Where There Is Smoke, There Is Fire [Avatar: The Last Airbender Fanfic]

Chapter 46

Chapter 46

The following day, Izara woke up with a jolt but relaxed as she heard a voice behind her. It was Zuko apologising for waking her, but a pleasant smell hit her nostrils and drew her from her drowsy state further. She opened her eyes and rolled over to see him sorting out things on a tray he placed between them on the bed. Sitting up with her back against the bedhead, Izara's eyes eventually focused on the breakfast and pot of tea he'd prepared for them. She hadn't even realised that he'd gotten up and huffed softly in amusement that it was likely because she was tired after yesterday's exertions.

There was a plate filled with scrambled eggs, rice and a bowl of fireflake soup, and the tea smelled like her favourite, which Zuko also favoured. She smiled at him as he cautiously sat to avoid spilling everything on the tray and held out a pair of chopsticks to her. They ate in bed and drank tea slowly while talking softly, Zuko's arm around Izara's shoulder to keep her close.

"I didn't notice you'd gotten up." She admitted with a smirk.

"You didn't stir. I did my best not to wake you since I wanted to surprise you." Zuko answered, and she would have likely seen him blush if not for his scar.

"Thank you. I've never had this before." Izara wanted him to know she appreciated his care and sweet gestures, even though she was terrible at talking about her feelings.

"You're welcome. I hope you know I plan to do this kind of thing often. I do want to be able to take care of you." He said, bringing the back of her hand up to press his lips against it softly.

"I look forward to it. Did you sleep okay?" She asked.

"Mhmm." He responded with a shy smile, looking down at her with warmth in his eyes, making her smile back.

"Pleased to hear it." She replied and nuzzled into his side.

"I never realised how comforting it was to sleep next to someone. When I came to see you after you got back, you asked me to stay with you and talk to you to help you sleep... I-uhh... I was comfortable and didn't want to move, but just being next to you made me feel...good. I don't know how else to say it." He admitted bashfully.

"It will take me a while to get used to it since I've always been a light sleeper for obvious reasons, but it is nice." Izara concurred with a smile and started to eat.

"Appa will pick us up later today," Zuko said with a hint of disappointment.

"We've had a good break." She replied after taking a sip of her tea.

"I know we have to leave, but I just want to stay here with you." He pouted, and Izara chuckled at him.

"Did you forget that we do live in the same building? We will get to see plenty of each other." She did her best to placate him, but he felt like milking it as much as possible.

"Although I hope we will, I have a feeling we're going to be quite busy when we get back." Zuko wished that he would be proven wrong.

"The Supremacists do need a good ass kicking." Izara offered with a shrug.

"It's been on my mind. I think we need to find them and press our advantage." He mused aloud, and Izara nodded in agreement.

"You'll figure it out. I'm here to help." She smiled.

They ate breakfast, and Zuko took every opportunity to touch her while they ate and cleaned up. While she was washing the dishes, he put his arms around her stomach and rested his chin on her shoulder. It was inhibiting how much she could move, but she made do since she enjoyed Zuko's avid attention. He was probably right; they would likely be very busy upon returning to the Palace, so it was great to be so close for a bit longer.