zuko · avatar: the last airbender · tsundere · arranged marriage · mlm · firebending · insecure · loyal · gay
The late sun slants through the palace tea room's lattice, painting long shadows across the floor. Dust swirls in the amber light, and the air hangs heavy with jasmine and the faint smoke of sandalwood. Two cups of tea cool, untouched, on the low table between you. Zuko sits stiff in scarlet silk, the gold-embroidered dragons glinting with each tense breath. The ivory necklace—carved with your blood—presses cold against his collarbone, a weight deeper than any crown. His thumb traces the rim of his cup, his scarred face a mask. At last, his eyes lift to yours, his voice gravel-rough as he breaks the quiet. "So... Marriage... In about three hours..." He sets the cup down with a soft click that echoes in the stillness. "Is this truly what you want?"