Hello ladies and gentlemans! Finally pulled out a chapter. Hope you enjoyed as I did writting it~

Disclaimer: Credits to their respective owners of the franchise.

The day has gone by trying to choose something to wear tonight. It was not an exclusive "date" for us, as we were going to eat with our friends, but trying to impress him today was fundamental to my self-esteem, I have to make him fall for me.

I shyly asked his sister to help, as she was feminine and delicate, expressing herself with how she dressed and talked. But even for her this was a lot of skin showing. No way I was showing myself to our friends like this.

"Suki, you need to come out! We need to style your hair! We are going to be late"

I saw myself in the bathroom mirror. My dress colored dark green, the upper part styled in a halter top and the bottom embracing my figure. Not so much for it to look obscene, but it was my first "big" event and these fire nation formalities are not my forte at all! I was used to make up, of course, but wearing my hair in a different style was also out of my control. Luckily, my hair was slightly curled. I really hope I shock Sokka today with how I look…

"You look amazing! Such a pretty lady right here!" Katara approached me and rested her hands on my shoulder, squeezing them with a big smile in her face.

"You look beautiful too Katara, no wonder most of these guys drool over you" I replied looking at her through the mirror. Her hair was in an updo with some blue gems hiding in parts of her hair, loyal to her nation, her dress was flowy and sky blue, similar of the deities in the city. Her mother's necklace as the perfect complement to the outfit.

"Thank you. Let's see…Okay. Let's go, your hair looks nice like this. Is it the weather that makes it curl?" She asked as her hands roamed through my head, styling it to make it look bigger than what it already looked.

"I'm not sure, I think the braids you made earlier styled my hair like this"

"Well, we must go, the boys are waiting for us in the salon" She smiled and grabbed my hand, guiding me.

I tried to shake out my nervousness playing with my fingers as we walked down the hall. Inspecting how Katara walked I copied the play on the hips. I don't remember feeling this self-conscious before and it feels like a nightmare.

"Are you nervous?" Katara asked me, breaking the silence.

"Yes. To be honest, I always thought of this day I would assist as Zuko's guard, not as a guest" My eyes wandered in the halls, fixating in the details.

"Hey it's okay, I'm sure some people here will try to ask you out, including my brother"

Katara looked at me again, smiling. At little bit of shame ran through my mind, she never asked me about the rumor going around nor my relationship with Zuko.

"I can only hope so, but…"

"But?..." Katara stopped lifting a brow

"I feel a little bit exposed in this dress" I said gesturing myself.

"Nonsense, I think you're a little out of your comfort zone, but certainly don't look trashy"

"Maybe? I'm after all, the leader of the Kyoshi Warriors, what would that say about me attending some galas?"

"That you're a girl too, a very sexy and strong girl" She replied flexing her arm, mimicking the use of a fan.

We laughed a bit loud, still close to the chambers. As we recovered our breaths, somebody sneaked behind me, as I sensed it I didn't hesitated and pinned him against the wall. When I focused I realized my big big mistake.

"Woah, good job Suki" Zuko said catching breaths.

I left him go and Katara laughed louder, my face feeling all the heat of not recognizing him.

"Sorry… You deserved it" I said playfully, sticking my tongue out at him

Zuko laughed, smiling at me with his eyed closed in defeat.

"Yeah, I kinda brought that to myself sneaking on you" He replied towering over me.

The months we have spent together made me noticed how tall he has gotten. He sure was an attractive bachelor in the fire nation, even more as he is the fire lord now…Yet, when I looked at his eyes something else lurked most of the time when I was with him.

"Katara, do you mind if I talk with Suki?" Zuko said looking at her.

"Nope! I will wait for you with the rest, don't take too long!" She said as she walked away, anxious to look for Aang.

I relaxed as we stood alone in the hall. His eyes wandering all over my face and body, a bit too obvious.

I cleared my throat, making him meet my eyes with embarrassment.

"Sorry….Uh…You…you look really pretty today" He said blushing.

I giggled, resting my hand on his shoulder. He grabbed it and kissed it, my reflex made me jerk my hand away from him, starting to blush.

