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The air is humid and carries the scent of sea salt. As their friends play in the water, taking a brief break from the treacherous past few days, laughter in the air, Zuko and Lee sit by the shore. Staring off at the sunset, Lee leans on Zuko's shoulder. Zuko stares off, too, too deep in thought to hear Lee's words.
"Zuko?" He asks. "Are you alright?"
"I'm fine. Did you say something? Sorry."
"It's okay. What's on your mind?"
"Just…" Zuko sighs. "A lot of things. Everything."
Lee squeezes Zuko's arm, cuddling closer despite the humidity. Their skin is bare and flush against each other. "Like?"
"We're so close to defeating my fa- the Fire Lord. I'm so close to…turning my life around."
"Oh, I get it. Tell me more?"
"I've never had a group of friends before. It's mostly been just you and my uncle- not that I don't love you both. I thought before I had a lot to lose. Now it's feels like that's doubled."
"I understand. I think everyone would. We all have a lot to lose. Not just our lives."
"Exactly my point."
"We can't control it, though…we can only control what we do."
"I know. It's just…hard. I don't want to lose everything all over again, because…I'm so happy to be here."
Lee gives a gentle smile. "Me, too."
"Let's not talk about this anymore…sorry for ruining the mood."
"You didn't ruin the mood. I like hearing you talk about what's on your mind."
"I know…"
"Then stop saying sorry."
Zuko hums in response, trying to hide a smile. Feeling Lee squeeze his arm again, he leans his head on Lee's. Aang and Katara's water fight is getting a little out of hand, so some water splashes in their direction. Zuko shields them from it.
Eventually, Zuko and Lee decide to turn in for the night. Aang's still got some training to do, so all of them need to be ready and rested in the morning, but Zuko and Lee are the only ones heading inside.
As the loud of their friends' laughter and chatter fades, Zuko leads Lee to one of the rooms. Upon entering, there's one problem.
"Oh," Zuko says. "There's only one bed in here."
He turns around to look at Lee, who seems unbothered. Why would he be? They've slept in the same bed many times before. Why is Zuko overthinking this now-
"That's okay with me," Lee says, setting down his bag. "Do you want to stay with me?"
"Yeah, I would."
Lee grins. "You like cuddling with me?"
"Yeah. I do."
"Awwww. We can cuddle plenty tonight. It'll help you feel better."
Taking Lee's hand, Zuko replies, "It will."
Zuko throws down his bag, which was being held in his other hand, then pulls Lee into him and presses two swift kisses to his mouth. Lee throws his arms around him, bringing him closer. Slipping his arms under Lee's legs, Zuko lifts him up. He carries Lee to the bed and sets him down.
Lee breaks away and asks, "is there something in your pockets or are you just happy to see me?"
"Huh?" Zuko looks down. "Oh, shit, sorry-"
"It's fine…I don't mind."
"You don't?"
"I never mind."
"Ah…"
Lee leans his body against Zuko's, letting his eyes close. He wraps his arms around Zuko's shoulders again. "Do you want to?"
Zuko traces shapes into Lee's back. "I do. But with everyone else here…?"
"They're outside. We can be quiet, I'm sure."
"Yeah, not like we're gonna scream or anything."
"Not yet," Lee replies cheekily.
Zuko huffs a small laugh. "Sure. We can celebrate our…reunion."
"I would love to do that."
Lee slowly backs up, leaning back on the bed with his hands. His legs wrap around Zuko's hips and he pulls him in. Zuko holds himself up, hands on either side of Lee's thighs.
Looking into his eyes, he can see desire swirl in Lee's eyes, like flames in the breeze. His eyes are half lidded, his gaze tempting. And, by Agni, Zuko is tempted. He wants to take this beautiful man and make love to him, and he doesn't really care if their friends hear them, not anymore.
"What do you want me to do?" Zuko asks, voice low.
"Be on top."
"I can do that."
"Good."
Zuko kisses him. He's dizzy by the end of it, but he can't keep his spit-slick lips off Lee's. He doesn't need oxygen. He needs Lee's tongue in his mouth. He needs Lee to climb into his ribcage and never leave him.
He needs to stay with him forever. Even after death, he's sure of it. He's been sure of it, even when he was so far away from him, with Azula and Ty Lee and Mai. Mai, who he thought he liked for a second there but only because she looks a little bit like Lee with the long black hair and eye bags. Thought. Because now, and then, he knew he loved Lee more than anything.
And he knows how badly Lee's heart ached for him, because he felt the same ache. They're never going to leave each other again, never going to separate like that night. Zuko is going to somehow prove it with this, though he's said it with words again and again.
