Beautifully Wicked Part 2
Second part of my PWP story. I've only revised it once, so it is rather raw. Comments and criticism are welcome, as always, and I hope people here enjoy it.
Beautifully Wicked
Part 2
By
Jeremy Harper
Avatar: The Last Airbender is the property of of Michael Dante DeMartino and Bryan Konietzko and is used without permission.
With a contented sigh Zuko leaned back in his chair, taking a sip of sweet water as he watched his friends still remaining at the dinner table chat happily amongst themselves. His birthday celebrations had gone splendidly, his people, allies and gathered friends showering him with such effusive congratulations and wondrous gifts that he felt humbled. But the best thing about it was the chance to spend time with his closest friends, most of whom he saw far less often than he liked. At sunset the Fire Lord and his companions gathered in one of the palace's more intimate dining rooms for a private dinner, and for the past three hours jokes, laughter and happy conversation echoed through halls that for over a century had known little of joy.
Zuko finished his sweet water and decided to indulge in one last half-cup of plum wine for the night. He had been switching between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks throughout dinner, not wanting to get intoxicated, and was but mildly and pleasantly tipsy. He found that this state had whetted his anticipation for Mai's special birthday gift to a fine edge. He took a deep swallow of wine and again looked around. Surprisingly Ty Lee had been the first to retire; the woman was notorious party animal, usually one of the very last to leave a revel, but tonight she pleaded fatigue and had sweetly bid everyone good night. Aang and Katara excused themselves a little latter, soon followed by Mai, who gave Zuko a gentle kiss and whispered to him: “Give me a half-hour.” Zuko nodded and happily watched her give hugs to Suki, Toph and Iroh, an affectionate pat to the cheek of Sokka when the Water Tribe man tried to hug her, then left, graceful and lovely in crimson silks and gold ribbons.
Zuko shifted in his chair and took another deep swallow of his wine, nearly emptying the cup. Never the most patient of men, the half-hour since had dragged, despite the pleasant company. His desire, enhanced by curiosity and speculation, had grown steadily over the course of the day, and with the moment of finding out what Mai had planned for them now close at hand he was finding it hard to stay still. He watched Sokka, Suki and Iroh talk cheerfully with each other, then noticed Toph was smirking at him. “What is it, Toph?” he asked.
Toph's smirk became a bright teasing grin. “You're excited,” she said. The young woman had dressed well for Zuko's birthday dinner, donning a gown of pale cream and white silk accentuated with lambent emerald green. Her face was painted subtly to good effect and she wore simple gold chains around her wrists and bare ankles. She had grown perhaps only an inch taller over the past three years but her body had blossomed richly; where once she was tomboy flat she was now generously buxom and curved.
Zuko felt himself blush a little. “Of course I'm excited, Toph. I'm happy to have all you here again. For some reason I've missed you crazy guys.”
Her grin grew wider and she shook her head. “You're not that kind of excited.” She tapped one of her ears. “I heard what Mai said to you before she left. Your heart has been racing non-stop since. You're randy as hell, Sparky - all a quiver and ready to go jump on her.”
Zuko felt his blush deepen, but the laugh he answered her with was relaxed. “All right, you got me Toph. What can I say? I find Mai very exciting.” He finished his wine, wiped his mouth with a napkin and grinned back at his friend. “Mai is a temple I never grow tired of worshiping at.”
Toph made a face. “That has to be one of the goofiest things I've ever heard you say.”
Zuko laughed again. “Maybe it is goofy, but it's also true.”
“Thousand Gods, the two of you have been going at it like rabbitroos since your coronation. Aren't both of you bored yet?”
“Never,” he said firmly. He gave Toph a sly look. “One day you'll find someone special and then you'll understand a bit better.”
Her reaction surprised him. Instead of dismissing his comment with a derisive laugh or crude comment she ducked her head, crossing her arms over her breasts and looking very shy. “I don't know if I want to understand. I can feel the way a lot of guys look at me nowadays, and it... creeps me out.”
