To his credit, Lee did not startle when the bowl burst into flames. He took note of it, however, and seemed a bit relieved when Azei threw it into the wash water. In the stretch of silence that followed, he started to wonder if he had really made a very big mistake.

But, well? He had to say it, didn't he? Lee Kaneda was not the kind of person who went around being terribly dishonest. Especially not if he cared about the person he was talking to. He'd been feeling like his lover was hiding things from him for a while. They still hadn't talked about that girl in New Ozai, at the Healer's. At least under the Army, he hadn't had a right to question Azei — but now that that didn't matter any more, he was going to take advantage of their more equal status.

All of these thoughts were coming together to form a little emotional battle in Lee's eyes. He felt justified, but guilty. Angry, but apologetic.

When Azei's words came out with a tremble, Lee softened. His hair slid along neck, falling over his shoulder, as he brought a hand up to Azei's face just before the man kissed him. Leaning against the sink, he pulled the other man closer, fingers sliding up to his hair. Azei's hands were on his back and Lee pressed them closer together before breaking their kisses to breathe. "You can tell me things," Lee said, voice rough, "that will worry me. I'm a good supporting worrier." He smiled softly, letting his forehead rest against his lover's.

As for people coming after them, well, he could live with that. They could hide. The Earth Kingdom was huge, and the Fire Nation wasn't that small, either. But — "If we're basically living together now, I think we'll have to learn to share." It was obvious what he meant. They needed to communicate more. If they were going to be on the run, they'd really have to start communicating more. Better. Lee stroked his thumb across Azei's cheek. "When do you want to leave, then?"