*Warning: this chapter contains some light lemony content*
"Don't be late today!" Iroh warned them as he opened the door to leave for the tea shop. He was in an exceptionally good mood today – even for his standards. Today was their first official workday in the Jasmine Dragon; he would be brewing, Zuko would be serving and Elyrie would be hosting and singing. Even though the shop was new, every table had already been booked for the entire day. It was exciting and Iroh couldn't be happier about it. Well, it was that and the fact that Zuko and Elyrie finally had kissed each other last night.
"We won't," Elyrie said to him, "I promise!"
"See you at the shop!" he waved at them before he closed the door, humming a love song as he made his way down to the street.
"Come, we need to get ready!" Elyrie said to Zuko as she stood up from the breakfast table.
Zuko nodded absentmindedly as he played with his food. His stomach was in a knot, but he decided to try his luck. "Lily?" he cleared his throat as he called her.
"Yes?" Elyrie turned around. Zuko swallowed thickly when her blue eyes focused on him. Her hair was still down and she was holding her bowl from breakfast, but she was already dressed for their first workday in the new teashop. Her ring was glittering on her left hand, catching the early rays of sunshine. Not for the first time did he see how much the sapphire resembled the colour of her darkblue eyes.
"I wanted to ask you,- well, that is if you don't have other plans..-," he began, trying to gather his courage. He had never been good with words, but now it seemed like he had completely lost control of his voice. Why was it so difficult to ask her the simplest questions? Hadn't she last night willingly kissed him back? He should be sure of himself, but for some reason he was even more agitated than ever - afraid that he would push her. "See, I was wondering if you,-" he tried again, rubbing the back of his neck, "With me, you know,-"
"Zuko, would you like to go to dinner with me tomorrow night?" Elyrie asked before he could stumble over his words and choke on them, "Just the two of us?"
Zuko only blinked at her, a bit confused. "Well, I was hoping to ask you that," he answered as he crossed his arms. He pouted slightly, which looked adorable to Elyrie.
She looked down to bite her lip, but it couldn't possibly hide her smile. "Yes, I know," she answered as she placed her bowl on the counter and walked over to the large mirror which was placed in their living room. She picked up the pins on the dresser and started pinning up her soft curling hair. Letting the back of her hair still fall over her shoulder, she looked in the mirror at Zuko's face. She winked as she placed the last pin in her hair, "But it seems that women have to ask you out."
He scowled at her, but she only smiled playfully. "Don't start stumbling around me, Zuko," she said, "You know you'll pay for that in teasing."
She looked over her shoulder to blow him a kiss, but was surprised when she suddenly felt two hands on her hips. "Hey!" she yelped. She immediately felt her cheeks heating up when he slipped his arms around her waist.
"Okay, then I promise not to stumble." he whispered in her ear as he pulled her against his chest. With his arms around her and his breath so close to her skin, she felt a tingling going down her spine.
"This is quite out of character, isn't it?" she asked, still a bit perplexed that Zuko would so spontaneously embrace her. Last night, it had been a miracle that he was the one to initiate a kiss, given his history of avoiding physical contact as much as possible. She had assumed she would have been the one to embrace or kiss him again – but apparently, she was wrong.
"Or just tired of hiding it." Zuko answered as he placed a kiss on her temple. His heart was racing as her rosy scent reached his nostrils, but he felt encouraged by his own boldness. If she only knew how long he had wanted to pull her against him and hold her as long as he could; that he wanted to touch every inch of her ivory skin; that he would kiss her lips until he was out of breath.
Elyrie laughed as she tilted her head to the side to answer his kiss briefly. She could only feign so much annoyance, because she was secretly very happy that he took her in his arms. She was amazed, delighted and just a bit surprised from this uncommon reaction to her teasing. He would often pout or scowl, but never had he so spontaneously reached out to her. She liked that he was comfortable enough to do so.
"However," Zuko said as he looked at her in the mirror, "It is quite out of character for you to be so flustered."
