Archive of Our Own

It certainly wasn't that way for you and Zuko.

And though your feelings for one another was obvious, the both of you remained oblivious.

For a short amount of time.

Your shared group of friends were the ones to pick up on the shifting paradigm that had exited between the both of you since your days as a personal guard, and his days as a banished prince.

And the first one to really witness it was Aang.

With Team Avatar visiting Republic City for its one year anniversary, a Festival had been organized to mark the occasion. The city was alive with people from all Nations enjoying the festivities. There was music, dancing and games all around. And later there was going to be a firework display. Sellers and vendors proudly showed off their wares to the disguised Avatar and Fire Lord, as they made their way discretely through the crowd, slowly moving towards the food stalls where Sokka had said Suki, Y/N, Katara and Toph would meet them.

It had been Sokka who had dragged Zuko and Aang along with him, claiming he needed their help to find the perfect gift for his girlfriend. Ten minutes into their little incursion, Sokka had raced off, claiming he had found the perfect gift, leaving Zuko and Aang to stare after their mutual friend, the latter suspecting there might be some airbender heritage in Sokka's ancestry with how fast he had taken off.

Still, it didn't stop the two of them from walking around and looking at the items that were displayed. Aang, taking Sokka's lead, which was certainly a first, was already keeping an eye out to buy something for Katara.

And once he had bought the item he knew she would like, he had turned to locate Zuko, only to find him holding a small bag with a purchase of his own.

"What's that?" He asked, curious to know what the firebender had gotten. The Firebender shrugged. "Nothing. Just saw something. Thought Y/N might like them." He took out the earrings he had bought, holding them up for Aang to observe. The young Avatar let out a small whistle of appreciation. "Those are really nice." He couldn't help but agree with Zuko's choice.

And Aang had to admit, not only would they suit you, but you would like them as well. They were in the color of your Nation, and then there was your very obvious fascination with dragons. You'd always spoken about how amazing it would be to have one just as most firebenders did in Aang's time. You had been tested by the dragons Ran and Shaw, just as Aang and Zuko had been. Had been deemed worthy by the Masters to know the secret of true firebending.

But in your opinion, having a dragon as a companion, would be the best thing in the world.

Aang would've been amazed how good Zuko's choice had been, if he had not had his suspicions about the true extent of the feelings you both shared.

He had been the only one to witness your reaction when you received the present. The rest of their friends had turned their gazes to the sky, watching the fireworks paint the cosmos with their gorgeous colors. Zuko had taken that moment to give you your present, and Aang had watched you unwrap the earrings, exclaiming in delight at what you found, before embracing your friend.

An embrace that felt intimate enough that the young Avatar had to shift his gaze elsewhere, feeling as if he were intruding on a private moment.

Katara and Suki had praised the pretty earrings you took to wearing everyday.

And Aang couldn't help but wonder how long it would take the both of you to realize how deep your friendship truly ran, and how much it meant to the both of you.

Toph was the second to feel the shift in your feelings for one another.

You were sitting on the balcony with the earthbender, enjoying a hot cup of tea under the mid winter sun. With how busy your lives had been since the war, moments like these where you were all together were few and far inbetween.

Who said bringing peace and prosperity back to the world was an easy job?

Katara had been the one to come up with the idea of meeting in Republic City every two months. Just so you could all catch up and have a week of respite. Everyone may be working in different corners of the world, but that didn't stop any of them from being a family.

They had all gathered just last night, with you and Zuko arriving at the last minute, almost having missed the entire vacation on account of some issues going on in the Fire Nation.

There was always a fire to be put out, as Sokka had so eloquently said while laughing at his own pun.

Now here you were, one week of no urgent messages and matters to discuss with the rest of the council. A week where you didn't have to work your brain into complete exhaustion.

"How're your students?" You asked, nibbling on one of the sweet cakes you had brought out to share with Toph. The blind girl shrugged, her feet up on the railing of the balcony as she leaned back slightly. "Meh, they could be better. Honestly it gets pretty boring kicking their asses all day."

You shook your head, smiling as you took another sip of your tea, sighing in content when the warm brew soothed your slightly sore throat. "Maybe you could fake loose? And when they have their guard down you could attack. Teach them to never underestimate their opponent?" You suggested.

Toph's entire face lit up as she cackled loudly. "Oh, you're an evil genius Cinders." The use of your nickname had you rolling your eyes. "You're never gonna let that one go are you?" You asked, though you didn't mind the title Toph had bestowed upon you on account of your preference for using coal to give your fire a little boost.

Plus rocks on fire tended to hit targets that were further away and did more damage.

