Chapter Text
It was Zuko's coronation day. Aang and Ann-Ji were dressed in new robes, more like the robes that the Elders would wear.
Ann-Ji was walking through the halls of the Fire Nation Palace, her hand clutching the center bead of one of her necklaces. It was the only bead that she had managed to keep safe from her life before the Hundred Year war.
"If only you could see this, Mai-Tang," Ann-Ji said quietly to herself.
Upon passing an ajar door, Ann-Ji heard a cry of discomfort.
Peeking in, Ann-Ji saw Zuko, who was having a little trouble getting one of his robes on.
"Need some help?" Ann-Ji asked with a small smile.
"Ann-Ji," Zuko said, the slightest surprise in his voice.
"Not the easiest getting dressed when you're all beat up, huh?" Ann-Ji asked with a quick chuckle as she walked into the room.
Ann-Ji then held up the sleeve of the robe, allowing Zuko an easier time getting his arm in. Picking up the sash on the near by table, Ann-Ji tied the robe closed for Zuko as well.
"Thank you," Zuko said softly.
"Don't think anything of it," Ann-Ji said, walking in front of Zuko, "You risked your life to save another."
"But you risked your life to save a nation. The world even."
"But I didn't do that alone, and I didn't have a choice to. You made the choice to save someone," Ann-Ji said with a warm smile, "And I think that's a very noble trait."
"I don't know if I could think of a higher compliment, with that coming from an Avatar," Zuko said, rubbing the back of his head.
Ann-Ji simply smiled and rolled her eyes before moving to hug Zuko. She was aware to do so gently, since his torso is what was hurt the worst.
After a moment, Zuko returned Ann-Ji's hug.
The two teens stood there for a moment in the embrace.
Then, slowly, Ann-Ji pulled from the hug.
"I'll see you at the ceremony," Ann-Ji said softly before turning to leave. Just before leaving the room, Ann-Ji spoke over her shoulder, "I won't be late."
Zuko chuckled at Ann-Ji's remark.
She and Aang couldn't be found the morning before Sozin's comet. But, according to Sokka, they showed up just before Ozai's plan started to properly take hold.
Aang and Ann-Ji were both meditating near the door to where the coronation was going to be taking place.
Footsteps were heard approaching them, and there was only one other person they could be.
Ann-Ji was the first to open her eyes, and stood as Aang opened his.
Zuko was about to pass through the curtain, but he stopped.
"I can't believe a year ago, my purpose in life was to hunt the two of you down," Zuko remarked, "And now."
"And now we're friends," Aang said with a soft smile.
"Life's strange that way, isn't it?" Ann-Ji asked with a smile as well.
"Yeah," Zuko said, his own face brightening.
Aang started to stand, "I can't believe a year ago, Ann-Ji and I were still frozen in a block of ice. The world's so different now."
"And it's going to be even more different," Zuko placed a hand on Aang's shoulder. Then, instead of placing a hand on Ann-Ji's shoulder, he took her hand, "When we build it together."
Ann-Ji couldn't help but blush at the small gesture. She had grown fond of the soon-to-be Fire Lord over the course of the last year.
Aang and Zuko hugged each other before Ann-Ji and Zuko hugged once again.
Zuko was then the first through the curtain, Aang and Ann-Ji following behind him.
It had been a couple weeks since Zuko was crowned Fire Lord. Since then, Zuko's injuries had healed up significantly, and everyone decided it was time to pay a visit to a certain former general of the Fire Nation Army.
"Iroh," Ann-Ji said with a warm smile, embracing the older man.
"Ann-Ji. You look as radiant as I've ever seen you," Iroh complemented with a warm smile.
Iroh was sure to personally greet everyone as they came in. Zuko had come in, then slipped away into the back of the Jasmine Dragon to make tea for everyone. Iroh had gotten out his Tsungi horn once everyone was comfortably settled and began to play.
Ann-Ji closed her eyes and listened to the soft music, enjoying the calm of the room.