Zuko looked at her for moment. He had never seen her look so unsure. He stood from his chair and walked behind her, giving her a comforting hug. “Don't worry about it, little sister. There's no hurry... go with what you're comfortable with. Certain things shouldn't be rushed.” Toph made another face, but she leaned her head back against Zuko's shoulder with a sigh and relaxed.
“What shouldn't be rushed, nephew?” Iroh asked.
“Toph finding a boyfriend,” Zuko answered, patting Toph on the shoulder. She squirmed a little as she became the center of attention in a way she wasn't comfortable with as Suki and Sokka looked at her curiously.
Iroh nodded. “Ah, yes. Everything in life has its proper season. Your heart will tell you when that season has come, my dear.”
“Yeah, don't grow up to quick, Toph,” Sokka chimed in. “We like you just the way you are - crass, rude and bratty.” Toph scowled and made an obscene gesture, which made everyone laugh, including herself. Zuko shook his head, amused, and gave her a kiss on top of her immaculately coiffed head. Toph shrugged his arms off of her. “Bleah! Stop being so mushy, Firecracker.”
Zuko laughed. “And on that note, I think I'll bid you all good night. See you in the morning.”
Suki raised her goblet to him with a smile. “Happy birthday, Zuko. Thank you for having us here.”
“Good night, Hotman,” said Sokka. He was grinning, his face flushed and his eyes bleary from all the food and drink he had consumed. “I'll give you Fire Nation folk this - you sure know how to set a good table.” He belched loudly, blinked, then took a long pull from his wine cup.
“Do you want me to get a servant to help you pour him into bed later?” Zuko asked Suki.
“Maybe you should send two servants. I think I'll need to be poured in, too,” she said with a giggle.
Zuko chuckled and turned to Iroh. “Good night, Uncle.” The old man lumbered up and embraced him.
“Happy birthday, nephew. I'm so proud of you. You have become a fine man.” He wiped a tear from his eye, then winked and grinned. “Mai is waiting for you, so go to bed. A man needs his rest - among other things.” Zuko blushed at his innuendo.
Toph walked over to Zuko, raising her fist back for a friendly punch to the arm but hesitated, and instead hugged him. “Happy birthday, big brother,” she murmured. When she let go he gave everyone a cheerful wave and left the dining room, eagerly strolling through the palace halls.
When Zuko entered the bedroom he shared with Mai he found it illuminated by scented candles, their light casting a mellow glow in the chamber, and the subtle smell of sandalwood and balsam refreshed him. He smiled when he saw the bedspread had been pulled down, and noted that the nightstand had fresh flowers set upon it, along with a large silver pitcher decorated with jewel-enameled fire lilies, a set of golden wine cups, a larger silver goblet and a bowl of fresh fruit. Of Mai there was no sign. He called out her name.
“I'm in the bathroom,” she called back. “Give me another minute, please.”
“All right,” he answered. He walked over to the side of the room that held his desk and dresser, slipping out of his palace shoes and sliding them by the desk. Next he removed his crown from his topknot, setting it on its stand on the desk, then undid his sash and pulled off his formal robe, folding it neatly and setting it next to the crown, leaving him clad in a light tunic and loose trousers. He stretched, rolling his head and shrugging his shoulders. He felt eager, his blood flowing hotly through him, and he contemplated peeking in on Mai when he heard soft footfalls behind him. He started to grin, but then instead suddenly frowned - those footsteps were not Mai's. He spun about, bringing his hands up into guard, and froze, stunned by the sight before him. It took him a few moments to get his mouth to work. “Ty- Ty Lee?”
Ty Lee grinned back at him, her large gray eyes alight with mirth and her hands clasped behind her back. “Happy birthday, Zuko!” Technically the young woman was not naked - the pink ribbon tied in a bow around her impressive bust concealed her nipples, while her very short gold cloth skirt fell a little less than halfway down her full, muscular thighs, just covering her sex, but that was the extent of her clothing.