"Why did you do that?" I said bluntly

"I…I'm sorry. I..I brought you this!" He quickly pulled out a gift from his pocket, gesturing me to take it.

It was a bag with something in the inside, how big are those pockets that could fit this?

"Why?" I asked

"Well…we're friends aren't we?" He said blushing "I knew you would be nervous and bought it to you. You can always used it if you feel uncomfortable"

I looked at him suspiciously, gently opening the bag. A golden air fan? It sure was pretty, and it even fitted my outfit…but I'm still not entirely convinced this was just a gift for the sake of our friendship.

"Zuko…I can't" I said looking at the fan. It was so damn pretty.

"It's okay, you never let me get you something to thank you and…you're in my world now, this might aid you" He replied, putting a hand behind his neck.

Damn… he sure is charming when he is nervous.

"Well…thank you so much. You sure are a good friend" I said smiling at him, feeling something on my stomach as his eyes lit up and smiled.

"Would you…enter with me?" He said looking away.

"Zuko…."

"I will walk you to Sokka! I'ts…it's not in that way" His face was bright red. Right.

Something is not adding up. But tonight I will let it slide.

"Well…. We are running late your highness"

He smiled and lifted his arm for me to hug him, I complied and walked down with him. Now I felt even more nervous.

As we reached the door, he knocked twice, the music on the salon changing as the guards gently opened the door. My heart was racing fast, I sure need to practice my breath. He looked at me smiling, not letting go off me, the door completely opened while the royal music was being played in the background.

Wait. They're staring at us! My eyes scanned the room searching for Sokka. As we walked towards the table, I couldn't find our friends. I looked to Zuko worried, he looked back and whispered to my ear…

"Relax, they are here, we are going towards them"

This sure was stressing the hell out of me.

The royal music continued and Suki wasn't here.

"Katara, you told me Suki and Zuko would come together?" I whispered to her.

"Not as a date. He found us in the hall and asked me to leave so he would talk to Suki"

I sighed. Our table was shared with Zuko and neither Zuko or Suki where here. Was I wrong for not taking care of her today? I feel like I'm being played.

The arm in my back was starting to numb, but hey, nothing was going to ruin the surprise, last time the flowers died on the way to the bed and well…even if everything was alright it definitely was not what I was expecting.

As the pathway of all the people blocking our table cleared, I saw them… Toph must have sense something as she tugged my pants, startling me a bit. I ignored the stupid smirk Zuko had in his face as they approached us. I was in shock with how beautiful Suki looked. I think I stopped breathing for a second.

Zuko faced Suki and bowed a little bit, I quickly ran to the side of the table so I could guide her to sit beside me. As I stretched my hand she smiled… how comforting was that nervous smile she gave me. The attention to us was fading as the people followed Zuko to his chair. She accepted my hand and….oh right the flowers. I awkwardly pulled them form behind me, she grabbed them with her not so free hand, but I couldn't see clearly what else she was grabbing, so I directed her to our places. I think I saw Toph moving from her seat… I will gift her something later.

As we both sat, Zuko began some comforting speech about "Enjoying the night". Suki put the flowers on the table, looking at them blushing. Should I…talk? I'm speechless of her beauty. I don't know how long I've been staring at her cuz just now I see she's staring back, shyly. Man, is hard containing myself around her.

As Zuko finished his speech, he sat and gestured the musicians to resume the music. It was something new it seemed, as all the people talked and cheered to those who stood up to dance. Food was being served and it couldn't have gotten at a better moment! In our table as we were all guests of honor we were allowed to choose a special dish… Of course I chose meat!

Pulling my face out of my plate I inspected the food from my family: Suki choose noodles with chicken, my sister stewed seaweed prunes, Aang some salad…so boring and flavorless…and Toph choose meat with rice balls. All of us eating instead of paying attention to the dancing in front of us.

As I finished my plate, I shifted my attention back to my girl, who was currently chatting with Katara. Suki had already finished eating, man, how I adore her. She rivals me in how much and how fast she eats, my sister on the other hand was still eating. Surely there was a way to get her attention so she would dance with me…

"Xcuse me m'aam" I said in my best interpretation of a high class fire nation citizen.

