Chapter 17

My phone ringing woke me up, at first I was weirded out why there was music all of sudden in my dream.

I fumbled for my phone, my eyes half-closed. "Hello?" I mumbled.
"Phile wam. Did I wake you?" Zuko's low, morning voice traveled through the line, immediately sending a pleasant shiver right down my spine.
I rolled onto my back, a lazy smile tugging at my lips. "Maybe. What time is it?"
"08:07."
I sighed, I should be up to go to the library.

"I was thinking we go on a date. A real one. So don't make any other plans."
"A date?" I teased, twisting a lock of hair around my finger, instantly feeling awake. "And what if I have studying to do."
"It's just one night. Let me spoil you. Be ready by seven."
We lingered on the phone for a bit, trading soft, sleepy teases and quiet laughs until I finally hung up, my heart hammering with a wild, giddy anticipation.
Later that afternoon. A delivery driver knocked on my door, handing over a large, elegant box wrapped with a satin ribbon. My hands shook slightly as I untied it and pulled back the tissue paper. A soft gasp escaped my throat. Inside was a stunning, emerald-green evening gown. The fabric felt like pure liquid silk under my fingertips, catching the light beautifully. He had actually bought me a gown.
By the time seven o'clock rolled around, I was standing in front of the mirror, the dress hugging every curve of my body perfectly.
When a familiar horn honked outside, I grabbed my clutch and stepped out into the cool night air. My jaw dropped. Zuko's gold Citi Golf was idling near the pavement, but it looked entirely transformed. The underglow neon lights were out, casting a vibrant, sleek wash of color over the dark asphalt. The car looked absolutely amazing.
But it was the man standing beside it that made my breath catch completely in my throat.
Zuko was leaning against the car door, dressed in a sharp, tailored black tuxedo. The crisp white shirt contrasted sharply against his dark skin, and the tailored jacket emphasized the massive, powerful breadth of his shoulders. He looked so devastatingly handsome.

"Wow," I breathed, walking up to him. "Zuko... you look... ravishing."
"Thank my lady," he bowed and I chuckled. "You look beautiful too Phile wam," he interrupted, his dark eyes scanning me from head to toe with an intensity that made my knees feel weak. He stepped forward, opening the passenger door for me. As I slid in, he leaned down, his voice soft and incredibly sincere. "I wanted to apologize properly for the other night. I just want to make it up to you, baby"
My heart melted entirely. Any lingering doubts I had from the past few days vanished into the night air.
He drove us to a luxury restaurant on the upper side of town.

As we sat across from each other, sipping our drinks, I listened to the background tracks playing quietly through the restaurant's speakers.

"It's nice here," I said, leaning my chin on my hand, looking at him. "The music is good. I just wish they could play Elaine, though. Her songs just hit different for a night like this."
Zuko tilted his head, studying me. "Elaine?"
"Yeah. She's one of my favorite."
A moment later, our waiter walked over to the table, offering a polite bow. "Good evening, sir, madam. Would you like to order any more starters before the main course?"

"My girlfriend would like Elaine's playlist,"

"Oh I'm sorry sir, we can't sir." Zuko leaned back in his chair.

He smoothly shifted his tuxedo jacket back, revealing a gun tucked securely into his waistband.

Zuko said, his voice terrifyingly calm, his eyes locked onto the waiter. "Make it happen."

The waiter's eyes widened in sheer terror, his face draining of all color. He swallowed hard, nodding rapidly. "Y-yes, sir. Right away, sir."
He practically sprinted away from our table.
I sat there, my chest heaving, utterly and genuinely shocked. "Zuko! Are you crazy?" I whispered-yelled, looking around frantically to see if anyone else had noticed.
"Crazy for you, yes," I almost smiled but this is not a smiling matter, he …he just. This man is something else.
Zuko just shrugged carelessly, a small, unbothered smirk playing at the corner of his lips. He reached across the table, his fingers gently brushing a stray crumb or eyelash off my cheek. His touch was incredibly tender, a jarring contrast to the weapon at his hip.
"Just had to," he murmured, his eyes locked onto mine.
Before I could even process his words, the ambient restaurant music faded out, and the smooth, soulful R&B vocals of Elaine's *'Changes'* began to float through the speakers.

A breathless chuckle escaped my lips. As the music played, I couldn't help but start jamming to the songs, my shoulders swaying gently, brilliant smile breaking across my face.
Zuko leaned his elbows on the table, watching me, his intense gaze softening into something fiercely proud. "This is exactly what I wanted to see. You, happy."

"You are completely lawless," I smiled, shaking my head as I took a sip of my drink.
"Only for you," he replied, his expression turning serious, his voice dropping to a low, gravelly register. "You look so pretty tonight, Phile. And I'd do anything to protect you. You mean everything to me. Everything."
Then, Zuko reached into his tuxedo jacket and pulled out a small, velvet jewelry box. He slid it across the white tablecloth toward me.
My heart stopped dead in my chest. *Oh my God.* For a wild, terrifying, and ecstatic second, I thought he was about to propose. My breath hitched, my eyes flying to his face.
"Open it," he chuckled softly, sensing my panic.
I took a shaky breath and pulled the box closer, flipping the lid open. Resting against the black velvet was the most beautiful silver necklace I had ever seen. I was completely, utterly in love with it.
"Zuko... it's gorgeous," I gasped, my eyes shining as I looked up at him. I tried to put it on but was struggling.

"Let me help you with that." He offered.
I'm so excited!

"Turn around," he murmured.
I shifted in my chair, turning my back to him and lifting my heavy hair off my neck. I felt the air grow warm as Zuko stepped up directly behind me.
His hands brushed against my bare shoulders, goosebumps trailing down my spine. I felt the cool, metallic slide of the silver chain as he draped it gently across my collarbones. His fingertips lightly grazed the sensitive skin at the nape of my neck as he fumbled with the small clasp, his warm, steady breath fanning against my skin, making me shiver.

Finally, the clasp clicked into place.
He leaned in closer, his lips brushing the shell of my ear as he whispered, "It suits you perfectly, baby."

He slid his hands down my arms and gave me a gentle squeeze. "Promise me to never take it off."
"I promise," I breathed, placing my hand over the pendant resting against my chest.
He leaned down and pressed a soft, lingering kiss cheek before walking back to his side of the table. With this man, I was cherished. I was protected. I was completely his.
What do you think of the story guys? Is it good, is there anything you think should be improved or …