The sound of a familiar laugh broke your stream of thought. "You should see her when she's handling the council." Zuko praised as he walked out on the balcony as well, still wearing the clothes he had been sleeping in. Which did not include a shirt. One of the perks of being a firebender? You could regulate your own body temperature. So it didn't matter if it was cold out.

Despite having her feet up against the railing Toph could still sense the vibrations around her. Honestly it never turned off.

Good thing too, otherwise she would've missed a rather interesting development.

She frowned to herself, thinking that maybe she hadn't picked up the vibrations right. Her feet dropped to the floor, as she sat up straight, her toes wiggling slightly as she tried to make sense of what she had just felt.

There it was.

Your heartbeat, picking up speed.

"Tea?" Toph heard you say, followed by a small clatter of a teacup. "Sure." Obviously he had accepted your offer and-Wait a second! Did his heartbeat kick up just then when you spoke to him?

"How's your throat?" Zuko asked, glancing at you over the rim of the teacup as he leaned back against the railing, his eyes observant yet concerned. You shrugged. "It's better. Katara says she'll give me a healing session for it. Make sure it doesn't turn into a fever." You held up the cup you were still sipping from. "Till then, your Uncle's secret brew is working its magic."

The two of you smiled at one another, and-

There it was again!

A spike in both your heartbeats.

A suspicion began to form at the back of Toph's mind, but she had to gather evidence.

And so for the rest of the vacation, she had one foot directed towards you and Zuko, picking up on your change in heartbeat every chance you both interacted, or even looked at one another. The last one Toph had picked up when the both of you had been on opposite sides of the room.

By the end of the week, she had reached her conclusion.

And Toph couldn't help but wonder how long it would take the both of you to realize just how much of a profound effect you had on one another by simply being near.

The third person to take note of your obvious attachment to one another was Suki, and by extent Sokka, though he remained oblivious.

She had written a letter to her boyfriend, and this was what it said:

..........with the threat of assassination imminent everyone is on their toes around here. The Kiyoshi Warriors are taking double shifts and so is the Royal Guard. Zuko can defend himself, of that we have no doubt, but with these assassins, you never know what number they might attack in. Or what tactics they're willing to go for.

Y/n seems to think so as well. And despite Zuko protesting that there wasn't any need, she has temporarily resigned from her post as a Council member, and taken up her old post as personal guard to the Fire Lord.

Though technically, back then her station was personal guard to the Fire Nation Prince. Guess this is kind of a promotion.

Anyway, you should see her following Zuko around the entire day. Even at night, when the rest of the Guards are patrolling outside of the living quarters, she refused. Said she would stand guard outside his bedroom door. I heard the two of them arguing one night. Something that happened awhile ago, when he was still chasing you guys. Apparently she had left the ship for a little while, only to have it blown up by pirates with Zuko still inside. He says she's being paranoid, and boy, did that make her mad. She went off on this rant, and I kind of stopped listening to give them some privacy, but I did catch a little bit of what she said: 'I've lost you too many times Zuko. I would never forgive myself if something happened to you.'

Talk about trauma. I mean, we all have it, but don't you think this was a little intense? Sometimes I think there is something more going on between the two of them. I'll keep an eye on the both of them, make sure they don't do anything stupid though, I know them long enough to know they're both self-sacrificing idiots.

What do you think? Is there something going on between them? Hope to hear your theories soon!

All my love, Suki

And though her boyfriend replied not to read too much into it, that was how you and Zuko were with one another, Suki couldn't help but think differently.

Especially during the aftermath of it all. The capture of the assassins after their near successful attempt in taking out Zuko.

The assassins had gotten close.

Too close.

But between Zuko and Y/n, they had been taken out.

The Royal Guards had a firm grip on the attackers, lest they try something as a last ditch effort to claim the Fire Lord's life. Suki was making sure they were being escorted off the premises when she looked over her shoulder to make sure Zuko and Y/n were following after her.

She stopped short at the sight that greeted her.

Your arms were wrapped around Zuko in a protective embrace, face buried in his chest, shoulders shaking. Zuko was holding you just as tightly, his lips moving as he whispered something to you. Suki couldn't hear what was said.

She turned away, hoping to give the both of you a few moments to gather yourselves.

That night, Suki may not have seen you wipe away the blood from Zuko's cheek from where the assassin had gotten too close. Nor did she hear Zuko's words of reassurance, whispering how he was alright, you were both alright. That he would never leave you.

She had no idea that neither of your left one another's side that night, and clung to each other, afraid the other would suddenly disappear.

But one thing was clear to her.