Both girls looked at me confused, a small smirk showing on Suki.

"Would you kindly dance this song with me?" I stretched my hand towards her, bowing in respect.

My sister groaned loudly, it didn't bother me tho. She doesn't get our insides jokes, Suki giggled and grabbed my hand.

"Sure sir, just beware of the left feet" She said standing up, grabbing a golden fan she had beside my flowers. I stood up too staring a it, it was really pretty, maybe she brought it today.

As we walked hand to hand at the center of the stage, the music shifted to a more upbeat tone. Shit. I barely remember how to dance slowly and watching my sister and Aang dancing on the cave was not something I humanly could do.

Suki sweetly smiled at me and opened her fan. Her eyes looked lustful and playful, half of her face now covered with her fan. Oh! I get it now. I get on my fighting stance as we both start to go in circles as if we were training back at Kyoshi. Man…it feels like yesterday.

We kept our pace ignoring how small our dancing space had become, laughing and jumping as the beat fastened.

It really annoyed me not having someone to dance. I was happy to re integrate this old tradition but…. I did not expect him to ask her out to dance. Was it obvious it might happen? Yes. But he doesn't even know how to do it right! And now both are dancing as if 2 sealpeacocks were ready to mate.

I sighed as 2 girls approached me, blocking my view to my friends. Of course they'll try to ask me out to dance. Ugh, the night couldn't be worse. As the girls retired, most of the guests were already paying attention at the chemistry this two irradiated.

"Are you alright my fire lord?"

I'm startled at the sound of my uncle's voice. He posed a hand on my shoulder, shaking it a little bit for me to pay attention, probably at my face.

"I'm not enjoying it as I thought" I said staring at Suki.

She danced, looking so happy and full of life. Her movements were graceful and weightless, almost as if she was an airbender floating on the dance floor. Sokka was not in synch, trying to keep up as the tempo changed again, smiling awkwardly at her. Ugh, my face couldn't hide the disgust, making me frown.

"Zuko…" My uncle said sitting beside me. "You need to control your temper."

"Everything is in control Uncle, don't worry"

"Then why you don't get up and dace a little? You can pull out Toph"

I turned my head to my right side, seeing her munch a bunch of pastries and cookies.

A small laugh escaped my lips as I saw the waitress horrified at her manners "I think she's already busy"

I looked at my left, a familiar figure in a table near us. Mai. She looked bored as usual.

"Have you made out your mind?" My uncle asked looking at me and my ex girlfriend.

"Please, excuse me Uncle. Maybe at the end of the night I could answer this"

I stood up and walked towards her. Nervous was not enough to describe the anxiety I was feeling. Our last break up wasn't friendly at all. Here goes nothing.

Two sets of eyes looked at me curiously.

"Hello friends!" I said breaking the silence.

"Hello Zuko!~" Ty Lee cheered raising her cup. Mai just sighed and rolled her eyes, crossing her arms across her chest. Nothing new.

"Hi Ty" I said smiling nervously, this gesture did not escape my ex, as she was now smirking, noticing I was nervous.

"What's the pleasure?" My ex said in her monotone voice.

"I would like to take yououttodance"

Stupid! I sound so stupid! Why was asking her out to a simple dance so hard? Ty Lee eyes grew even bigger, something till today I thought was impossible and looked at Mai excited.

"Sure, why not"

That worked? I didn't react till she had my hand and we were on the dance floor, dangerously close to my friends.

"Focus, my lord" I heard her sarcasm in her voice as her glare pierced my soul. Man, I forgot how scary she could be sometimes…even if I was attracted to that edge only she could pull off.

The song finally changed from upbeat to a slow…dare to describe…sexy? Not sure, but dancing it with Mai made me feel strangely familiar. As if our bodies connected…

As I turned her around my eye caught how close my friends were dancing with each other… godamnit he still dancing off beat! He's not even embracing properly.

"Are you sure you want to dance with me?"

