The Fire Within - an atla fanfic (Zuko x OC)

Nobody Loves Me

I woke up and moved my hand slightly, feeling bare skin slide under it. I opened my eyes in confusion and was greeted by Zuko's naked chest. Oh yeah. We had sex last night. I looked down at myself; I was only wearing underwear. I started to move but I couldn't due to Zuko's tight grasp around my waist.

I wasn't sure how to feel about what we did last night. On one hand, it was really nice, but on the other, I was still slightly peeved at Zuko for making bad choices. But it is Zuko, he is always making bad choices anyway. I mentally forgave Zuko, because I figured it would clear my conscience.

In terms of what we actually did last night, we were just dancing. And then Zuko started kissing me and then we just did it. It was probably pathetic in hindsight, but I think we both enjoyed it. I know he and I were both virgins, so you can't expect anything like that to be too good.

I didn't regret it either. I loved Zuko.
I was surprised Zuko hadn't woken up yet, it was past sunrise and he was still asleep. Most firebenders woke up at sunrise, because it gave them energy, but I guess he was just really tired or something.

I tapped lightly on his chest and felt him shift. He opened his eyes and glanced down at my bare chest, experiencing the same realization I did earlier.

I pulled the covers over myself modestly and smiled up at him. "Good morning."

He nodded slightly and kissed my forehead lightly. "What time is it?" His groggy voice asked.

I shrugged. "Mid-morning?"

"I'm tired." He started before pulling me closer to him and closing his eyes.
I smiled until I realized I never dyed my hair the night before. I slid out from his warm arms and walked over to the bathroom, grabbing Zuko's ink on his desk on the way there. I did the usual process of putting it through each strand, this time a little disappointed I had to see my natural hair color be hidden.

While my hair was drying, I started to take a piss and glanced down at my underwear. A red spot was clearly showing. I tilted my head, not out of confusion, but mostly shock. That was something I hadn't seen in quite some time, long enough that I didn't even remember.

I shrugged. I always heard that you bled from the first time. I doubted it was my period, as the cringe-inducing pain I experienced from that wasn't present. I simply just changed my underwear, put a "sanitary" towel on and called it a day. No cause for concern. I slipped into a shirt and skirt, and glanced into the mirror with a sideways glance. I never liked wearing skirts, but I was so tired of wearing that dreadful kimono that gave no room for movement. I was almost tempted to ask Azula for a set of her armor she was commonly found wearing, but I didn't want to receive any judgement.
I rinsed the dye out of my hair and then ran my heated fingers through my hair to dry it fully.

I heard an abrupt knock come from the door. I could hear Azula's sharp tone calling us from it.

I sighed lightly. "I'll get it." I stepped out of the bathroom and put on my robe, hoping that it would make my outfit a little bit less revealing.

I opened the door a jar and crossed my arms over my chest. "Hello Azula."
"May I come in?" Azula said, peeking past my head.

"No." I responded.

Azula smirked. "What? Are you busy?"

"Not right now." I stated.

"Ok, well I just wanted to let you and Zuko know that we have to go to Ember Island for the weekend. Father told me last night he is having important meetings and doesn't want us in the way." Azula explained.

I heard Zuko groan from behind me. I turned and saw he had put his robe on. I opened the door more for him to stand next to me.

"Are you serious? Does he not trust us or something?" He asked Azula, sounding angry.