And Suki couldn't help but wonder how long it would take the both of you to realize how protective you were of one another, that you were willing to sacrifice your lives if the need ever arose.

Katara was the last one to pick up on the subtle changes in your interactions with Zuko, and Zuko's interactions with you.

Normally, given her intuition for this sort of thing, she would be the first one to determine that something was going on. And if you had all been traveling together like you were during the war she would've found out earlier, if not the earliest out of everyone in your little family.

The first chance she began to suspect was during a diplomatic mission to the Earth Colonies.

As a member of the Royal Council, you were an important part of the delegation. Right after the Fire Lord that is. That put the both of you in close proximity. Close enough to have your fingers brush against his, lingering longer then was necessary, when you exited the carriages to greet the crowd that had assembled there. Katara would've miss it completely, if she hadn't been coming out right behind you and was half bent to avoid hitting her head. The simple gesture was well hidden in the shadows, but the Master Waterbender saw it, and an idea began to form in her mind.

Which is where her investigation started.

Aang would be joining the delegation later, so for now it was just Katara, Zuko and you. And though it was an official affair, the three of you made the most of it. Every night, before turning in, you would gather to share a cup of tea, which Zuko brewed obviously, and talk about what had happened during the day.

On the second night, once the candles had burned low, the three of you made your way towards your rooms. Katara's room was at the very beginning of the corridor. Bidding her friends goodnight, she entered her room, sliding the door shut as she did. But then she paused, when, once again, something caught attention.

Through the small crack that was left, she was able to make out yours and Zuko's shadows silhouetted against the wooden wall. Katara tilted her head down slightly, as she watched the shadow of your hand reach up and playfully tug at the hair that framed Zuko's face. Blue eyes blinked in surprise, as Zuko's shadow seemed to reciprocate the act, but in a more tender way. Given that he reached out to seemingly run his fingers through your hair. It was a little hard to make out as the shadows blended in, but Katara was sure that was what had happened.

Another moment, before the both of you separated, walking to your rooms, leaving Katara surer then ever that something was going on.

Aang arrived the very next day, and Katara was more then eager to share her findings with her boyfriend. She barely let him greet her properly before she started to speak, eyes shining with excitement when Aang only confirmed her theory with his own findings.

And so the two of them decided to try and catch you and Zuko and confront you about your feelings for one another. If there were any.

But the downside of the plan was that both you and Zuko were subtle. On purpose, or unconsciously? Subtle in a way that could be mistaken as the norm given your closeness over the years of traveling together and fighting side by side.

A look shared far longer then necessary? Perhaps you were merely gauging one another's reaction, to make sure you were on the same page. This also coupled in with silent exchanges that required no words. But that was true of the entire Team, Aang had argued. They had been working together so closely for so many years, that they could read one another before making the next move.

His hand pressed against your back in a crowded area. That was something he had always done, even when you were teenagers, and you were nothing more then a glorified guard to a banished Prince.

There was the one time, after the final Trade Treaties had been signed, and you had all retreated to the private rooms shared between the four of you. A small personal celebration before the actual one. One that included an embrace that was shared between you and Zuko and held far more intimacy then a kiss. But the moment went and came, with Katara and Aang so swept up in yet another step towards peace and prosperity, that it wasn't until later, when everyone had retired to their rooms, did Katara think back on the exchange, and pout at the missed opportunity, much to Aang's amusement.

So really, there was never any big and significant moment that would serve as the catalyst for Katara and Aang to call out the both of you.

Nevertheless, by the time the Diplomatic Mission had ended, the Master Waterbender was sure about what she had suspected from the moment she had seen you and Zuko interact all those years ago when it was a very different time, and you were all on different sides.

And Katara couldn't help but wonder how long it would take the both of you to realize how deeply your devotion for one another truly ran.

The final revelation came exactly one year after the rest of the Team had begun to make their deductions.

It was the first night of the meet up, and everyone was sitting down for dinner. Conversation flowed easily, with everyone catching up on what they had been up to. Thank Agni things had been rather uneventful, which was a blessing given the entire Teams tendency to find trouble even when there wasn't.

What you and Zuko were not aware of were the three pairs of eyes, and a set of feet, scrutinizing your every move.

Even as the conversations continued, they never strayed too far in their observation.

Katara took note that when the both of you had entered the room, Zuko had been dropping his arm, as if it had been wrapped around your waist only moments prior.

Toph monitored how neither of you strayed too far from one another. Something she could compare to considering there were two other couples in the room. Even if either you or Zuko did stray, the other would find some reason to be near.

Aang didn't miss the way you began to pile Zuko's plate with food for him, filling it with what you knew he preferred to eat.