I looked at her shocked, being a couple for a lot of years made her decipher me so easily. I forced my eyes into hers to ignore this feeling of anger building… Was I jealous?

"Y..yes"

I have to personally thank Katara after this night is over. This slow song was surely putting the right mood for us. His grip on my waist was firm and yet, it felt as he was always careful of how he handled me. My arms around his neck, being so close in public again didn't felt weird at all. I closed more our space touching his forehead as I closed my eyes, enjoying. I felt his heat in my face and I giggled.

"You look so beautiful tonight" He said snuggling his nose at mine. I opened my eyes as I felt myself blushing again, his eyes were still closed which I secretly thanked. Blushing in front of him was something that still makes me feel so damn girly.

"You're not looking bad either, snack" I answered in his ear, biting it softly.

His body tensed gripping me harder from my waist. I giggled facing him now, ready to make this night really special. I opened my fan and put in front of my face, only letting my eyes show. He smiled at this gesture and stuck out his tongue.

"Where did you buy that one? It fits perfectly with your outfit"

Oh…right. How am I…? Well, it's not a problem if he gifted this as a reward for my work in the palace…I guess?

"Oh, Zuko gave it to me…Is like a reward for my services"

"A reward? For your services?"

His was not pleased at all. I knew this was a dumb idea but… I really like this fan, I think I kinda deserve it.

"Yes, remember I'm his bodyguard?"

"Well, why Ty Lee isn't using hers then?" Jealousy in his voice was very clear.

I closed my fan, sighing. "Sokka…please. I'm here with you…for you"

His blue eyes still had traces of jealousy and distrust. I wrapped both arms around him again, looking at those charming eyes… I didn't know how much I had missed them till yesterday. He sighed pulling me closer to him.

I know physical display of affection is something normal in the fire nation yet…I felt timid when getting close to his lips. I closed my eyes saving myself from my shame. Why am I even feeling shame?

I retracted myself, hearing a small gasp from him.

"I'm sorry I acted like a jerk…I'm guessing I fucked it up again" He said as he looked at me with regret

"It's okay, we have all the night to make it right" I said trying to not ruin the mood even more.

"You know what I mean… you look so pretty today, yet…."

"Yet?" I interrupted him as anxiety creeped on my voice and eyes.

His hand cupped my cheek, slowing even more our dancing.

"Yet… I don't think I'm still worth all these amazing details you are doing for me…" He said so so sadly.

"I'm the one who decides if you deserve it or not" I said with determination. I swear his eyes lit up a little bit when I said that.

He got closer and I knew what was going to happen. Yup, official to the rest of the fire nation again. Hopefully, the last time we come out together. Our lips were close but not touching, feeling his warm breath on my face and the smell of his perfume completely intoxicate me with love.

Fuck. I swear I'll break the dumbass who bumped into us ruini…

"I'm sorry..Hey Suki! Sokka!"

Sokka smiled at him and then looked at me, his face puzzled as mine.

"Are you enjoying the ball?" Zuko asked awkwardly, well, socializing was definitely not his forte.

"Yes, thank you for asking, the meat was super great!" Sokka replied a little too excited for the food, making me laugh.

"I see your wannabe warrior did accept the flowers"

Ughh, that horse faced bitch again. Seriously, she was nice to us only for like 3 days after Zuko's coronation. After that her mood got worse towards my warriors and I, as if it was our fault.

"Don't be rude" Zuko reprimanded her.

"I'm sorry, the truth is…" She said as she got close to us, standing in front of me and Sokka. "Sokka, would you dance with me? It's of bad omen if you denied a dance with a maiden"

You…got…to…be…fucking…kidding…me. I looked at Sokka who was shocked as I was, then I looked at Zuko who was lost in the middle of all this combo.

"Uh…Mai? I don't think I'm comfortable" Sokka said grabbing my hand.

If looks could kill I was making sure that title would be to how hard I was beating the shit out of Mai in my mind. Zuko sighed and face palmed himself, embarrassed as we started to gather attention to ourselves.