Zuko eventually came out with a tray filled with cups of tea for everyone. He brought a cup to everyone that had wanted one, and had just reached Ann-Ji when Sokka spoke up.
"Zuko! Stop moving! I'm trying to capture the moment!" Sokka yelled before adopting a softer tone, "I wanted to make a painting. So that we could always remember the good times we had."
"That's very thoughtful of you, Sokka," Katara said, walking over to her brother, "Wait, why did you give me Momo's ears?"
"Those are your hair loopies!"
"At least you don't look like a boarcupine," Zuko said flatly as more gathered around the painting that Sokka was making, "My hair is not that spiky!"
"And, why did you paint me firebending?" Suki asked.
"I thought it looked more exciting that way," Sokka said weakly.
Momo then lept up onto the table that Sokka's painting was on.
"Oh, what? You think you can do a better job, Momo?" Sokka asked in an aggravated tone.
"Hey, my belly's not that big anymore. I really trimmed down!" Iroh said, pointing to himself on the painting.
Ann-Ji gave a small smile.
A year ago, only a couple of these people knew each other. And even fewer would have been able to have conversations like this.
"Well, I think you all look perfect!" Toph remarked with a loud smile.
Ann-Ji laughed with everyone else.
Dispersing, Zuko walked back over to Ann-Ji before sitting down.
"This is nice," Ann-Ji said, looking around the shop again.
"Yeah," Was all Zuko said in return.
"It kind of makes you wonder, though."
"What about?"
"What you did to deserve something like this."
"Well, sometimes it's better not to worry about the little details. Sometimes all you need is the big picture."
Ann-Ji looked to Zuko, her soft smile growing, "That's very wise of you to say, Zuko."
"I would hope so. I've spent a lot of time around my Uncle, Aang, and you," Zuko said with a small blush on his cheeks.
Ann-Ji silently watched Zuko for a moment before she stood.
"As long as we're just looking at the big picture," Ann-Ji said before grabbing Zuko's hand and pulling him into the back.
"What do you mean Ann-?" Zuko started to ask before being cut off with a kiss.
At first, Zuko didn't respond, but slowly and softly, he kissed back.
Just as she had initiated it, Ann-Ji pulled from the kiss. Her cheeks were dusted with a pale red.
Zuko, unsure of what to do, let out a cough before saying anything, "So, um, did that mean what I think it means?"
"If you think that it means I like you, then yes," Ann-Ji said, only looking up after she finished talking.
Zuko's cheeks started to bloom with blush.
"But, I'm not a monk," Zuko stuttered out.
"So? Katara's not a nun and that doesn't seem to be stopping Aang," Ann-Ji said with a weak chuckle.
"So, now what?" Zuko asked.
"Well, aren't we supposed to help rebuild the world together?" Ann-Ji asked with a soft laugh.
"I am exhausted," Ann-Ji said with a groan as she sat down on the bed.
"Were you really writing all day?" Zuko asked as he finished getting changed.
Since they had kissed, Ann-Ji and Zuko had gotten together. And, Ann-Ji was spending a lot of time at the Fire Nation Palace with Zuko. It didn't take very long before they were sleeping together in the same bed.
"Yes. Aang is traveling more than I am, so it's up to me to transcribe more of our history," Ann-Ji said with a stretch, "Plus, he never really liked to sit down for long periods of time."
"That so?" Zuko asked while sitting down on his side of the bed, "I had a long day, too. But, I wasn't writing all day like you."
"Well, tomorrow afternoon we're supposed to set sail for the Hu Xin Provinces. I may be writing on the ship, but I may just rest."
"That's fine if you do. Honestly, we both deserve a little rest," Zuko said before pulling Ann-Ji into his side.
Ann-Ji returned the gesture with a content sigh as she hugged Zuko's torso and tucked her nose into the crook of his neck.
"I love you, Zuko," Ann-Ji said softly.
"I love you, too, Ann-Ji," Zuko said in a warm voice before kissing the top of Ann-Ji's head.