Zuko swallowed, wetting his very dry mouth in an effort to get himself to talk. His throat was constricting, and he was finding it very hard to breathe. “Why... umm... why...?” He grimaced, annoyed at being struck inarticulate. Ty Lee giggling at him was not helping matters; her laughter made her body jiggle in a very distracting way. He tried to speak to her again, but the words caught in his throat. He shook his head sharply in a futile effort to clear his head, which only succeeded in making Ty Lee giggle louder.
“What's the matter, Zuko,” Mai called out. “Don't you like your birthday gift?” He looked past Ty Lee and saw Mai posing in the doorway that led to the bath, one arm thrown up along the jamb, her other hand on her hip. She smiled wickedly at him, her golden eyes shining with mischievous amusement. Her hair was unbound, cascading in a long ebony fall down her back, and her china-pale skin seemed to glow in the soft candlelight. A thin, translucent robe of crimson silk clung to her body, highlighting her subtle curves. She wore it open, revealing the smooth white valley between her pert breasts; the firm expanse of her belly; the jet-black delta that crowned the juncture of her long, toned legs.
Zuko blinked at her, then shuddered sharply as recovered his facility to speak. “Birthday gift?” he asked, vaguely pleased that he managed not to stutter.
“Well, not just your birthday gift,” said Mai. She sauntered out of the doorway, walking up behind Ty Lee, throwing an arm around her and touching her pale cheek to Ty Lee's tanned one. The shorter girl leaned into her friend's embrace, her hands reaching behind to rest on the small of Mai's back. “She's also something of an early birthday gift to myself.”
Zuko blinked again. “I see.” He felt oddly detached, almost unreal, as if he were in the throes of an incredibly lucid dream. “I hadn't realized that either of you had... inclinations... in that directions,” he said, choosing his words carefully.
Mai snorted delicately. “I don't know if it is an inclination, exactly. Let's just say I'm a little curious.”
Zuko nodded and looked at Ty Lee. She shrugged and grinned back at him toothily. “I like both boys and girls. Always have. I've never been with a boy and a girl at the same time. It should be interesting, though.”
“Interesting,” said Zuko. He shifted his attention back to Mai. “What gave you the idea for this birthday gift?”
“Ty Lee. I got tired of certain questions she had about you, and told her that she had my permission to find the answers out for herself - as long as I was there to chaperone.”
“I see...” Zuko stared at his paramour and his friend for several moments, his expression blank. Mai smiled back him, but Ty Lee's own smile faltered and she looked down at her feet. “Zuko... if you're not all right with this, then I'll go. This is suppose to be fun, but if I'm making you uncomfortable...”
Zuko started sharply. “No! I mean... I...” He shook his head and waved his hands in a slashing gesture.
“No, it's all right. I'll leave if you want me to.” Ty Lee looked away. She had half-expected Zuko to react in this fashion, despite Mai's reassurances, yet the rejection still hurt. She felt Mai stroke her hip and she took comfort from her touch.
Zuko shut his eyes tight and held up a finger. “No... I... I... Just wait a minute.” He turned his back on the two women and walked away a few steps, bowing over slightly, one hand reaching up to pinch the bridge of his nose. He stood completely motionless for a few minutes. Ty Lee began to speak again, but Mai brought her fingers up to lips. “Wait,” her friend whispered in her ear, stroking her hip again. Suddenly Zuko straightened. He inhaled deeply, threw back his head and shouted, a great gout of yellow-white fire spuming from his mouth to lick at the ceiling. Ty Lee yelped in surprise, pushing back against Mai. Mai reacted with laughter, a low, sensuous peal charged with dark delight and the promise of beautiful sins. Zuko spun around, tearing the tie from his topknot, his dark hair falling loose, then skinned out of his tunic and hurled it aside. Ty Lee yelped again, for the force of his gaze upon her was almost a physical blow. His eyes seemed to glow with a fire far hotter than the flames he had spat out and his face was flushed with an almost predatory lust. She took note that he had not become sedentary since taking the throne. His shoulders had broadened, his muscular arms were a tad larger. The definition of his lightning-scarred chest had grown even sharper. He looked strong and fit and Ty Lee felt her own desires begin to kindle hotter. She swallowed hard and squirmed back against Mai. Mai laughed again, a soft, throaty chuckle.