"I'm not flustered!" she protested, although even she could see the blush on her own cheeks. Zuko chuckled softly and opened his mouth to retort, but Elyrie quickly interrupted him. "But we have to go to work." she said as she let her hands glide over his larger ones.
"Oh, absolutely," Zuko agreed, although he made no effort to let go of her, "We should really be going now." he extended his hand to push some of her curls off her shoulder.
For a moment, they looked at each other in the mirror. Elyrie laughed when she felt the fluttering feeling in her chest settle as she looked at his face. He answered by leaning his cheek against her hair.
"Your hair is growing longer again," Zuko said as he combed his hands through her soft curls that were hanging down.
"I know," Elyrie answered as she closed her eyes, enjoying his caresses, "It seems to grow like crazy all of the sudden."
"I like it," he answered as he continued to stroke her hair gently.
"Thank you," she said as she turned around and let her own hand go through his longer hair, "The longer hair suits you too."
He smiled as he let go of her to prepare himself for the day. Elyrie shook her head with a smile as she finished her make up in the mirror. With a bit of kohl around her eyes and powder on her face, she looked at her reflection. She picked up the dark lipstain to colour her lips a dark red colour, but halted for a moment when a thought popped into her head. She put it down again as she saw Zuko walking towards her in the corner of her eye.
"You look beautiful," Zuko said from behind her. He was dressed in his light green servers uniform and the golden embroidery matched his eyes perfectly. She smiled at him when she saw his face reflected in the mirror. "Thank you," she answered, feeling her heart flutter as she gathered the courage to be as bold as he had been only a moment ago, "But you better kiss me now, before I colour my lips."
The twinkling in her eyes combined with her words made Zuko's throat go dry in an instant. He hadn't expected her to say that, but he immediately reacted. Placing his hands on her shoulders, he gently turned her around and pressed his lips against hers.
With his eyes closed, he felt her arms wrap around his neck as his own hands settled on her hips. He melted into her, deepening the kiss. Since he had kissed her last night, it had been all he could think about, but his fantasies didn't match the reality of finally feeling her lips on his own again.
She pulled away from him with a smile. "Now we really need to hurry," she quipped as she turned back to the mirror again to colour her slightly swollen lips. I don't need any rouge, she chuckled to herself as she saw her pink cheeks.
Zuko said nothing as he looked at her. Was this what he had denied himself all this time? Had it always been this simple, if you only trusted in another person? In his chest he felt the emotions rush as he extended his hand to entangle her cool fingers.
"Zuko?" Elyrie asked as she squeezed his hand lightly, "Can I expect more of this now? Just so I can prepare myself."
"Only if you want to," he answered as she turned around to look at him again, "And let me."
She wanted to chuckle, but she saw that he was serious. His smouldering golden eyes looked at her with such intensity that she swallowed her teasing words. He was serious and asking for her permission, which made a feeling of joy spread through her chest.
She couldn't remember a moment when Zhao asked her permission for something. He had never touched her, but never taken her feelings into account either. The thoughts about her failed engagement didn't frighten her anymore; it was as if it was pushed away and couldn't co-exist next to this new feeling - this happiness which was only possible with the knowledge that Zuko would never hurt her the way Zhao had.
"Believe me," Elyrie said as she looked up at Zuko's handsome face, "I would want nothing more."
"Thank you for the impeccable service," a young man said as he kissed the back of Elyrie's hand in a gentlemen-like manner.
"My pleasure, sir," she answered with a smile, "I am glad you enjoyed yourself."
Her smile wasn't forced now. She was enjoying her new role as hostess in the shop; it suited her far better than walking around with scorching hot tea.
"I would return, if it was only for your smile." He added as he put his coat on and waved to her as he walked out the shop.
Roman – who had been sitting at the piano on the small podium near the entrance - wiggled his eyebrows at her as he caught her look. Elyrie rolled her eyes at him and motioned for him to focus on his playing. He shrugged in response as he continued playing without missing a note.
Elyrie shot him a smile, knowing she would join him in a few moments to provide the customers with musical entertainment.
