You're Not Alone Zuko x Reader

=Chapter 34=

2 Weeks later

I had been spending the weeks since Zuko's coronation in my village with Haru and my parents. But me and the rest of the Gaang had agreed to meet at the jasmine dragon in Ba Sing Se for my birthday. Even though it had only been a few weeks I still missed them all greatly. I was also excited to see Iroh! As I walked through the streets to the tea shop I was reminded of the nights I spent here with Zuko. 

When I arrived at the jasmine dragon I was engulfed in a hug from Iroh. 

"Iroh! It's so nice to see you!" I smiled.

"It's nice to see you too!" He paused for a moment, "You know what? How about you call me uncle Iroh from now on?'

"I'd like that," I looked around the empty shop, "Am I early?"

"I'm sure they'll be here soon," He walked into the back and started brewing some tea.

I took a good look around the place. Memories of the opening day flooded my mind, Zuko was so happy. That day I really got to see the old Zuko shine through. Before the Agni kai, before the trama, before the fruitless mission, before he left me. That day broke him, almost beyond repair. That mixed with the loss of his mother was enough to push anyone over the edge. But even though it took time, he made it through the darkness. He's strong.       

I was so lost in my thoughts and didn't even notice the group of people walk through the door. 

"Y/N?" Sokka waved a hand in front of my face, snapping me out of my trance.

"Oh, Hi Sokka," I smiled.

"I thought you got brainwashed by the dai li," He joked. I laughed and turned to the rest of the group.

"Hi everyone!" I beamed at the group. Katara and Aang both gave me a big hug. I greeted toph and Suki. Then turned to the love of my life, "Zuko!" I wrapped my arms around him. The impact sent him back a few inches. 

 He held me at arm's length and smiled, "Happy birthday, Y/n," 

"Thank you," I reached my hands up and adjusted his collar, "I love it when you were earth kingdom clothes,"  

After sometime Zuko and I served the tea Iroh had made, Sokka was drawing a picture in the corner, Suki and katara played Pai Sho, Aang played with momo, and Iroh played music. 

"Y/N, Zuko! Stop moving! I'm trying to capture the moment!" Sokka looked back down at his paper, "I wanted to do a painting so we'd always remember the good times together,"   

"That's very thoughtful of you, Sokka," Katara said as she walked over to her brother. "Wait why'd you give me momo's ears?"

"Those are your hair loopies!" He defended. We all looked at his artwork.

"At least you don't look like a porcupine! my hair's not that spikey!" Zuko complained.

"Why am I eating a popsicle?" I asked.

"IT'S YOUR SWORD!" Sokka wined.

"And why did you paint me firebending?" Suki asked.

"I thought it looked more exciting that way," He shrugged.

"Hey, my belly not that big anymore!" Iroh commented. "I really trimmed down,"

"Well, I think you all look perfect!" Toph joked. We all laughed.  

After a bit, I was talking to Suki when I felt a tug on my sleeve. I turned around to see Zuko, "Can I steal her for a moment?" He asked. Suki nodded. 

"What's up?" I asked.

"Let's go for a walk," He took my hand and we walked out the door.

The sky was painted with beautiful oranges, purples, and pinks.

As we walked through the streets hand and hand he asked, "Do you remember when my uncle sent Azula that doll?" 

"Yes," I nodded.

"I think that was the first time I ever heard your voice. You were always the pretty girl who had to follow around my sister," He said. I blushed. Even though I've known Zuko for years he still had that effect on me. 

"When I was little I would blush around you so much I was convinced you just thought my face was always like that," I laughed. 

"I would always try and show off my fighting skills when you were around. Azula would always make fun of me for having a crush on you. She has always been able to read people," He said.

"You know, even though Azula was awful to both of us I still kinda miss her," I reminisced about some of the good times I had with her in my childhood. "Remember when we would play tag in the garden?" Zuko turned us on to a side street, "Where are we going?" I asked.

"You'll see," a faint smile spread across his lips. 

I raised an eyebrow but decided to change the subject. "Do you remember when I slapped you on Zhao's ship?" I laughed.

"How could I forget? I was already bruised and bloody!" He laughed.

"Hey, your the one who left me for three years, let's not forget!" I joked.

"Alright, alright you have a point," He put a hand up defensively. The street we were on was familiar but I couldn't quite place it until he brought me into a clearing. I froze when I looked at the fountain in front of us.

"Zuko," Was all I managed to say.

He walked me to right in front of the fountain. I looked down at the water. Firelight danced on the surface along with pink lilies. He took both my hands in his and looked me in the eyes, "Y/n, my love. Do you remember the last time we both stood here?" I nodded.

"That was the first time we kissed. The first time I got to feel your lips on mine. That's a feeling I'll never forget. I wanted that moment to last an eternity. I still do. Every moment I spend away from you is a moment spent thinking of you. Every second I'm with you feels like a dream. When I feel your skin against mine it's intoxicating. You are everything to me and more. I love you, Y/n. I love you so much. I can't find words strong enough to describe how I feel. So I'll let my actions do it," And with that, He let go of my hands, knelt down, and pulled a box out of his pocket, "Y/n, will you marry me?"       

Tears of joy weld in my eyes as I nodded, "Yes! Of course! Yes!" He stood up and his lips met mine. It was soft but passionate. Each movement filled with love and care. It didn't feel hungry or rushed. It felt perfect. 

We pulled apart and he slipped the ring onto my finger, "I have wanted to do that for so long,"