Zuko stalked toward the two women, but then stopped. He took another deep breath, reining in his emotions, and looked seriously at Mai and Ty Lee. His eyes were still bright, but his expression had calmed. “Mai, Ty Lee,” he said, his voice husky and slightly strained. “Are you two absolutely certain of this? This strikes me as... as perilous. One of us - maybe all three of us - could have their heart hurt if we...” he trailed off softly.
Mai considered his question. “I love you,” she said softly. “Ty Lee is my oldest friend. I trust us.”
Zuko nodded then looked at Ty Lee. “I guess this is a little risky. We all care for each other. It could end up being the emotional equivalent of walking a tightrope.” She smiled gently at him. “But I think we all have good balance. I trust us too.”
“What about you?” Mai asked. “Do you trust Ty Lee and me? Do you trust yourself?” Zuko closed his eyes, but only for a brief moment; when he opened them he smiled. He took Ty Lee's soft, pretty face between his hands and kissed her. She sighed into his lips, sighed again when he broke away and kissed her on the forehead. He stepped back, and then Mai brought up a slim hand, cupping her chin and turning her head so to kiss her in turn. Mai let her go and went to Zuko, throwing her arms around him and kissing him, deep and hard. A deep groan rumbled in his throat, which Mai answered with a purring groan of her own. Ty Lee shivered at the sounds. The atmosphere was becoming charged with a powerful erotic tension, one possessing an intimacy and intensity outside of her experience. When Mai and Zuko broke their kiss Mai ran her fingers through his dark hair and smiled at him. “Come on, let's unwrap your gift.”
****
Things get explicit next part.
Beautifully Wicked
Part 2
By
Jeremy Harper
Avatar: The Last Airbender is the property of of Michael Dante DeMartino and Bryan Konietzko and is used without permission.
With a contented sigh Zuko leaned back in his chair, taking a sip of sweet water as he watched his friends still remaining at the dinner table chat happily amongst themselves. His birthday celebrations had gone splendidly, his people, allies and gathered friends showering him with such effusive congratulations and wondrous gifts that he felt humbled. But the best thing about it was the chance to spend time with his closest friends, most of whom he saw far less often than he liked. At sunset the Fire Lord and his companions gathered in one of the palace's more intimate dining rooms for a private dinner, and for the past three hours jokes, laughter and happy conversation echoed through halls that for over a century had known little of joy.
Zuko finished his sweet water and decided to indulge in one last half-cup of plum wine for the night. He had been switching between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks throughout dinner, not wanting to get intoxicated, and was but mildly and pleasantly tipsy. He found that this state had whetted his anticipation for Mai's special birthday gift to a fine edge. He took a deep swallow of wine and again looked around. Surprisingly Ty Lee had been the first to retire; the woman was notorious party animal, usually one of the very last to leave a revel, but tonight she pleaded fatigue and had sweetly bid everyone good night. Aang and Katara excused themselves a little latter, soon followed by Mai, who gave Zuko a gentle kiss and whispered to him: “Give me a half-hour.” Zuko nodded and happily watched her give hugs to Suki, Toph and Iroh, an affectionate pat to the cheek of Sokka when the Water Tribe man tried to hug her, then left, graceful and lovely in crimson silks and gold ribbons.
Zuko shifted in his chair and took another deep swallow of his wine, nearly emptying the cup. Never the most patient of men, the half-hour since had dragged, despite the pleasant company. His desire, enhanced by curiosity and speculation, had grown steadily over the course of the day, and with the moment of finding out what Mai had planned for them now close at hand he was finding it hard to stay still. He watched Sokka, Suki and Iroh talk cheerfully with each other, then noticed Toph was smirking at him. “What is it, Toph?” he asked.