As she turned around, she saw that Zuko was having a similar conversation with a customer. A young woman was touching Zuko's arm in a flirtatious manner, but Zuko looked a bit flustered at the attention. Elyrie watched as the girl waved over her shoulder to him, obviously hoping that he would follow her.
She met Zuko's eyes and she felt her lips form into a mischievous smile. She was going to have fun vexing him about this. "So, that makes two girls who flirted with you this morning and one man with me, but that one man was a nobleman," Elyrie said casually as she flipped her hair over her shoulder and counted on her slender fingers.
"You are keeping score now?" Zuko asked incredulously.
"Yes and as for now: the nobleman who kissed my hand is winning." she answered innocently. She pursed her lips and disappeared into the worker's area, obviously trying to hold back her laughter.
Zuko watched her with a bemused grin as he picked up a tray. He wanted to be annoyed, but he knew she wasn't trying to make him jealous; it wasn't in her nature. However, it was in her nature to relentlessly tease him about everything.
It was true: two girls had flicked their hair at him and batted their eyelashes, but he had been a bit awkward in his response. Elyrie only did her best to hide her laughter when she saw it, not getting even a little bit mad. He had been afraid she would, but he knew that she wasn't like that. And the best part was: he wasn't jealous either. That was something that he pondered for a second, but maybe it was because he was so comfortable with her and so sure of how she felt.
Nevertheless, saying he was behind a nobleman was a slight he would not let pass. He bit his lip as he followed her into the worker's area.
Elyrie turned around when she heard the door open and close. "He kissed your hand, hmm?" Zuko said with a devilish grin, almost whispering in his low voice. He placed the tray on the counter and walked towards her.
Elyrie pursed her lips to repress a smile and stepped back. After three steps, she had her back against the wall. Zuko placed his hands on either side of her head on the wall and lowered his face so he was inches from hers.
"Kissing your hand..," he mumbled again, "I guess I have to do better then?"
"I guess?" Elyrie answered, her blue eyes glittering mischievously.
Zuko didn't answer but captured her lips as he placed his hands on her face. Elyrie reacted immediately by leaning into his taller frame.
His lips on hers were nothing short of utter bliss. Elyrie felt his hands glide into her neck as he curled his other hand in her hair. She always knew he was radiating heat as a firebender, but she never knew she could share in his warmth - hat it could make her own blood heat up when he deepened the kiss by parting her lips.
Zuko pulled back slightly after a few moments, but not before he placed a little kiss on her lips. She looked up at him and smiled brightly. He reacted by placing his arms around her waist and locking his fingers behind her, pulling her closer to him.
"Hmm, the nobleman still won.' She said after a moment, blinking innocently.
Zuko only shook his head at her reaction, which made a few strands of hair fall over his forehead. Elyrie laughed as she lifted her hand to push the strands away from his face.
"I feel so sorry for you," she said as she caressed the right side of his face with her long fingers.
"And why is that?" he asked as he watched the twinkling in her eyes.
"Because you're stuck with me," she answered as her finger trailed down from his cheekbone to his chin, "And I keep vexing you."
Now it was Zuko's turn to laugh as he let his hands glide to her elbows until he held her hands in his own. "Of all the things you could pity me for," he said softly as he leaned towards her, "Being here with you is certainly not one of them."
She leaned forward to kiss him again, but jumped back when she heard the door slide open. A silhouette was standing in the opening, which she immediately recognised as Uncle's.
"I know I have been the biggest supporter of this," Iroh said as he crossed his arms, "But don't make me fire you both because of it."
Zuko's cheeks immediately reddened, but Elyrie didn't seem fazed.
"Would you fire us?" she asked while she fanned her eyelashes at Uncle, "For following our hearts? Not now that we finally have found each other?" She clasped her chest, as if it physically hurt her. She placed the back of her hand against her forehead as she continued: "That our whole lives have been leading up to this moment? That even in sheer desperation, we endured and -.."
"Elyrie," Uncle sighed as he pointed to the door, "Please go and perform with that dramatic flair for the customers instead."
