"Well first, I don't like that Azula keeps saying that I killed the avatar. I definitely didn't do that. Plus, I don't even know if he really did die." Zuko leaned back on the bed, accepting your massage, as he recounted his day to you. "I'm not really looking forward to this dumb announcement ceremony either. I have to dress up in such uncomfortable clothes."

"Yeah? Ya like leaves best?" You giggled as you nuzzled the back of his head.

"Maybe not quite that far," He chuckled, having never been so glad to be carrying on such an affair with you. "And then I was surprised that Mai was here. I thought I'd have time to get my thoughts in order before I saw anyone. But there she was. And then there was you."

"Mhm"

"And trust me, I really wanted you to come with us, but I felt bad. I know it doesn't bother you that I'm dating Mai, but it's so stressful for me. She, of course, wouldn't be okay with it."

"Y'all are so weird." You mumbled under your breath.

"Ugh. And then don't even get me started on Mai. She wanted me to come over to her house and she just like..." He stumbled, deciding the amount of detail. "She took her robes off and wanted to have sex."

"Oh?" You paused and rested your chin on his shoulder. "Did ya?"

"Well... No..."

"Why not?"

"I'm just... really stressed out."

"Hmm?" You restarted the massage, pushing his robe off of his shoulders, giving you access to his chest.

"I don't really know where Uncle is. I have to eat dinner with my father. My father who I haven't seen in so many years. And then I have to go back to Mai. But I'm mad at her, just a bit."

"Oh?"

"I, uh... I was having a hard time... staying... ready..."

"Really? Ya must be havin' a rough go. I usually gotta pry ya off me." You kissed his neck as you wrapped your arms fully around his body.

"Yeah, I know. It was embarrassing and she wasn't nice about it like you would've been. I guess I'll just try again tonight."

"Will ya let me know how it goes?" You asked as you pushed your hands lower into his robes.

"Why? You want to be the first?" Zuko mumbled lustfully towards your head as you progressed to some like licking and sucking on his neck.

"I thought ya done it before." You pushed further down his body, indicating your intentions. It was one part revenge for being ignored earlier, one part genuine lust for your lover.

"I lied."

Zuko turned around and gently pushed you down. His lips caressed your own as his hands framed your face. You blushed deeply as he pulled away from you.

"Mmm. You're so cute when you blush, you know. It's so rare."

"Oh stop it." You blushed even more. "I'm just flattered."

"Why is that?"

"'Cause you ain't have no problem gettin' ready for me." You smiled slightly as you made the observation.

Zuko chuckled, accepting the situation. But he really did have to get ready for his announcement ceremony.

"Will you help me get ready?" He asked as he kissed your forehead and sat up.

"You're a tease, Zuke. Ya better keep ya promise to come back." You stood up and waited for him to tell you what he needed.

"Oh and YN?" Zuko looked away for a moment.

"Mm?" You approached him and helped remove his entire robe.

"I'm very sorry for the way I treated you."