The young woman looked up at Zuko, placing a soft hand on his cheek. The two then shared a soft kiss.
In their time together, they had never gone beyond an extended make-out session.
The longer they were kissing, the more heated things became.
Then Zuko seemed to abruptly stop.
"Zuko?" Ann-Ji asked, confused.
"I don't know if I can control myself if we go any longer," Zuko admitted, blush illuminating his face.
"Then don't control yourself."
"But, what about you? Can't you not, ya know?"
Ann-Ji only had to think for a few moments before she gave a soft chuckle, "I may have been raised by nuns, but I never swore an oath of celibacy."
Zuko's blush deepened, if it was possible.
"But thank you for thinking of that," Ann-Ji said with a soft smile before kissing her boyfriend.
The female's hand slipped into Zuko's shirt while one of the male's hands grasped the female's outer thigh.
Sashes were untied and shirts were removed.
Zuko was then groping at Ann-Ji's chest while he kissed her neck.
Ann-Ji let out a contented sigh when Zuko started to kiss the hollow of her neck.
Zuko sucked the spot for a few moments, leaving a mark that would be hidden by Ann-Ji's robes. The young Fire Lord then moved to suckle Ann-Ji's chest.
After letting out a few moans, Ann-Ji pulled Zuko back into a kiss. While in the kiss, she pulled at his pants to get them off.
But, instead of taking off his pants, Zuko moved to take off Ann-Ji's pants and underwear.
Ann-Ji blushed, not from her body being exposed, but from the unexpected movement.
Zuko gave Ann-Ji a soft kiss before he began to then remove his own pants.
Ann-Ji placed soft hands on the sides of Zuko's face, allowing her the chance to look into his eyes.
"I love you, Zuko," Ann-Ji repeated.
"I love you, Ann-Ji," Zuko returned.
Zuko gave Ann-Ji a soft kiss before he lined himself up with her. He moved carefully, and held Ann-Ji as she sheathed himself inside her.
Ann-Ji let out a small wince, which kept Zuko from moving.
He gave Ann-Ji a slow and tender kiss, assuring her that he was there.
After a few minutes, Ann-Ji felt the pain begin to subside. She lazily opened her eyes to look at Zuko. His eyes met hers and she gave a small nod, giving him permission to move.
Zuko started slowly, attempting to ease Ann-Ji into a rhythm that would be content for both of them.
Ann-Ji let out a groan before a content sigh left her lips.
With this, Zuko started to pick up the pace, causing the young woman to let out a moan. He gave her another quick kiss before focusing on what he was doing. Once he found his rhythm, he started to groan in ecstasy.
Ann-Ji started to feel a build up, her body shaking in pleasure. She moved her arms to weave behind Zuko's back and grab onto his shoulders, pushing for him to move closer to her.
Zuko obliged and dipped his head to kiss Ann-Ji's neck as he continued to thrust into her.
"Zuko!" Ann-Ji gasped.
Zuko repeated his last action, causing another gasp to leave Ann-Ji's lips.
A knot of sorts began to coil in the pit of Ann-Ji's stomach.
"Zuko, I-!" Ann-Ji started.
"Let it happen, Ann-Ji," Zuko said in a soft and breathy voice, "I'm close, too."
Upon saying this, Zuko started to pick up his pace, letting out another groan as he did so.
Ann-Ji's breathing started to quicken, her voice barely silent. Shortly after, she let out a long cry of pure ecstasy.
Her cry was quickly followed by a long and low groan from Zuko, as his movements stilled.
Both young adults then started to still, attempting to catch their breath.
Ann-Ji opened her eyes once again and looked at Zuko.
Placing a gentle hand on his cheek, Ann-Ji spoke, "I love you, Zuko."
"I love you, too, Ann-Ji," Zuko said before giving Ann-Ji a soft kiss.
The young Fire Lord then moved to lay beside the air-bender, pulling her against him.
Ann-Ji grabbed the blanket and pulled it up to wrapped around herself and Zuko. She then turned to embrace him, before beginning to drift to a content sleep.