Giggling, she went out the door. Iroh shook his head when Zuko came standing next to him.
"Are you mad, Uncle?" his nephew asked tentatively as he watched Elyrie made her way to the podium.
"It would be cruel of me to deny you to be happy, especially now that I am so happy." Iroh said, raising an eyebrow at his nephew. He wasn't mad, not really. It made his old heart rejoice to see Zuko this happy and content. In his surprise, he felt Zuko place a hand on his shoulder.
"Who thought when we came to this city as refugees, that I'd end up owning my own tea shop?" he said as he patted his hand, "Follow you passion, Zuko, and life will reward you."
"I have the feeling life already is rewarding me," Zuko answered as his eyes followed Elyrie. Iroh smiled broadly at this answer: it had been a long time since Zuko had felt grateful for his life.
"I am very thankful." Iroh observed quietly, but with a content smile.
"You deserve it." His nephew agreed as his eyes went over the crowd in the shop, "The Jasmine Dragon will be the best tea shop in the city!"
"No, I'm thankful because you decided to share this special day with me. You and Elyrie," Iroh said heartfelt, "It means more than you know."
He was even more surprised when Zuko pulled him in for a hug. He answered it briefly, before Zuko pulled back with a smile. "Now, let's make these people some tea!"
"Yes!" Iroh answered overjoyed, "Let's make some tea!"
The three of them worked until nightfall to make the Jasmine Dragon a success. Which – based on the joyous reactions of the customers, as well as Quon's approval – was indeed achieved. When the last customers had left the shop, Iroh motioned for Zuko to leave.
"You can go home, nephew," he said, "Elyrie and I will clean up the rest."
Elyrie arched an eyebrow at Uncle, wondering why he would send Zuko away. Was she about to be reprimanded?
"You don't want me to wait for you?" Zuko asked as he folded his apron and placed it in the washing basket.
"Oh no, please," Elyrie said as she waved her hand, "Go home, I'll come with Uncle."
"As you wish." Zuko nodded. Elyrie walked over to him and placed a kiss on his lips. "See you in the apartment."
He walked out of the shop and Iroh locked the front doors behind him. Elyrie watched him with a teasing look in her eyes. "You're not going to fire me over a little kiss, are you?"
Iroh laughed as he folded his own apron. "Careful, dear," he warned her, "Even you can push the limits."
Elyrie chuckled as she took the apron from him and started gathering more laundry. "I just wanted to tell you that you were right, Uncle," she said after a short silence when she picked up the washing basket, "All we need is the chance to see what can come of this."
"So that means you were wrong?" Iroh asked, feigning innocence but she saw his eyes flicker with joy.
"Yes, Uncle," Elyrie sighed in a defeated tone, "I was wrong."
"How do those words taste in your mouth?" Iroh quipped as he teasingly squeezed her hand.
"Like a cold tea." She answered with a wink.
"Oh, the horror." Iroh answered, placing the back of his hand against his forehead in a dramatic gesture.
Elyrie laughed at the old man as she embraced him. "Thank you for not giving up on us. Not just now, but all the time. I'm sure it can't be easy to have two such stubborn children."
"You are right about that," Iroh nodded, "But at least you have admitted it to yourself." Suddenly, his eyes lit up and he grabbed her sleeve. "Which is why I need to show you something," he said as he pulled her with him to the back of the store to the worker's area.
In the corner of the workers area was a large wooden trapdoor on the floor, which Iroh pulled open to reveal a large staircase going down. Elyrie peaked into the darkness, wondering why she hadn't seen this before. Then again, she had been rather preoccupied with other things in the worker s area that afternoon.
"So, I know we are not suppose to be doing this," Iroh began as he walked down in front of her on the dark steps, "But come with me."
"Uncle, where are you taking me?" she asked as she followed the flickering light of the candle in his hand. The way down was quite long, and she had no idea what was waiting for them at the bottom.
"The cellars below the tea shop," he answered.
"Please tell me you are planning to take me back up again?" she asked with a nervous laugh, "I promise never to let my private life interfere with work again."
