TOO SWEET FOR ME | zuko

1.3 | not a date

EVIH BRUSHED HER LAST BUBBLE BRAID UP WITH THE PALM OF HER HAND, setting all but two into a neat bun, the front strands falling against her cheeks to frame her face. she knew this was not a date, it was just two new friends heading to a nice lunch. a secret lunch, with a chaperone two tables away- not a date.

but still, her nerves betrayed her, and she couldn't keep from overthinking every decision she made. brushing her teeth twice, changing her dress at least three times before her maid finally told her enough and walked away laughing, and then her makeup- in the earth kingdom, makeup was a sign of status. only the most respected of women and feminine people wore it often, she didn't know if she should show that.

originally, her cheeks had been rouged, eyes painted gold and lips painted a soft purple color that looked beautifully pink against her complexion; and however beautiful it was, she quickly decided to wipe it all off in favor of a much more soft look. just a soft crème gloss, and the rouge remaining.

she did it on her own, not wanting her mother to overreact and announce to the world that she was finally being courted- which she most certainly was not.

she was not worried about lee's refugee status, nor his wealth or job, why should she be? he was kind, thoughtful and gorgeous, and so, so smart and well read; she would be lucky to have him as a suitor. she was simply sure that this was not a date.

though, the soft green robes of evih's hanfu that created the most deliberately elegant silhouette, paired with subtle jewel charms in her hair, and accompanied by the giddy feeling that was building in her chest certainly did lead to the conclusion that that was not the case.

__________

zuko pulled at the collar of his deep ivory tunic, a small, pale yellow flower gripped in his left hand as his right tugged at the fabric. unlike our former party, he felt no nerves. he enjoyed evih's company, he was happy to be able to be around her.

his eyes scanned the bustling streets of the city as he went over what he wanted to say in his head, amber finally meeting that earthy brown he had grown enamored with. she waved at him, sending a small smile toward iroh who stood a few respectful paces away.

she looked lovely- there was no better way to describe her. zuko's heart stopped, just for a second, and he was sure he was going to collapse as she continued walking toward him. she was, by far, the prettiest thing he had ever seen.

"hi lee!" the girl exclaimed, voice warm and smooth like a nectarine. it encased him, devouring every corner of his mind. he smiled at her, eyes drawn to hers as she began excitedly telling him her plans for the afternoon. he had never really explored the upper ring, and she knew that, so evih wanted to make sure he saw all of her favorite spots.

first was an adorably small cafe where her parents had met- and, while nowhere as good as the jasmine dragon, she adored their bark onion soup and was very confident that both lee and mushi could find something to enjoy.

as they walked to their destination, zuko outstretched his hand, stopping for a moment as he watched her eyes light up. "a sun blossom! oh, they're my favorite," evih said, taking the thoughtful flower in her hands. the single green stem pinched between her fingers as she raised it to her nose, before setting it behind her ear for safe keeping. they were her favorites, always had been- she loved the warm smell they gave off, even at night; though, she had never said so before. "thank you, lee."

her right hand reached out to him as they resumed their pace, and without a thought the former-prince took it, grasping it tightly. her hands were cold, something that contrasted immediately with the warmth of his own palms.