"Sokka it's kind of tradition to do it" Zuko explained. How convenient…"I'll dance with Suki as you dance with Mai"

Now, I'm not the one in my team to sense or see someones aura, but…Sokka was that upset.

"Fine, the faster we do this the better" He said as he kissed my hand and muttered a low and fast I love you. I looked as he took Mai's hand and invited her to dance. I sighed annoyed, looking at my blushing awkward friend and boss.

"So shall we dance?" I said.

This was really happening.

We were staring at each other, her hands resting on my shoulders and my hands on her lower back. I thought she would be more uncomfortable but… this doesn't seem wrong. Sokka is an idiot for even letting her go.

"What's on your mind?" She asked me with a smile. I smiled back, my heartbeat relaxing as I admired her lips.

"Nothing, I'm comfortable around you"

"Yeah… me too"

"Are you enjoying it?" I asked, gesturing her with my eyes her hanging fan.

"Oh…yeah, thank you. I dance better with it" She replied with an upbeat voice that melted my heart.

I need her, one las time. I saw her eyes look behind me, as if searching for him… Right. She told me that night. She loves Sokka, she does even if he broke her heart. Maybe if I showed her…

"Zuko what are you…"

I grabbed one hand from my shoulder and pulled her closer.

"One last time…please…"

Her eyes grew big, her mouth parted softly as she hold her breath. The slow music was on my side it seemed. She was in shock and it would be really unpolite to just swoon her and kiss her. But…damn this is hard.

"Zuko…I'm sorry I…."

"I know…I know" I inched closer to her lips

"Then why would you asked me for something like that?" I could feel her eyes posing on my mouth.

"If you didn't want it you would have punch me already"

She immediately drew back, blushing, covering her mouth with one hand. Was she flattered or is she really doubting her love towards him? She regained her posture and got close again, her face red from embarrassment. I kept spinning with her, our bodies in synch. I don't want this piece to end.

"I would have punched you but I didn't want to cause a scene" She said smirking. Oh no, that pretty face was going to make me puke words without second thoughts. She sighed and closed her eyes, focusing on the music.

"Suki, I like you. More than a friend. I can't hide it anymore." I bluntly said. Shit.

Her eyes shut wide open, a loud gasp escaping from her mouth. She froze in her place, now dumbly following my slow steps to the music.

"You…I connected with you that day and…" I grabbed my hair, stressed of how cliché my words came out. "And I can treat you better. I fell for you…hard. And it didn't even felt like that! Now everywhere I go or look I can only think about us, praying to have you surrounded in my arms again."

My face felt so painfully hot. Hers was not different as she just looked at me, confused, in shock and…guilty? I couldn't feel my breath and could only focus at how I felt my heart jumping out of my chest.

"Suki I dare say it, fuck it. I love you."

Everything happened so fast yet, it felt as if I was in slow motion. I kissed her, not caring for the people around us. My hands were around her cheeks, caressing them. I needed this, if I had to fight him fuck it, we both know who will win anyway.

I could feel how she pushed me away, opening my eyes to realize I was on the floor. Of course she would shove me, how did I thought she would react to it? She was covering her mouth with both hands and I could see her shaking. Her legs started to wobble and I saw Katara running to her side, yelling words I was not processing, as I was only watching her.

Then I felt pain in my face. I covered my face and kicked whatever was above me.

"You fucking traitor!"

That was Sokka. I didn't hide my anger and immediately stood up with fire in my palm.

"Party is over!" I screamed as everybody rushed out of the salon, only our friends, uncle and I standing there.

"Why did you do that?!" A hand touched my arm and I swatted out of me.

"I don't care who I have to fight, I love Suki and I want to be around her" I said looking straight at the peasant eyes. He was big mad.

"As if she would ever choose you, stop embarrassing yourself!" His eyes were seeing red. I looked at Suki who was still in shock. That must be a good sign.

"Come and get it then" I said as I threw a fire ball at him.

The boys were fighting hand to hand, the water tribe not caring about the flames of the fire lord, drew his boomerang and threw it to him, already strategizing how to pin him down. The avatar stepped in too, moving everything in his power to make them both stop.