Zuko can feel the dam breaking when he meets Lee's eyes as he's grinding on him, on top, bracing himself with his arms. "I love you," he whispers.
"I love you too."
Zuko blinks a few times, chases the tears away. He doesn't want to cry during this. It might ruin it. But each thump of his rapidly beating heart seems to make it stronger. Each time he looks into Lee's eyes, each time he feels Lee grab onto him and make a delighted sigh of pleasure. It all makes it stronger. His heart feels like it'll fly out of his chest.
"I want you," Zuko moans into Lee's ear, as they roll their hips in sync. He drags himself over Lee, a bit rougher, and is rewarded with a gasp.
"I want you," Lee repeats, breathless. "You can have me, Zuko. Take me."
Those words were like a siren's call, a spirit's voice…something enchanting. Zuko is helpless. Totally and completely helpless. And he is content with that.
After Lee's pants come off, Zuko runs his fingers along his inner thigh as they kiss. He takes Lee's shaft into his hand and pumps slowly. Lee's breath hitches. He's dazed as he looks up at Zuko, trying to form words, lips parted. The only thing that slips out is a loud cry.
He sucks in a breath when Zuko goes down on him. Zuko still moves slow, taking his sweet time, enveloping Lee in his wet and warm mouth, gliding his tongue up and down and along the tip.
Lee bites down on his lip.
Zuko pulls his head back up. For a few seconds, he watches the spit covering Lee's dick shine in the light. He looks up at him. As he leans in close, he whispers Lee's name, then kisses him passionately.
"Lee, my love."
Lee's heart flutters. His face turns red. "…Yes?"
Zuko swallows, somehow more intimidated by this than anything else in his life, despite the fact they have done this before.
"May I have you? Will you allow me…" He asks. It's not his first time asking so formally- but it is his first time with the nickname, and with feeling so overly emotional-
"Yes. Take me, Zuko. I love you."
"Just as I love you."
Lee grins. "So romantic."
"I try."
Zuko feels oddly settled when their bodies connect, as if this is the way things are meant to be. It gives him a glimpse into what he hopes their future is like. Settled, relieved, loved. These emotions he feels with Lee, things he wants to feel with him all the time. The emotions he wants to give him. As he rolls his hips, thrusting in and out of Lee, he speaks his thoughts aloud.
"I want to give you everything."
"Give it to me."
"I love you more than life itself."
Lee breathes a gentle laugh. "Zuko…" He coos.
Zuko presses their foreheads together, and his voice breaks. "I love you so much."
"Zuko?" Lee asks, alarmed.
Zuko pulls away, stops in his movement. He doesn't notice the tears on his face until Lee wipes them away.
"Zuko?" Lee asks again. "What's wrong? Are you okay?"
"I-I'm sorry-"
"You don't ever have to apologize." Lee kisses his cheek. "Now, what's upsetting you?"
Zuko pauses, then breaks into a small smile. "No, I'm…I'm happy, Lee. I'm so happy. I don't know…" He sniffles, glancing away for a moment. Then he meets his eyes again, his smile widening. "I'm so happy to be with you again. I'm never going to let you go. My heart feels like it'll explode."
Lee relaxes, breathing a sigh. Tilting his head slightly, he looks at him. A smile appears on his lips. "You had me worried for a second. I'm happy, too. I love you more than anything. You own my heart."
Zuko picks him up and hugs him. They squeeze each other as tightly as possible, their bodies pressed together in every way they can manage.
"I'm yours," Zuko whispers.
"And I'm yours," Lee replies, his voice just as soft. "Forever."
"Yes. Forever. Say it again." Zuko rolls his hips. "Forever."
"Forever," Lee moans.
Another thrust. "Forever."
Another gorgeous moan. "Forever."
Zuko shudders. "Oh, Lee." He groans as he starts thrusting faster.
"So good, Zuko."
"Good…"
Zuko is breathless, only shallow grunts escaping his lips, and his eyes rolling back as he presses his forehead to Lee's shoulder. He grunts again, then shuts his mouth. The thought of the others hearing them briefly flashes through his mind again. But he can hear Lee's sounds right in his ear, his little whines, and Zuko lets out a whimper in reply.
Lee releases, all over his stomach. Zuko can feel it, how warm it is. He's a bit surprised when he releases as soon as it touches his skin. Lee gasps, holding onto him tighter. With a dazed look, he leans in for a kiss. Zuko does the exact same.
