Chapter Text
(Set in season 3 right after fire masters)
It had been a long journey. Returning to the source of fire to relearn fire bending from the masters. Experiencing the old ways and feeling the gentle yet powerful warmth that came from the old flames gifted by the dragons. As enlightening as it all was. Zuko could do without the aftermath of presenting his and Aang's findings to the rest of Aang's group.
Laughter filled the space of the western air temple. Bouncing off the ancient structures and amplifying. Making it sound like more then just four people were laughing at Zuko. He knew it was towards him. He was a warrior, a strong capable fighter. A serious person who was no nonsense. And Aang. Despite how different he seemed was still a goof, over energetic and preppy sort of person. Who didn't let peoples opinions stop him from enjoying anything. In a way he kind of admired that.
Zuko wasn't anything like that. So the laughter he was hearing made him want to shout till he scared everyone into stopping. He controlled that aspect of himself. That impulse. He wasn't that person anymore. He was trying to be someone better. Someone who didn't rely on anger and fear. That was the whole point of their trip to the Sun warriors runes. To learn fire bending from a different source. So he would not have to rely on his anger.
He turned away from all of them. Walking a distance away over the surprisingly sturdy stone that was shaped upside down. Even as he approached the edge of the structure their laughter was still loud. Like it was bouncing off the clouds that hung around the area.
Zuko let out a sigh. He leaned over a bit, pressing his shoulder to a tall pillar that disappeared into the ceiling of the build they were on. Anchoring it to the cliff side. He let out another breath. this time releasing his anger. Or trying to, at least enough to not explode on anyone. His position here, with in the group, was very tentative.
He was lucky they accepted his help at all. Given their past. Given who he use to be. If he stepped one toe out of line, they would unleash all their fury on him. Katara had promised him so when he was first brought into their camp sight. Accepted as Aang's teacher but not anything else. He still had to prove himself worthy to even sit with them while they ate. To exist with them when they are vulnerable. He couldn't jeopardies that with his own embarrassment at being laughed at for preforming an ancient fire bending technique. That was poorly named. It should have been called something like the winding dragons. The corralling dragons. The two dragons.
Zuko shook his head at the ideas. They were all terrible. The laughter behind him died down, but the talking did not. Maybe he should turn back and join them. At least sit in and hear what they were saying. Even if it had nothing to do with the war or their situation. Even if it was a pointless conversation. It might help to ease everyone's distrust of him. Even with that thought he wasn't sure he should.
"Zuko" a voice called out and he jolted where he stood. Standing off the pillar he turned, entering a lose fighting stands out of habit. He glanced down, meeting large grey eyes that stared up at him with so much excitement it made him feel rather uneasy. Aang smiled at him and he lowered his stands to appear more calm.
"Do you want a tour of the temples. I can show you around" Aang offered. He moved to the side and gestured out to the temples on their left. All of them were built upside down. Dug into the cliff side. Despite their age they did not look like they were falling apart. They seemed safe enough to explore. Zuko took a step towards the temples. And Aang took that to mean he accepted his invitation. He had.
Aang held out his arms and pivoted on his toes much too quickly for any normal person to keep their balance. He ran as he pulled his arms in to keep himself centered. At least one person here was happy to be around him. Zuko wondered past the others. Catching the heated glare Katara held as she watched him fallow Aang.
The others had been fairly neutral about him joining. Hesitant and keeping an eye on him. But she was much different. She only agreed because it was what Aang wanted. And she made her distrust of him very clear. He did his best to ignore it for the time being.
It would be smarter to push Aang to focus on fire bending instead of taking a tour of the place. But truthfully he was a bit tired. Even if their journey had only lasted a few days it was still exhausting. And napping in a pile of ominous goo wasn't exactly restful. He'd start the training just as the sun raises tomorrow.
Zuko watched as Aang ran ahead of him. He almost chuckled. Where did he get his energy from. He acted like they hadn't just spent a night in some weird hole only to walk the length of a valley and mountain side just to walk it back to leave the sun warriors city. Aang ran across the floor and jumped with one foot. Raising high as he lifted himself. He pulled his leg in, and stretched out his arms. Soring up on the air current he created. He floated into the entrance of the temple.
Zuko paused as he watched the young man disappear into the structure. There was nothing connecting the tip of the temple to the platform he stood on. No ladder or stairs. They really built it so no one but the air benders could get up there. though as he looked around he could see how easy it would be for an earth bender to find their way up there or even a fire bender. Using the heat of the flames to project himself.
He moved his footing to stand as centered as he could. Setting his hands by his side to ready himself when he called on his new found fire to lift him up. Before he could even muster a spark he saw something being thrown out of the door way. A long rope ladder was thrown down. Unraveling and knocking into itself. It bounced as it touched the ground. The individual steps jolting with the force of the fall.