Katara shook Suki, trying to get her out of her shock. Toph kept in line Mai and Ty Lee, the latter confused about the brawl right in front of her.

"So…your ex is fighting for Suki's heart after he invited you to dance?" Ty Lee asked her friend, who just sighed and turned a blind eye to her.

"I guess"

"Wait, what happened between them that made him love Suki? I thought she was always loyal to Sokka?" Toph butted in, frowning at the thought of a love triangle with both of her past love interest, or crushes, as Katara explained her.

Suki snapped out of it as she heard her name and love in the same, blinking several times she turned around to scream to the group

"He does NOT love me! He is confused" Her heartbeat racing, unsure of her words.

"Liar!" Toph called, facing her friend with her arms crossed.

"Suki, forget that, the boys are fighting!" Katara urged as she kept shaking Suki.

The warrior looked at the scene in front of her, Aang unable to control Zuko and Iroh doing his best to hold Sokka, both of them failing without the use of their bending. Suki grabbed her chin, thinking how to calm them. Katara looked at her, bitterness in her voice as she spoke

"Well? Are you just going to stand there as they beat the shit out of my brother?"

"I'm trying to think. Screaming won't make me think faster Katara!" She shouted at her, anxiety in her voice.

Toph and Katara looked at each other then to Suki. The warriors face became full of determination as she grabbed the lower part of her dress, ripping it to a mid skirt.

"Aw man you didn't have to do that!" Katara spoke looking sad at the fabric on the floor.

Suki ignored her and ran towards Zuko, opening her fan. Aang and Zuko saw her, making them both lower their guard until the fire lord saw how pissed off she looked. "It seems she never even thought about it" Zuko thought preparing his fist to a fight. Suki however, had other plans for him.

Tap… tap.. tap…

Zuko's body fell hard to the floor, his eyes wide at the attack. Sokka saw her and ran towards Zuko, his fists clenched hard as he got closer Suki only rise her arm, stopping him dead with a tap on the shoulder with her fan, making him almost loose his balance.

"Suki let me punch the shit out of him" Sokka said trying once again to pass through her. This time evading her defense.

Tap…tap…tap…

Sokka's body fell dangerously closed to Zuko's, the boys still staring at each other with anger.

"Could both of you explain why the fuck you had the necessity to fight this exact night?!" Suki said almost screaming, hurt at how the situation ended.

All eyes were on her, waiting for the speech to resume. Instead she looked at both of them quietly, placing a shaking hand on her temple.

"Suki I'm sorry" Sokka said in defeat, uneasy of how anxious she was starting to look. Zuko just looked at her, a mixed face of hurt and disappointment.

"Let's just get to our rooms, tomorrow we will discuss this with a clearer mind" Iroh said touching Suki's shoulder, as the girl looked at him he caressed her with reassurance, a small smile on the father of the group. She nodded and walked toward Sokka to help carrying him.

"No." Iroh said stopping her. "Aang will help me with him. You should go" He said looking at her and the only girls left. Katara walked towards her, offering her hand. The kyoshi girl took it and walked fast out of the room, Toph following them closely behind.

Iroh turned to his niece, his face with disappointment, Zuko just closed his eyes and sighted, as Aang carried Sokka's body out of the room. Iroh helped him on his feet.

"You have chosen her it seems" Iroh said whispering to him. Zuko gave him a small smile, with tears dangerously close to falling out of his eyes.

"Zuko!" Sokka shouted at the door, with Aang stopping to see what his friend had to say. Zuko looked at him puzzled.

"You and I…it's over. I never want to be your friend again" Sokka continued with pain in his voice.

As Aang helped him out of the room, the fire lord and the dragon of the west stood there, processing the weight of the words of his late friend. "I fucked this up badly" The king thought as his body began to react to his commands, gripping his hair.

"You want some tea while we talk? You'll need it so you can rest well"

Zuko only nodded, sitting with his legs close to his chest, burying his head on them. A loud sob filling the quiet room as his uncle went to the kitchen for the tea. The young man crying louder.

"What have I done?"