"Don't worry, dear," Uncle laughed as he lit a lantern at the bottom of the stairs, "I only want to show you this because it is safer here."
As soon as he lit the room, Elyrie could see more of the cellar. She looked around and saw that most of the cellar was made of stone. The ceilings were high – at least three metres, she estimated - as if someone had tried to dig as deep as they could when they built this cellar. It was as large as the entire first floor of the tea shop, but mostly empty. If someone had planned to use it, it had been a long time ago: only a few boxes were carelessly thrown around the space, which apparently contained nothing of value.
"What is this place?" she asked as she let her hand go over the cold stone wall. It was damp and it smelled musty, like it hadn't been visited for a long time.
"When I sieged this city, most citizens of the Upper Ring built a shelter to hide in case we broke through the walls," Iroh answered, "This was one of them, but now they are mainly used as cellars. Quon told me about the cellar, but it wasn't used because of the dampness. You can't keep tea in a place like this, so he planned to have it closed off. However," he continued as he motioned for her to come to him, "Once I saw this space, it reminded me of a training arena."
Elyrie looked around and understood what he meant. It was large and open, like the training area in the Stronghold had been. "So, do you want to train me here?"
"I want to see if my theory works out and if you can produce lightening now." He answered, "But we have to adjust it a little: we can't go around shooting fullsized bolts in this space or my tea shop would burn down."
"We wouldn't want that." Elyrie agreed with a tilt of her head as she moved to Uncle's side.
"So Elyrie," Uncle said as he showed her a snapping motion, "I want you to try this." He lifted his right arm and placed his middlefinger and indexfinger against his thumb. "Breathe in and out, separate the energy in your body – and.." he snapped his fingers and a small bolt released from the tips.
Elyrie tried it and a small lightening bolt ignited from her fingers. It wasn't as enormous as Azula's, but smaller and more precise.
"I am doing it!" she exclaimed while jumping up and down, "It's lightening!"
"I told you, if you're open to it." Iroh grinned, "Now, aim for one of the boxes."
The next week was utter bliss; there was no other way to describe it. Elyrie felt lighter, almost like she was flying through the days. The tension that had been building up between Zuko and herself was finally released in sweet gestures and caring touches. Just spending time together by going to dinner or taking walks was enough for them. They had agreed to take it slow to see where it would lead them, for neither wanted to rush into anything and ruin the friendship they had. So, for now they were looking at the situation day-by-day, which suited them very well.
On top of it, she had been able to train her lightening generation every day with Uncle beneath the shop. Except for tonight, she had worked in the tea shop and practiced with Uncle after opening hours every day of the last week. She hadn't told Zuko about this development yet, not until she was sure she could master it properly. Somewhere deep inside, she was even a bit hesitant to do it. Maybe he would perceive it as showing off, especially because last time had been such a disaster for him.
However, she felt a bit guilty for keeping this from him. She sighed and looked up from her book. The candle was providing enough light to read, but she tried to read his mood to see if now was maybe the right time to tell him. She was sitting cross-legged on his bed and had been reading out loud from one of her books.
"Zuko?" she asked him, "When did you first realise you had other feelings for me?" It might not be the question she had wanted to ask him, but it was a good start to a deeper conversation.
Zuko pushed himself on his elbows from the rug where he had been listening to her reading. He pondered it for a moment as he searched his brain, "Tough to say," he answered, "I fully realised it after my date with Jin, but I think the first time I felt different was when you sang on the ferry."
"That long, hmm?" she playfully quipped as she closed her book and turned to look at him. He moved to sit next to her on the bed.
"It was because you were so sweet and caring on the ferry, with the children" Zuko answered as he tucked a lock of hair behind her ear, "So if you hadn't been so damn stubborn and difficult all your life, I might have discovered it sooner." he added with a sly smile.
Elyrie laughed. "Oh, yes," she answered while casually twisting her ring around her finger, "I am stubborn and difficult."
"Very." Zuko agreed as he leaned in to kiss her lightly on her lips, "And you? When did you realise it?"
