The Heat that Drives the Light

Chapter 1

A/N: Thank you to everyone who read the first part and has decided to read this one too! If you haven't read the first one that's fine, you'll just be very confused. This chapter is a somewhat steamy one already so good luck-

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The party was.......extravagant. It was the day after the coronation. The official party, that is, everyone had been celebrating since the fire lord was defeated. Although I didn't wear the Kyoshi warrior uniform, I was still wearing a gorgeous golden and green dress.

"I cannot believe this is all over," Toph said, beside me.

"Neither can I, a year ago today I was still on Kyoshi Island," I said and took a sip of my drink.

"This reminded me of Ba Sing Se," she sighed, "All these parties are a bit much."

"Everyone's just happy that the world is finally at peace," I said and patted her on the back.

"So, will you be returning to your island?" She asked me.

"I... I really don't know if I'm being honest," I said.

"What the fuck is Sokka doing now?" she sighed, "Hold on, I have to go help Suki get him out of the punch bowl."

She ran off to help Sokka with... whatever the hell he did now.

"Not one for parties, I take it?" a gloomy voice said behind me.

I turned to see Mai lounging on the wall with a drink in her hand. She looked bored and almost...agitated to be at the party.

"I'm just not used to them," I sighed and walked over to her, "How's Ty Lee?"

"Well better now," she sighed, "Although I think she's afraid of you after that stunt you pulled at the prison."

"To be fair.... I did what I had to escape Azula," I said.

We both cringed at the mention of the fire bending princess. As far as I knew she was in a mental hospital. Although, I didn't believe that she would get the help she needed.

"Do you honestly believe that you'll survive here longer than a week?" she asked me.

"I think I'm a lot stronger than most people believe, plus I can just ask Zuko to help me," I said.

"Speaking of," she said and motioned behind me.

I looked behind me and saw Zuko talking to other nobles before making eye contact with me and giving me a warm smile. He quickly excused himself before walking over to me.

"Sorry Mai, but can I take Amara for a moment?" He asked her.

"Go right ahead," She smiled and he grabbed my arm, ushering me into the hallway directly out of the party room. I looked at him and quirked my eyebrows, silently asking him to explain.

"You looked so tired," he said and I smiled softly. The past few days had been hectic and it felt nice that someone was looking out for me.

"Yeah and you seem so well rested too," I joked and he let out a soft chuckle. We caught each other's eyes for a moment before we went silent again, but not breaking eye contact. We stayed like that for a while, just basking in the other's presence.

"How about we get out of here and go to bed," I offered, "is that okay with you 'fire lord' Zuko?"

He rolled his eyes at that, but nodded softly and grabbed my hand. We walked towards the chamber that Zuko had chosen to stay in for the time being. He hadn't wanted to stay in his fathers room right after his defeat, so he chose his old room instead.