her. Thankful that he had the courage to begin, she was about to finish what he started. She thought it would frighten her to take this step with him but in less than a moment she knew all her fears were just that: fears.
Now was it Zuko's turn to be surprised, but he melted into her embrace as he curled his arm around her waist. Her hands were in his hair and on his neck, the same way he had his other hand in her thick hair.
Zuko gently opened his mouth and she followed his lead as he deepened the kiss. He felt her hands glide to his neck as she gently tangled her fingers in his hair. He reacted by pulling her even closer so she was on the tips of her toes to accommodate his taller frame.
When they parted, Zuko closed his arms around her and pressed his lips against her forehead. "You're smiling." Her voice came from against his chest.
He pulled back slightly to look at her. "How did you know?" he asked.
"I felt it." She answered, her arms still around his midriff.
"Lily." He whispered, "You make me feel-, I want to -, tell-, I-.."
"Zuko," she smiled softly as she pushed his hair out of his face, "I know." She knew how difficult it was for him, but she knew. After all, she had heard him ask it before.
That smile was all Zuko needed as confirmation. He leaned down again to capture her lips, to which she eagerly responded. Zuko cherished the feeling of his lips on hers as his hands trailed over her hips, across her slender waist, her neck and in her thick hair. Elyrie in turn caressed his face, neck and shoulders as they melted together. The relief, the tension and everything that had led to this moment made them completely lose themselves in each other.
So much, that neither of them heard the clicking of the lock or did they did look up when the door flung open.
When they parted again to inhale much needed air, Zuko saw in the corner of his eye a figure and turned his head to see who had interrupted them.
Iroh was standing in the door opening, looking from one to the other with large eyes. They didn't jump back this time; instead, they held on to each other as a blush went over both their cheeks.
Iroh said nothing for a moment as he let it sink in what he was seeing. Then, he threw his hands in the sky and shouted: "Finally!"