"For me it came gradually, but I only admitted it to myself after I hurled the entire inventory at your head." she answered, without even sounding remotely sorry about it.
Zuko laughed – actually laughed – at that answer. "So I ran back as soon as I realised it to tell you, but you decided to throw a book at me?"
"Yeah, and don't tell me it wasn't justified." she shrugged as her eyes glittered and she placed her hands over her book in a mocking threat.
"I'm sure it was," Zuko mumbled as he moved his lips to her cheek and slowly whispered against her skin: "Which is why I need to make more of an effort to make it up." His lips touched the sensitive skin in her neck and Elyrie automatically placed her arms around his neck and pulled him closer.
Zuko continued the trail of kissed across her neck. "You are so soft," he whispered against her neck as he enjoyed the sensation of his lips on her skin.
Elyrie didn't answer, but moaned softly as Zuko made her blood stir and her thoughts go hazy. Forgotten was her intention to tell him about her training, but instead she moved her head to the side to allow him an easier access as his lips continued to caress her. Encouraged by her reaction, Zuko placed his hands on her slender waist to pull her closer. Elyrie in turn placed her hands on his shoulders and he felt the soft scraping of her nails through the thin fabric of his shirt.
He let out a soft moan as he felt her nails go over his back and in his hair. He felt his neck ache from the angle, but before he could do anything about it, Elyrie put her book aside and swung her legs over his. She straddled him and without parting from her skin, Zuko grabbed her thighs and lifted her higher onto his lap.
She let out a small cry of surprise as he did this, but grabbed his longer hair and lifted his head back up to her lips. She moaned against his mouth and his blood began to boil. He wanted more – he wanted to feel the silky touch of her skin on his own. As if she read his thoughts, she entangled her fingers with his. Gently, she placed his hand just above her collarbone.
Zuko gently caressed her shoulder as he trailed down to her chest. He paused for a moment and looked up at her, but she nodded eagerly. He had to supress a groan - the tension was killing him, with her so close pressed against him.
Elyrie's body ached to be touched by him, so much that it was almost driving her crazy. The sensations racing through her body were so intense that she was glad that they were sitting down – otherwise, she would have fallen to her knees.
Zuko looked at her for confirmation and she smiled as she guided his hand lower. He audibly exhaled as he felt her breasts under her dress. His blood began to stir as he felt the softness beneath his palms. In that moment, he knew he needed all his self-control not to rip everything away that stood between him and her smooth skin. He wanted to touch her, feel her.
Elyrie threw her head back at his touch. Her hands went to his neck as he slowly opened the buttons on the front of her dress. She felt her body shiver, but not because she was cold. She felt a new sensation taking over her as Zuko pushed the top of her dress down to her waist, exposing the binding around her breasts.
Zuko's hand trembled as he untied the ribbon that held her bindings in place. When they came loose, he could do nothing but stare. "So beautiful," he whispered but he didn't move.
Elyrie took his hand and guided it again to her breasts. "I won't break," she whispered as she leaned forward to kiss him again. Zuko answered her kiss as he gently pushed her back. When Elyrie was laying on her back beneath him, he kissed down her neckline to her chest as he felt electricity coursing through his entire body.
When he reached her uncovered breasts, he took the time to admire them. He would never admit it out loud, but he had been dreaming about her naked body ever since he had seen her wearing only a towel. But now with her here, he couldn't possibly imagine anything more beautiful.
When he felt her hands in his hair, he found the courage to continue. He gently leaned down and latched onto her right nipple.
"Oh," Elyrie only moaned as soon as he touched her, but she didn't push him away. Bolder now, he sucked softly as he placed his other hand on her left breast. Gently caressing her other nipple, he felt himself grow hotter and hotter. He could do this for ever, but he felt Elyrie pull him back up to her face again.
She pressed her lips against his and sat up again, her hands now on the hem of his shirt. Zuko knew what she wanted and he took his tunic off.