When he pulls away, Lee instantly finds other places on Zuko's face to kiss. His nose, his eyelids, his forehead, his cheeks. He places a few extra kisses over his scar and feels his heart flutter at the sound of Zuko's laughter, only slightly broken by the tears that threaten to spill over again. Lee holds Zuko's face in both of his hands, gently stroking his skin with his thumbs.
"You're so beautiful," Lee murmurs. "I love you. I love all of you."
"I love you, too," Zuko whispers.
Lee settles against Zuko's chest. Zuko holds him, stroking his hair. He plants a kiss there, too, and lingers. If they were frozen like this forever, stuck in time, he wouldn't mind at all. He will give Lee many moments like this, offerings to the altar of their love. Acts of worship for the man he is holding in his arms.
But eventually, they have to separate. They clean up and bathe, washing away the humid air if only for a second. Then it's time to cuddle, just as Lee promised. Zuko is the little spoon tonight, safe in Lee's warm embrace.
Looking back on it, those few weeks spent in the Fire Nation with his sister and her friends were the worst. Zuko thought he was loved, thought he had friends, but now everything is so clear to him. The gaping wound in his heart is beginning to sew itself closed.
He now has real friends who care about him sincerely, not because of obligations or transactions. He has a boyfriend who loves him openly and honestly, not because of status. They just need to find his uncle, and that will be one of the missing pieces. The rest will fall into place with time, as he heals.
Defeating the Fire Lord will not be easy, but it will allow all of them to move forward. It will allow the entire world to move forward.
It will allow for a better world.
His heart feels warm. He is content as Lee strokes his hair and whispers sweet little things or random thoughts into his ear. Zuko can feel himself falling asleep, but he wants to hang onto consciousness for a little while longer.
He shifts to lay on his back, allowing Lee to rest on his chest. Lee traces shapes into his skin with a smile on his face.
Lee sits up to look at Zuko's face, still smiling. "Hey, Zuko…"
"Yes?"
Lee chuckles softly. "Are you falling asleep?"
Zuko nods, smiling too.
"You're cute." Lee tucks Zuko's hair away from his face. "I like your hair like this. Will you keep growing it out?"
"Yeah. Technically, I'm supposed to, anyway."
"Makes you look extra handsome."
"Thank you. You look cute, too. You look good with your hair long or short."
"I'll probably grow it out, too. We can match?"
"We can do whatever you want."
Lee's smile widens. "Yay," he says, leaning down to rest on Zuko's chest again.
"We should get some rest. We have a long day ahead of us tomorrow."
Lee yawns. "Lots of training."
"Lots of training," Zuko repeats, sighing.
In the middle of the night, Zuko wakes up. Lee is awake, too, having woken up randomly as well. Like before, Lee keeps his arms snugly around Zuko and presses little kisses to his head. They sit in silence for a while.
Until Zuko feels something…poking him. He knows what it is. Shifting slightly, he moves his hips in a way that rubs against it. Lee groans in response, and Zuko knows he's succeeded.
Lee squeezes him tighter. Brings him closer. His hand glides down Zuko's arm and grabs his hip to keep him in place. When Zuko moves again, Lee guides him. Lee breathes a shuddering sigh.
"That feels nice," Lee murmurs, nuzzling into Zuko's neck.
"Want me to do it again?"
"Yes."
Zuko grinds his ass along Lee's crotch. Lee bites his lip, hiding his face. He exhales heavily, his breath fanning against Zuko's skin. To keep quiet, he keeps his mouth busy by kissing Zuko's neck as he continues to tease him.
Lee squeezes the fabric of Zuko's top, and he stops. Making a great effort to be quiet, Lee carefully climbs on top of Zuko. When he's there, he kisses Zuko deeply and rolls his hips. Zuko sighs into his mouth. Holding eye contact, Lee moves his body.
Zuko's head lulls back and he bites his lip to keep himself from moaning out loud. He grips the back of Lee's hair and brings him down for a kiss. Suddenly, he needs to grab onto every part of Lee he can reach. He needs to devour him. He needs to breathe him in, let Lee sink into every part of his body.
"You make me feel so good," Zuko breathes. "I missed you so much."
"I missed you, too. You don't know how badly…" Lee gasps softly, then covers his mouth.
Gently, Zuko shushes him, and Lee nods. He smiles.
"Now that we're together, I can't keep my hands off you," Zuko says.
"And here I thought that was my job."
Zuko chuckles lightly. "Not anymore," he teases.
"I like it when you touch me. Anywhere…anytime…" Lee drags his fingers down Zuko's chest. "Remember that guy at the market a few days ago?"
