[this has been turned into a fic! "Palm of your hand" on tumblr @n3ptoonz <3]

Zuko finally made it back to the fire nation safe and sound after making sure Republic City didn't go under. With half his outfit gone and hair disheveled (yet still beautiful), his council insisted he go get treated and rest up.

Normally he'd refuse and shake off his injuries, acting like they're not nearly as severe as they really are, but ever since a new doctor was hired to the palace he hasn't hesitated since.

Why, you might ask?

Because he found out the new doctor was someone he knew. A friend from wayyy back when. Long before he was banished or his family life went to shit.

However, nobody else knows this.

Zuko was escorted to the medical room with--for some reason no matter how times he told them it wasn't necessary. He walked in with a cloth across his body, body and muscles overly defined by the candlelight illuminating the space.

You were kneeled before him with your eyes lowered when he in. Once his guards left, he just stood there.

"...you know you can stop pretending, right?"

You looked up with a smile on your face as you jumped to your feet and into his arms. A solid, longing kiss on the lips to follow. He kissed back with intention as he held you close. Then came a wince. You stop abruptly and step back.

"Zuko! You're hurt."

"It's not that bad," he says with a whole bunch of bruises littering his entire upper body.