Zuko grabbed the ladder. The old rope digging into his hands. He tossed his head up as he stepped on to one of the wooden steps. Aang looked down at him. His smile so wide as he waited patiently for Zuko. He almost shook his head at the eager teen. How was that man his greatest enemy a year ago.
He pulled himself up, climbing the rope quickly. He pulled himself into the temple. Feeling the dust and dirt that had gathered in the structure. He stood up, moving his hands against each other to dispel some of the dirt that had collected. Once inside he immediately noticed the lack of sound. Or rather the deafening quiet that lingered in the hall.
It really made him realize that his people were the reason it was so quiet. Not a single Airbender was left to take care of the place. To live in it. His ancestor had wiped them all out. Destroyed the civilization that had flourished here in the side of the mountain. Leaving behind crumbling echo's of what once was. Zuko blinked at the hall way. When he opened his eyes Aang was standing in front of him.
His smile never wavering. Despite the fact that he now stood alone in a secluded area with a fire bender. A member of the royal family and a descendent of the man who wiped out his people. Someone who had chased him around for the better half of the year. Capturing him and kidnapping him when ever he could.
Aang held his hands behind his back. He took a large step into the temple then turned to head down the hall. He was light on his feet. Not just because he walked on his toes and hardly touched the ground. But something about the way he moved felt almost relaxed. Maybe even joyful at having Zuko around. He tried to push that notion away. It didn't make sense for Aang to be happy he was here. Not after everything.
Zuko took smaller steps down the hall, fallowing Aang. The guilt settled in his gut, allowing him to observe the hall he was really in. Despite the outside appearance, the inside was not upside down. The floors were really dusty and worn but he could make out air symbols on the floor. The ceilings were high. Allowing room for statues to be placed in carved out spots on the wall. All of monks that wore robes a lot like the ones Aang wore now. Some had long necklaces carved around their collar bone with air symbols on them. Others didn't. But they all were bald and had arrows on their heads and hands.
"All these statues have arrows like yours. Do you get them when you turn a certain age" Zuko asked out loud. More curious then guilty now that he was looking the structure over.
"Ha no the arrows are a sign of the high level monks. You have to master all 36 air bending techniques and find enlightenment or master the techniques and improve on the element. I got mine when I invented the wind scooter" Aang told. His cheerful voice echoing in the hall. Zuko turned his head to look at Aang who was now walking backwards. Or rather skipping backwards.
"The wind scooter" he asked. He didn't think it was possible for Aang's face to get any brighter. But he was wrong. His question had a new found excitement entering the mans eyes. His grin becoming so wide it made his face look squished with pure enjoyment. Aang quickly moved his hands around and Zuko could feel the air being pulled and manipulated in the space. Suddenly he could see the air. Forming into a large ball in Aang's hands. As quickly as it appeared, Aang dropped it and jumped up. Landing on the ball in a very strange stands.
Once he had landed on the concentrated air, he began to move around in a circle. Flying up to the walls on the ball and down the hall then back. All the while the structure echoed with his laughter and sounds of enjoyment.
Zuko let out an amused breath. He was actually very familiar with this technique. Aang had used it a few times when he was escaping or in the distance before he was ambushed by Zuko and his men. So he invented this. It was pretty impressive actually. If a little strange he had become a monk because he made a new toy with his bending. Aang moved back into the hall, stopping a few feet from Zuko. The ball disappeared the second he stopped moving. He set his feet on the ground and turned his head up to smile wide at the older teen.
Something about his expression caused Zuko to glance away. It was a lot and he wasn't use to someone smiling at him without malice behind it. It made him feel a bit too seen.
"Sooo" Aang practically sang and he glanced at him again. Seeing the way the young monk looked around. Playfully anxious without actually being nervous. "What did you think" he asked, smiling so wide he wasn't able to close this mouth. He leaned forward and Zuko leaned back a bit to keep some distance between them. He flicked his sights away then back. Unsure how to respond.
"It was... Nice" he commented. His words seemed to bring Aang's excitement down. Causing the teen to lower his shoulders and let out a huff of disappointment. A whine really. He picked himself back up and turned to walk with ease. Now Zuko just felt awkward. How was he suppose to react to the trick. It was interesting. But he wasn't particularly enthused about it. Though Aang did look a little funny riding the air ball he had created. Balancing on it in such a weird way.
He felt his cheek twitch as a smile tried to form on his face. Lifting up on one side more then the other. Aang glanced at him. His eyes widening when he looked at Zuko. He knew why, it was because he was smiling a little. Something he didn't really do. He quickly looked away before he could catch sight of the younger smiling back at him.
