Dancing With Fire | Prince Zuko [Ɗiscontinued]

Chapter 2: Every little thing

Lu walked past tall bookcase filled with old books and ancient scrolls. They were dusty and looked like they haven't been used for centuries. She inhaled the scent of old paper and dust. It was a comforting smell which settled her mind. The scrolls she looked for belonged to the Crown family of the Fire Nation, a lot of them collected by General Iroh himself. She smiled, suddenly remembering the first time she met Lu Ten. His dark eyes stared in her green ones as if they were having an eye battle. She remembered his big gentle hands petting her head and pinching her chubby cheeks, his loud laughter and appetite for life. Lu winced.

She traced the books with her fingertips, loving the tingly sensation that sent through her body. With a soft smile she made her way up the wooden ladder and looked carefully at the book names. Most of the books were so old that the names could not be read, so she had to take them out and read the title page. When her interest was satisfied, Lu piled the books and scrolls in one hand and used the other one to help herself get down. The ladder shook and all the books fell down causing the girl to lose her balance. A small yelp escaped her lips as she prepared herself for the fall not bothering to brace herself to land accurately. She closed her eyes preparing to feel solid floor under her feet.

Lu opened her eyes to see Prince Zuko standing next to the bookshelves. He held the ladder with one hand, the other rested on his waist.

"Thank you." she said sighing, as she jumped down next to Zuko.

"Are you an idiot?" Zuko asked passionlessly watching as she dusted herself.

"Perhaps." Lu quickly picked up all the books and balanced them on one hand. She stood straight and looked at the young man in front of her. They were the same age, but he was not much taller than her. Zuko returned her gaze, showing her the fire that danced in his eyes. Lu looked at his face, studying his scar intently. Although it was a mark of an outcast, Lu saw no shame in it.

Zuko's eyes narrowed. He hated when people stared at his face; it was always his scar that they looked at: the scar which gave him away as an exiled prince.

"Stop staring at me." He hissed under his breath. Lu shrugged.

"I ask for your forgiveness, Prince Zuko." She bowed her head lightly showing a sign of submission.

"Uncle was looking for you." Zuko folded his arms on his chest and scanned Lu from head to toes, pointing out her features as if it was his first time seeing them. Lu nodded and made her way to the door.

"I didn't say you can leave." Zuko's voice snaked into her ears. Lu stopped and turned around.

"Although I am not a member of the royal family, I am not your servant, Prince Zuko," she stated. "And if anyone can tell me what to do, it would be your uncle."

He furrowed his eyebrows and took a step closer.

"Is that so?" he asked and swiftly grabbed her chin, forcing her to look into his eyes. Their eyes met. The battle began as they stood in silence gazing into each other's eyes. Zuko held her chin firmly, although Lu made no attempts to free herself.

"In fact, I am somewhat...you cousin? So that makes me...family?" Lu's lips barely moved ask she whispered those words unable to hide her grin.

Zuko glared at her, annoyance clearly showing on his face. He leaned closer, bringing his face centimetres away from Lu's. Lu didn't budge, although a sudden wave of uncomfortableness washed over her. She didn't say a word, but her eyes widened as Zuko's lips moved closer. Exiled prince smirked. There was something so satisfying making Lu flustered. Zuko took a deep breath through his nose and exhaled through his mouth. Hot air brushed her lips but did not hurt. It was unusually tender caress. Lu's hands shot to his chest and pushed the prince away lightly, but Zuko held her tighter. A smirk creeped on his face.