Toph's smirk became a bright teasing grin. “You're excited,” she said. The young woman had dressed well for Zuko's birthday dinner, donning a gown of pale cream and white silk accentuated with lambent emerald green. Her face was painted subtly to good effect and she wore simple gold chains around her wrists and bare ankles. She had grown perhaps only an inch taller over the past three years but her body had blossomed richly; where once she was tomboy flat she was now generously buxom and curved.
Zuko felt himself blush a little. “Of course I'm excited, Toph. I'm happy to have all you here again. For some reason I've missed you crazy guys.”
Her grin grew wider and she shook her head. “You're not that kind of excited.” She tapped one of her ears. “I heard what Mai said to you before she left. Your heart has been racing non-stop since. You're randy as hell, Sparky - all a quiver and ready to go jump on her.”
Zuko felt his blush deepen, but the laugh he answered her with was relaxed. “All right, you got me Toph. What can I say? I find Mai very exciting.” He finished his wine, wiped his mouth with a napkin and grinned back at his friend. “Mai is a temple I never grow tired of worshiping at.”
Toph made a face. “That has to be one of the goofiest things I've ever heard you say.”
Zuko laughed again. “Maybe it is goofy, but it's also true.”
“Thousand Gods, the two of you have been going at it like rabbitroos since your coronation. Aren't both of you bored yet?”
“Never,” he said firmly. He gave Toph a sly look. “One day you'll find someone special and then you'll understand a bit better.”
Her reaction surprised him. Instead of dismissing his comment with a derisive laugh or crude comment she ducked her head, crossing her arms over her breasts and looking very shy. “I don't know if I want to understand. I can feel the way a lot of guys look at me nowadays, and it... creeps me out.”
Zuko looked at her for moment. He had never seen her look so unsure. He stood from his chair and walked behind her, giving her a comforting hug. “Don't worry about it, little sister. There's no hurry... go with what you're comfortable with. Certain things shouldn't be rushed.” Toph made another face, but she leaned her head back against Zuko's shoulder with a sigh and relaxed.
“What shouldn't be rushed, nephew?” Iroh asked.
“Toph finding a boyfriend,” Zuko answered, patting Toph on the shoulder. She squirmed a little as she became the center of attention in a way she wasn't comfortable with as Suki and Sokka looked at her curiously.
Iroh nodded. “Ah, yes. Everything in life has its proper season. Your heart will tell you when that season has come, my dear.”
“Yeah, don't grow up to quick, Toph,” Sokka chimed in. “We like you just the way you are - crass, rude and bratty.” Toph scowled and made an obscene gesture, which made everyone laugh, including herself. Zuko shook his head, amused, and gave her a kiss on top of her immaculately coiffed head. Toph shrugged his arms off of her. “Bleah! Stop being so mushy, Firecracker.”
Zuko laughed. “And on that note, I think I'll bid you all good night. See you in the morning.”
Suki raised her goblet to him with a smile. “Happy birthday, Zuko. Thank you for having us here.”
“Good night, Hotman,” said Sokka. He was grinning, his face flushed and his eyes bleary from all the food and drink he had consumed. “I'll give you Fire Nation folk this - you sure know how to set a good table.” He belched loudly, blinked, then took a long pull from his wine cup.
“Do you want me to get a servant to help you pour him into bed later?” Zuko asked Suki.
“Maybe you should send two servants. I think I'll need to be poured in, too,” she said with a giggle.
Zuko chuckled and turned to Iroh. “Good night, Uncle.” The old man lumbered up and embraced him.
“Happy birthday, nephew. I'm so proud of you. You have become a fine man.” He wiped a tear from his eye, then winked and grinned. “Mai is waiting for you, so go to bed. A man needs his rest - among other things.” Zuko blushed at his innuendo.