"You liked it. Admit it. You thought it was fun" Aang pestered. Fun. Not really. Zuko let out a silent scuff of humor at the claim. "I thought you looked funny doing it" he teased. Feeling his smile grow a little. Aang slowed his steps to walk next to him. Leaving enough space between them so he could move about freely. He never really stopped moving did he.
"Pfff I guess I do look kind of funny on it. It's really hard to balance on the compressed air and to keep it going for long periods of time and to steer it. Even I can't really control its path. But it is fun" he grinned wide for a moment then looked away. Suddenly his whole demeanor took on a sad tone to it. The way he looked down at the ground, his smile shrinking some, his shoulders falling slowly.
"It was suppose to be part of a game. I-I never got to play it" he confessed. His voice didn't hold any of the cheer it did a moment ago. Something heavy took it's place. "Why not" Zuko asked before he could really think about it. Aang lost his smile all together as they walked. His eyes reflecting a deep sorrow.
"I was announced as the avatar when I was twelve. After showing the other nomads of my temple the new technique. When they found out who I was they didn't want to play games with me anymore. It wasn't fair since I was the avatar and all. Any team I was on would have the advantage" he told. His words sounded like someone else was talking. It wasn't his opinion it was someone else's.
"That's stupid" Zuko commented. Aang opened his eyes a bit wider, tilting his head up to look at the other as if he forgot Zuko was even there. "Even if you are the avatar it wouldn't have been anyone's advantage. You're too clumsy" he insulted. Aang actually giggled at him. Instead of taking it personally he laughed at the comment.
"Says the man who can't stay on his feet for more then a few second when he's fighting someone" Aang tossed back playfully. Zuko moved to push him lightly with his arm. It wasn't true, not really. He knew he was a good fighter. He knocked down people more then they knocked him down. Except his sister. She was something else, A monster with no regard for life.
"Check this out" Aang spoke up and Zuko looked over to him. He ran off, over to a wide area. Part of the outer wall was missing, leaving arch ways like a door from something to come in. Near the opening were a few round pipes that were held up by metal it looked like. There were a few of them set up around the space. In the center of the circle was something he couldn't make out. It was covered in moss and too faded to figure out what it was.
Aang ran at one of them and jumped up. Setting his foot on the bar and balancing on it with a bit of a wobble. Once he was stable he smiled, turning his head to Zuko. The area was a little strange, then again all of the temple was strange. Zuko had only been to the temples once and at that time he wasn't really looking at the architecture. He was looking for Aang.
He didn't have to be that person anymore. So he could look now. Take in his surroundings this time. The faded murals, the moss covered equipment. The surprisingly strong stone structures. It was almost beautiful in a way. Sad, and painful but beautiful. It made him wonder, what would the air benders be like now. If they weren't wiped out. Would they have continued to build all these amazing structures and odd temples.
"Zuko" Aang spoke up and he sounded so distant. Zuko reached out to a mural he was admiring. He placed his hands on the cold paint. He moved some of the dust off, seeing a bit more of the painting. It was of the sky bison. Little ones playing along with kids that were dressed in orange and yellows. All bald and with no arrows on their heads. Even with the faded image he could almost hear it. The sound of children laughing, of Bison roaring. He felt the air move behind him and turned his head.
Aang had moved from the bar to a spot just few feet from him. Landing like he had moved using his air bending. Zuko looked at him. Really looked at him. He grew up some since they first met. No longer prancing around in the orange nomad outfit. In his culture he had grown up. Becoming a true monk. He wore the monk robes that Zuko had noticed on the statues. Admittedly tucked into the pants of a fire nation school uniform.
"It's ok you know" Aang spoke and it pulled him out of his thoughts. What was ok. Zuko wondered. Aang looked up at him with that sorrowful expression on his face. Except this time it didn't look dejected. He offered Zuko a smile. It wasn't forced or harsh. But it still reflected the sorrow he was portraying.
"I know now you're not you're family. You don't have to feel guilty about the air nomads. It wasn't your fault" he spoke and Zuko felt his own gaze harden. "It might not be my fault but it is my responsibility" he countered. As if arguing the fact. He would feel guilty. He will feel upset for the lives lost and try to make up for the harm his family has caused the world. He wouldn't allow himself to feel any other way. Aang looked like he was sighing at the comment.
"Ok, then you can be responsible for learning everything you can about the air nomads. Starting with this room" Aang gestured out to the space before them. He leaned into it and his sorrow fell away, leaving behind his joy again.