Elyrie leaned back for a moment to admire his torso. His muscles were lean and he was thinner than she remembered, but she could feel a spark inside her belly when she looked at his naked chest. She had seen him without a shirt before, but nothing prepared her for the wave of desire that washed over her now. She placed both her hands on his chest, caressing and touching the hard muscles under his alabaster skin.
Zuko closed his eyes as he felt her hands glide over him. Then he pushed her back down again and placed his lips on her left nipple while kneading her other breast with his warm hands. She threw her head back again and relished the pleasure he was giving her. The sensation of their naked skin touching was simply incredible.
Zuko let his tongue trail around her nipple as she arched her back to meet his touch. He felt her hips raising as well and supressed a moan when she wrapped her legs around his hips.
Elyrie felt her entire body heat up when Zuko was kissing her so intimately. Fisting his hair, she gently pulled him back to her to kiss him again, but as she did it she pulled him back with her hips as well. The movement made Zuko growl against her mouth and she felt her courage flare up again.
She pushed him on his side and swung her own legs over his to straddle him again. Placing her hands on his chest, she leaned down to kiss him on his lips before she trailed off to his neck. Zuko closed his eyes and wrapped his arms around her as she made her way down to his chest, enjoying the feeling of her lips on his body.
Then, she stopped to sit up straight again. He opened his eyes and was astonished by the view. Her dark hair was falling over her shoulders, almost hanging over her exposed breasts. Her dress was pushed further down her waist, so everything from there up was visible for him to admire.
Elyrie carefully watched as Zuko looked at her, feeling strengthened by his reaction - she had never known how seductive and feminine this could feel. In her boldness, she placed her hands on his and placed them over her breasts. Zuko immediately started kneading them, almost as a reflex. Elyrie smiled slyly when she felt that his hips arched upwards, obviously in need of more. She answered this by grinding her own hips against his instinctively.
A powerful sensation shot up her spine as she did this. Zuko seemed to feel the same, because he moaned audibly as she did this, saying her name. "Yes?" she answered innocently, but he immediately shot back up and flipped her around so he was the one on top again.
He kissed her so intensely that she might have passed out, were it not that she was just as fiery in her passion. "I want you," he rasped, his voice hoarse with desire as his hands went down her waist to her thighs. She lifted her legs top allow him easier access, which made the remainder of the dress fall over her hips. Without leaving her lips, Zuko trailed his hand to her inner thigh, higher and higher until he reached..,-
"Listen, I have great news!" Uncle's voice burst through the silence when they heard the front door slam open in the apartment.
Zuko cursed under his breath. "One of these days, I'm going to nail all the doors shut so he can never enter again." Zuko groaned as Elyrie quickly pulled up the top of her dress and fixed her hair.
"Don't be cranky," she said smoothly as she watched him put on his shirt, trying to hide her own disapointment, "Let's hear the news."
Zuko stood up, but Elyrie immediately pushed him back again. "On second thoughts," she said as she gave him a pillow, "You might want to take a moment." He frowned at her, but she pushed it into his hands and arched one eyebrow meaningfully. As soon as he realised what she meant, he groaned and snatched the pillow and placed it over his lap.
"We're in here, Uncle!" Elyrie said as she picked up her book and opened it randomly, so she appeared at least relatively normal.
Iroh burst in, his wrinkled face in a broad smile. "We have been invited to serve tea to the Earth King!" He waved the letter in his hand, oblivious to the flushed faces.
Elyrie's mouth fell open. "Really? All three of us?" she asked as she took the letter. It was true: the owner, his server and the singer were invited to serve tea and provide entertainment for the Earth King himself. She handed Zuko the letter and gave him a smile. Zuko didn't answer her smile as he kept the pillow in place, but did read the letter quickly.
"This is unbelievable," he agreed as he looked up at his Uncle, his annoyance washing away when he saw his happiness. Maybe now destiny was truly on their side, as his Uncle had always predicted.
A belated Merry Christmas to all! It took me very long to write a fluffy chapter that I was happy with. Please leave a review if you liked it (or didn't, I would love feedback!)