"The one staring at you?"
"Yeah. You scared him off...I love it when you do stuff like that. When people know we're together."
"I'm yours, always."
"And I'm yours."
Lee traces his finger up and down Zuko's chest. As he goes up, he sneaks his hand under Zuko's shirt. His thumb catches Zuko's nipple and he toys with it, flicking at the sensitive skin.
Zuko is dazed. His head lulls back again. He tugs Lee's hair as he kisses his stomach, then goes lower. It's hard to think about anything other than the man kissing him, the man he wants to make love with for the second time tonight.
"We shouldn't have shared a bed," he jokes.
Lee puts a hand on Zuko's waistband. "What makes you say that?"
Zuko nods. Lee starts pulling down his pants.
"I don't want to keep my hands off you," Zuko continues.
"Then don't stop. I won't, either. We don't have to stop. No one will walk in."
"You're right."
"I always am."
"You are."
"Good boy," Lee says before he takes Zuko into his mouth.
Zuko groans lowly. He doesn't break eye contact, and he doesn't want to. Lee is enchanting. Especially as he bobs his head up and down, as he takes as much of Zuko as he can.
"You-" Zuko swallows. "-look pretty."
Lee's eyes sparkle like he's smiling. His tongue flutters over Zuko's tip. Zuko gasps sharply, raising his hand to his mouth. Lee likes to play with him. Never like this before, however. It's different. Zuko isn't complaining.
Lee takes him out of his mouth. He licks up the side, his pretty eyes fixed on Zuko's reactions. Every twitch, every breath, every time he balls his hand into a fist and clenches.
Lee bats his eyelashes. Zuko moans.
"Can I try riding you?" Lee asks.
"Please."
Lee grins. "Yay."
He slips off his pants and his erect shaft springs out. Even just the simple action of moving the fabric makes him twitch. He grabs their bottle of lubricant and pours it out onto Zuko's cock, giving it a few pumps as if making sure it's thoroughly coated.
"Put your fingers inside of me."
Zuko nods. He takes the bottle and pours some on his fingers. Lee leans closer, kissing him, and arches his back as Zuko slips one finger inside. Lee kisses Zuko hungrily and Zuko responds with equal intensity. The urge to devour him returns. It grows stronger.
Zuko adds another finger and Lee moans his name. He feels Lee's warm body loosen around him, and it's satisfying. Lee trusts him enough to let Zuko touch him in this way. Lee loves him.
Lee sighs his name again and Zuko's heart thumps. They're falling apart for each other and they're the only ones that could make that happen. Zuko could cum just thinking about it.
When Lee's ready, Zuko removes his fingers. Lee lines himself up and slowly sinks down onto Zuko's cock. He holds Zuko's hand so tightly he's afraid he'll break his wrist. He rolls his hips and throws his head back. Whispering Zuko's praises under his shaking breath, he moves faster, teeth cutting into his lip.
He pauses to catch his breath, eyes fluttering.
"I'm going to scream," Lee says.
"What?"
"Feels so good I'm gonna scream."
"Oh." Zuko breaths a laugh. "Gotta be quiet."
"I know," Lee whines.
"Keep going…"
Lee takes in a breath, bracing himself. He starts again, slowly, a smile appearing on his face. "Feels so good, Zuko."
"It does. It really does, Lee." Zuko tucks Lee's hair away from his face with his free hand. Lee leans into his touch, and Zuko cradles his face. "Don't stop. Please…"
Lee closes his eyes, savoring each sensation. Pleasure, as Zuko starts to thrust. Comfort, as Zuko caresses his cheek with his thumb. When he opens his eyes and immediately finds Zuko's, he smiles.
"I missed you so much," he whispers.
"I missed you, too."
"Don't ever leave me again."
"Never."
"Good…" Lee sucks in a breath. He pauses, then speaks with a breathless laugh. "…good boy."
Zuko laughs, too. "Yeah. I'll be very good. I'll make it up to you."
"You already have."
"I'm glad…"
Lee reaches for him and Zuko pulls him in. With their arms wrapped around each other, they both chase their highs, moving in unison. Moving in sync, like they always are. As bliss washes over them, they melt into each other, breath mixing when they go in for a kiss.
They will be tired when they have to get up, but this was worth it.
After they clean up, they're back where they started. Lee, behind Zuko, playing with his hair and whispering sweetly to him. Zuko easily slips further and further into sleep.
Before Lee is overtaken by sleep as well, he says one final thing. "I love you. Forever."
"I love you too," Zuko replies sleepily. He smiles, as he drifts off.