Suki couldn't help but notice Zuko made sure you were drinking the special tea you took whenever you had a sore throat. A regular occurrence whenever you had to make long speeches.

Those were all individual observations. What really caught their eye, and feet, was when you picked up a stray piece of cucumber from your plate, and held it out for Zuko, who didn't even bother taking it in his chopstick and instead ate it from where you were offering it.

Straight from your fingers.

"That's not sanitary." Sokka pointed out from where he was helping himself to his third round of meat. "Unless of course you don't mind the germs on Y/N's fingers Zuko. In which case, go right ahead." He waved a dismissive hand in your general direction, before returning his attention to his plate.

But the small (not) seemingly insignificant little act was the final straw. Toph was the one who broke first, unable to keep it in any longer. "You two are together aren't you." She stated, finger pointing in an accusing manner. "And don't even try to deny it. I felt Y/N's heart nearly beat out of her chest when you took that cucumber Zuko."

Hoping to catch both you and Zuko off-guard, Suki was quick to include her findings. "And I know you didn't put your stuff in a separate room Zuko. You put everything in Y/N's room didn't you?"

Not wanting to be left behind, Aang slammed his hands down against the table, rattling the dishes against the wooden surface. "And Katara and I know you guys have been holding hands under the table every chance you get."

Under four accusing looks, and one rather confused one, you and Zuko glanced at one another. "Well, the flying lemur is out of the bag." He said with a shrug, a smile pulling at his lips. "We did plan on telling them soon." Rolling your eyes, you couldn't help but smile fondly at your friends.

"You just couldn't help yourselves could you?" You said, shaking your head at your friend's obvious impatience before you pulled out the hand that was holding Zuko's under the table, just as two of your friends had observed.

"We are together." A bright, happy smile adorned your lips, eyes bright, as relief flooded your entire body at finally being able to say what you had been wanting to say out loud for months. "How long?" Toph demanded, as Sokka let out a strange choking sound, pointing at your joined hands. Zuko shrugged. "Since the assassination attempt." He revealed, mirroring your smile, and ignoring how Sokka was now muttering nonsensical words under his breath as he paced.

Aang laughed as he shook his head. "Well it took you guys long enough. I had my suspicions since the Republic City festival." Katara playfully punched her boyfriend. "I'm still annoyed that you knew from that long ago and you didn't tell me until later. I only started suspecting while we were on that tour of the Earth colonies." She revealed, at which Suki grinned. "I had a hunch during the whole assassination drama." She admitted, before shrugging. "But I figured it was all the tension that was making the both of you act weird." Her smile turned mischievous as she winked playfully at the two firebenders. "Guess all those late night guard duties amounted to something huh Y/N."

You blushed, letting go of Zuko's hand to run your fingers nervously through your hair, while your boyfriend let out a nervous laugh. Toph, having decided she had been patient enough, cackled loudly. "Spirits, your heartbeat is going crazy. You're worse then Katara and Aang." She gasped out, earning a series of protests from the offended parties, which she ignored as she pointed a thumb over her shoulder at Sokka. "Suki, check on your boyfriend. I think his heart just stopped."

Everyone glanced in the direction of the water tribe warrior, who was laying flat on his back, his eyes still wide in shock.

They all crowded around him, peering down at him as if he were some anomaly to be studied.

"Sokka? You alright?" Suki couldn't help but ask, though she wasn't worried, if the smile on her lips was anything to go by. She was responded with a strange sound. "That sounded like Appa when he's hungry." Toph snickered as Katara shook her head. "He wasn't that shocked when you and I got together." She said, her hand sliding to take hold of Aang's hand as he smiled at her. "No, but then he kind of suspected. This one came out of the blue."

The Avatar looked up towards you and Zuko. "What?" Zuko asked, glancing up. The airbender shrugged. "You broke him. You fix him." He stated with a huff of laughter.

The Fire Lord gave him a deadpanned look, unaware of the diabolical thought that had entered your mind. More then once Sokka had gotten on your nerves by being, well himself. All in good fun, but sometimes he would really have you grinding your teeth. This was your chance to get back at him.

"I might have a solution." You said, stepping forward, making sure you were in Sokka's line of sight. His eyes were still open, so that made things so much easier.

Your hand darted out to reach behind you, grabbing hold of Zuko from the front of his shirt and all but dragging him forward. "Wh-" Whatever protest had been forming was muffled once you had him in your line of sight and locked your lips with his. A look of surprise crossed his features briefly, before his eyes closed and he returned the kiss with equal ardor. Though neither of you were given the chance to really fall into the embrace on account of the ear-splitting shriek that echoed against the walls.

