The Unpredictable Fire Queen [Fire Lord Zuko x Reader]{ATLA}

... and the getaway

Your hair was swept back into a half-ponytail, makeup flawlessly simple, and dress accentuating and beautiful. You never knew you could dress up so well, and you fawned at yourself in the mirror. The glint in your eyes was that of a little girl finding out about makeup or dressing up in her mother's clothes (or you discovering firebending for the first time). It was endearing to watch for those who dressed you since they usually dealt with stuck up clients and you were a refreshing change of pace.

"Is she ready?" Zuko's voice traveled through the door as he remained outside. He learned his lesson the hard way about barging in, and unless he wanted to be in another awkward situation, he was to stay put outside until you gave permission to come in. He might have enjoyed the view the last time, but the embarrassment? Not so much.

"I'm done, don't worry," you called out as you ran to the door. Opening it, you smiled brightly at Zuko. "Well, well, well. Don't you look dashing?"

His cold expression cracked. "Thanks. You look... beautiful."

The hue on your cheeks became rosy, complimenting the deep red lipstick and garments you fashioned. His optics were drawn to your face, and he was left speechless as he continued to stare. Mesmerized, he didn't realize that you had slipped your hand into his and wore a sly grin.

"Lord Zuko, are you falling--"

"Let's go."

Your grin faded as you were dragged out of your room and down the hallway. You didn't say a word since you were used to his antics. Ever since you guys stepped foot into the first city, Zuko had been pretty chilly towards you. He ignored you the majority of the time, never laughed at jokes, and refused to participate in any unnecessary events with you. You were beginning to think that Mai was right about him being different.

"No, Mai's a rival. She's never right."

"What about Mai?"

You glanced up to see Zuko staring inquisitively at you. You both had already arrived at your destination, and so all his attention was on you. "Uh... What were those documents you requested from Mai?"

Zuko let out a long sigh as he held his head with annoyance. "I never thought Mai would talk."

"Now I'm super curious," you forced a smile as you held onto his shoulder tightly.

That look. He had nightmares of that look from when he was young. You always bullied him into getting what you want with that look. He didn't know that it leveled up over the years. "Y-You can't make me tell you."

"Zuuuukoo, my darling," you cooed as your expression darkened.

"Don't call me that!"

"My beautiful, beautiful husband~"

Your tone sent chills down his spine. This lovey-dovey crap you were pulling along with your expression really creeped him out. "It's about the whereabouts of my sister! Are you happy now?" he huffed.

"Oh yeah, she went missing some time ago," you thought out loud. "Is she coming to the wedding?" He narrowed his eyes to silence you, but you didn't get the memo. "I can send her an invitation when you do find her. But do I make her a bridesmaid or something?"

"... That's right. I forgot who I was dealing with," Zuko exhaled harshly as he finally relented. "You never take things too seriously."

You scoffed, "I would if it were serious!"

The corners of his lips twitched upwards, "Maybe Uncle was right..."

You didn't pay attention to the last part of his sentence due to the loud cheers of the crowd before you. You were unaware of where you were standing until you heard the hundreds of people celebrating. Forgetting the conversation you two were ensued in, you stood on stage with an amazed expression. You never thought in a million years that you would stand before them as their next Fire Queen. The idea made you wide-eyed and baffled. 

Zuko watched your expression with a small smile of his own. He always thought it would be someone else that would share his responsibilities, his burdens, and his joys. Never would he had imagined that person to be you, though he was a bit relieved that it would be you. 

With a deep breath, Fire Lord Zuko pushed the conversation to the back of his mind as he began to speak. 'As long as she didn't hear what I said..'

Oh, but you did. You just chose not to respond, filing his cheesy statement in a dark corner of your brain and only to be used for blackmail.

'...that you're the one for me.'