Toph walked over to Zuko, raising her fist back for a friendly punch to the arm but hesitated, and instead hugged him. “Happy birthday, big brother,” she murmured. When she let go he gave everyone a cheerful wave and left the dining room, eagerly strolling through the palace halls.
When Zuko entered the bedroom he shared with Mai he found it illuminated by scented candles, their light casting a mellow glow in the chamber, and the subtle smell of sandalwood and balsam refreshed him. He smiled when he saw the bedspread had been pulled down, and noted that the nightstand had fresh flowers set upon it, along with a large silver pitcher decorated with jewel-enameled fire lilies, a set of golden wine cups, a larger silver goblet and a bowl of fresh fruit. Of Mai there was no sign. He called out her name.
“I'm in the bathroom,” she called back. “Give me another minute, please.”
“All right,” he answered. He walked over to the side of the room that held his desk and dresser, slipping out of his palace shoes and sliding them by the desk. Next he removed his crown from his topknot, setting it on its stand on the desk, then undid his sash and pulled off his formal robe, folding it neatly and setting it next to the crown, leaving him clad in a light tunic and loose trousers. He stretched, rolling his head and shrugging his shoulders. He felt eager, his blood flowing hotly through him, and he contemplated peeking in on Mai when he heard soft footfalls behind him. He started to grin, but then instead suddenly frowned - those footsteps were not Mai's. He spun about, bringing his hands up into guard, and froze, stunned by the sight before him. It took him a few moments to get his mouth to work. “Ty- Ty Lee?”
Ty Lee grinned back at him, her large gray eyes alight with mirth and her hands clasped behind her back. “Happy birthday, Zuko!” Technically the young woman was not naked - the pink ribbon tied in a bow around her impressive bust concealed her nipples, while her very short gold cloth skirt fell a little less than halfway down her full, muscular thighs, just covering her sex, but that was the extent of her clothing.
Zuko swallowed, wetting his very dry mouth in an effort to get himself to talk. His throat was constricting, and he was finding it very hard to breathe. “Why... umm... why...?” He grimaced, annoyed at being struck inarticulate. Ty Lee giggling at him was not helping matters; her laughter made her body jiggle in a very distracting way. He tried to speak to her again, but the words caught in his throat. He shook his head sharply in a futile effort to clear his head, which only succeeded in making Ty Lee giggle louder.
“What's the matter, Zuko,” Mai called out. “Don't you like your birthday gift?” He looked past Ty Lee and saw Mai posing in the doorway that led to the bath, one arm thrown up along the jamb, her other hand on her hip. She smiled wickedly at him, her golden eyes shining with mischievous amusement. Her hair was unbound, cascading in a long ebony fall down her back, and her china-pale skin seemed to glow in the soft candlelight. A thin, translucent robe of crimson silk clung to her body, highlighting her subtle curves. She wore it open, revealing the smooth white valley between her pert breasts; the firm expanse of her belly; the jet-black delta that crowned the juncture of her long, toned legs.
Zuko blinked at her, then shuddered sharply as recovered his facility to speak. “Birthday gift?” he asked, vaguely pleased that he managed not to stutter.
“Well, not just your birthday gift,” said Mai. She sauntered out of the doorway, walking up behind Ty Lee, throwing an arm around her and touching her pale cheek to Ty Lee's tanned one. The shorter girl leaned into her friend's embrace, her hands reaching behind to rest on the small of Mai's back. “She's also something of an early birthday gift to myself.”
Zuko blinked again. “I see.” He felt oddly detached, almost unreal, as if he were in the throes of an incredibly lucid dream. “I hadn't realized that either of you had... inclinations... in that directions,” he said, choosing his words carefully.
Mai snorted delicately. “I don't know if it is an inclination, exactly. Let's just say I'm a little curious.”