"They're kissing?!?!?!"

That seemed to have done the trick, since Sokka was now on his feet, pointing accusingly at the resident Firebenders, who were wearing identical expressions of annoyance at being disturbed. "Yes Sokka." Zuko stated in a wooden tone, his tone carrying easily amidst the four laughing investigators. "That's what people do when they're together."

Suki, thinking that maybe they had fried enough of Sokka's brain, stepped forward to lay a gentle hand on his shoulder. "How about you come with me sweetheart?" She said, urging him towards the door. "Maybe a little alone time to process all this?"

It was the surprise that had gotten to Sokka more then anything. Everyone knew how he was when it came to showing his more big emotions, so no one was worried. It was always funny to see him like this.

"Well this has been fun and all, but I have an underground Earth Rumble to win, so I will see you guys later." Toph called over her shoulder as she gave the newly revealed couple a two fingered salute, before walking out the door to her own shenanigans.

Wanting to have Zuko all to yourself after the big reveal, your hand slid into his again, gently tugging him towards the door. "We're gonna go unpack." You said, the excuse falling flat, and sounding halfhearted even to your ears. Aang couldn't help but smirk, standing beside Katara with an arm around her waist.

"We better not catch you two doing something you shouldn't be!" He said just as Zuko made to close the door behind him. You felt your boyfriend tug your hand as he stepped back into the room.

"That's rich coming from you Aang." You heard him shoot back, as you rolled your eyes at his inability to let Aang win. "Weren't you the one who had your girlfriend backed into a corner just half an hour ago?"

Muffled shocked protests were the only responses you could make out as Zuko closed the door shut behind him, before taking the lead and quickly walking to your shared rooms. The smug grin was still on his face when he closed the door behind him.

Only to be hit upside the head by you.

"Ow!" He raised a hand to rub the back of his head, the bun his hair was tied in knocked slightly askew by your sudden thump. "What was that for?"

"That was rude Zuko. And very unbecoming of a Fire Lord." You scolded, though there was no malice behind your words as you gave him a look.

Zuko only smirked. A smile that you were all too familiar with. A smile that meant trouble. "Oh yeah?" He said, taking an almost predatory step towards you as he did. "Then I guess it's also very unbecoming of me to do this."

You knew what was becoming, but you had no desire to deny yourself, or him.

His lips crashed into yours with enough force that you would've stumbled back if his arms hadn't wrapped around you in time. A surprised sound echoed in the room, muffled, yet mixed with a sigh of satisfaction as your lips moved against his, kissing him back.

You anchored yourself to him, arms around his broad shoulders, hands finding purchase at the back of his head, undoing the feeble knot that kept his hair in place and allowing the hair to fall free, just as you loved it. You felt him smile against your lips. He knew exactly what you were doing, and had no complaints. Your minor distraction gave him the chance he needed to press you up against the wall next to the door.

You let out a gasp at the sudden shift in position, your eyes opening in surprise when you felt his tongue brush against yours. Though the surprise lasted only a moment to be replaced with a heady sense of need that had your eyes rolling up slightly as they closed and your tongue began to dance with his.

His hands began their exploration. One roamed the expanse of your back, fingers splayed to feel as much of you as possible. The other was resting against the side of your waist, slowly exposing the skin there by pushing your shirt up, fingers stroking along your now bare midriff.

Every sensation seemed to be effecting you tenfold, as your entire body began to grow hotter, as if liquid fire was running through your veins. Not liking the small distance that was left between the two of you, you shifted slightly. And without breaking the kiss, you lifted your legs to wrap them around his waist, closing the last few hairsbreadth of a distance that was between the two of you. You couldn't help but smile in victory when he groaned loudly as he finally pulled back from the kiss, allowing you to take in a lungful of much needed air.

You both gasped, stealing each others breath as you finally opened your eyes to meet his golden gaze. How he loved seeing you like this, lips swollen, hair in complete disarray, eyes barely open and breathing heavily. A smile pulled at your lips, one that he reciprocated, as he pressed his forehead against yours.

"Since this is very unbecoming of me." He panted as you lovingly nuzzled his nose. "Should I stop?"

A beat of silence.

"Zuko?"

"Yeah?"

You bit his lower lip, pulling at it harshly before letting go, your fingers digging into his scalp before gripping his hair, prompting him to let out a moan. "Shut up and kiss me." You panted out, an electrifying sensation racing through your body as he fixed you with a look that promised ruin and pleasure at the same time.

He chuckled darkly, fingers gently brushing your hair behind your ear. "As my Fire Lady commands."