Zuko nodded and looked at Ty Lee. She shrugged and grinned back at him toothily. “I like both boys and girls. Always have. I've never been with a boy and a girl at the same time. It should be interesting, though.”
“Interesting,” said Zuko. He shifted his attention back to Mai. “What gave you the idea for this birthday gift?”
“Ty Lee. I got tired of certain questions she had about you, and told her that she had my permission to find the answers out for herself - as long as I was there to chaperone.”
“I see...” Zuko stared at his paramour and his friend for several moments, his expression blank. Mai smiled back him, but Ty Lee's own smile faltered and she looked down at her feet. “Zuko... if you're not all right with this, then I'll go. This is suppose to be fun, but if I'm making you uncomfortable...”
Zuko started sharply. “No! I mean... I...” He shook his head and waved his hands in a slashing gesture.
“No, it's all right. I'll leave if you want me to.” Ty Lee looked away. She had half-expected Zuko to react in this fashion, despite Mai's reassurances, yet the rejection still hurt. She felt Mai stroke her hip and she took comfort from her touch.
Zuko shut his eyes tight and held up a finger. “No... I... I... Just wait a minute.” He turned his back on the two women and walked away a few steps, bowing over slightly, one hand reaching up to pinch the bridge of his nose. He stood completely motionless for a few minutes. Ty Lee began to speak again, but Mai brought her fingers up to lips. “Wait,” her friend whispered in her ear, stroking her hip again. Suddenly Zuko straightened. He inhaled deeply, threw back his head and shouted, a great gout of yellow-white fire spuming from his mouth to lick at the ceiling. Ty Lee yelped in surprise, pushing back against Mai. Mai reacted with laughter, a low, sensuous peal charged with dark delight and the promise of beautiful sins. Zuko spun around, tearing the tie from his topknot, his dark hair falling loose, then skinned out of his tunic and hurled it aside. Ty Lee yelped again, for the force of his gaze upon her was almost a physical blow. His eyes seemed to glow with a fire far hotter than the flames he had spat out and his face was flushed with an almost predatory lust. She took note that he had not become sedentary since taking the throne. His shoulders had broadened, his muscular arms were a tad larger. The definition of his lightning-scarred chest had grown even sharper. He looked strong and fit and Ty Lee felt her own desires begin to kindle hotter. She swallowed hard and squirmed back against Mai. Mai laughed again, a soft, throaty chuckle.
Zuko stalked toward the two women, but then stopped. He took another deep breath, reining in his emotions, and looked seriously at Mai and Ty Lee. His eyes were still bright, but his expression had calmed. “Mai, Ty Lee,” he said, his voice husky and slightly strained. “Are you two absolutely certain of this? This strikes me as... as perilous. One of us - maybe all three of us - could have their heart hurt if we...” he trailed off softly.
Mai considered his question. “I love you,” she said softly. “Ty Lee is my oldest friend. I trust us.”
Zuko nodded then looked at Ty Lee. “I guess this is a little risky. We all care for each other. It could end up being the emotional equivalent of walking a tightrope.” She smiled gently at him. “But I think we all have good balance. I trust us too.”
“What about you?” Mai asked. “Do you trust Ty Lee and me? Do you trust yourself?” Zuko closed his eyes, but only for a brief moment; when he opened them he smiled. He took Ty Lee's soft, pretty face between his hands and kissed her. She sighed into his lips, sighed again when he broke away and kissed her on the forehead. He stepped back, and then Mai brought up a slim hand, cupping her chin and turning her head so to kiss her in turn. Mai let her go and went to Zuko, throwing her arms around him and kissing him, deep and hard. A deep groan rumbled in his throat, which Mai answered with a purring groan of her own. Ty Lee shivered at the sounds. The atmosphere was becoming charged with a powerful erotic tension, one possessing an intimacy and intensity outside of her experience. When Mai and Zuko broke their kiss Mai ran her fingers through his dark hair and smiled at him. “Come on, let's unwrap your gift.”
****
Things get explicit next part.