"Can you guess" he asked. Zuko looked around the room. Seeing old bundles of hay laying around and reexamining the equipment. "Was it a play room" he asked. Aang turned to the room. "Yes it was. Over here is where the baby sky bison would come and teeth on these bars. It was the only thing strong enough to not dent with their powerful jaws" he explained as he moved to one of the rings.
Zuko left the mural to walk over to the toy. Looking at it closely now. He couldn't really imagine sky bison biting it. Or even being small enough to fly into this room at all. Given how large Appa was. Aang moved closer to him. Facing the opposite way. He stood rather close almost touching Zuko's arm with his.
"Ready to see the rest of the temple" he asked. It almost sounded like a challenge. If it was then Zuko could handle it. He would accept everything Aang was willing to teach him about his people. And he would retain it. He let the teen be his guide, fallowing him out of the room and into more areas of the temple.
The structures were so intricate yet simple. The walls all decorated with murals or symbols and statues. It was so lively despite being empty for decades. It was nothing like the fire nation. Every building was made with sharp pillars and red stone. The only images allowed were cloth or paper murals with the fire lords likeness or their insignia for the nation.
It was stuffy and over baring in the palace he grew up in. Even the places he had visited when he lived in the fire nation were all the same. Intimidating without expression. But here in the temple of the air nomads, Zuko could see the life that lingered in the halls after all this time. It was like he could still feel the nomads here even though they were gone. He didn't feel this way when he first came to the temples. Back then he was blind to everything.
"Over there" Aang called out and Zuko looked around. He had been lost in thought for a moment. Not paying attention to where they were going. His eyes landed on a large door at the end of a hall way. Somewhere lower, or higher depending on your perspective, then they started. The door was large, taking up most of the wall. Decorated in air symbols and a horn that traveled like a tub over the whole door. He didn't have to guess to know this was a sacred place. Much like Avatar Roku's temple.
"Wanna see something cool" Aang asked from beside him. Zuko moved his sights to the smaller teen. Seeing the way he smiled almost proudly. Aang stood up tall and made his way casually to the door. As if he wasn't going to do a thing at all. Then he moved into a proper stands. Moving his torso and arms. Guiding the air around them and pulling it. Pushing it up the horn and through the tub.
The door began to make a noise as the air traveled through it. Up and around, forcing the round tiles on the door to turn. Once they all turned the door moved away from the wall. Splitting and making an entrance for them. Aang stood at the entrance with a wide grin on his face, displaying his triumph. Zuko couldn't resist clapping slowly at his accomplishment.
It was just a bending door. Zuko had opened one himself. Aang clenched his teeth, trying to keep the smile on his face. His shoulders dropped a bit and so did his out stretched arms. He looked rather annoyed with Zuko's lack of enthusiasm.
"Ok but wait till you see what's inside" Aang picked himself back up. That mans optimism was something else. He spun around and began walking into the room. Zuko fallowed behind him. Stepping into the dark room. The only light casted from the windows down the hall. Letting in the abstracted day light. It was hard to see but he could make out statues around the area. All of them wearing monk robes with arrows on their head. Some of them even had hair which seemed odd for a monk.
"This is so strange" Aang spoke up. The air bender was standing around the status. Well he was circling them then standing in front of them, tilting his head from side to side. Zuko didn't ask what was strange. He glanced around the room again to take in more of it. Was something out of place. But he couldn't find anything. It looked like a sacred room filled with monk statues. He lowered his sights to Aang again. Catching the other teens eye as he did. Those grey eyes flicked to him. Aang turned a bit to face him. Yet he continued to look around the room like he was searching for something.
"I never got to look into these rooms before. I was told I wasn't allowed till I was sixteen. But with all the monks gone I didn't have much of a choice. In my temple this room was full of all the avatars before me. Even Roku. But here, it's only the air nomad avatars. I never thought the western temple was so prideful. We're not suppose to be. Monks are guided to be emotionally wise and detach from worldly possessions. I wonder. What did the other temple rooms look like. I never got to see the northern chamber when I visited, not what it was suppose to be anyways" Aang rambled to himself. Glancing around the room till his eyes settled on a particular statue.
Zuko looked at it for a moment. It was one of the few statues that had hair instead of a bald head. Given the way the statue was formed it looked rather feminine. With the monk robes moved around the statues body almost tightly. Showing the form of the person instead of being loose and ambiguous like the rest of the statues. Zuko did a quick check around the room. He saw another statue with hair in the back but their robes were loose and flowed like the male counterparts. This was the only one that didn't. She definitely stood out compared to the rest.
"What happened to the northern temple" Zuko asked. His mind catching up to him a second later. He should not have asked that. It was obvious it was fire nation related. His people must have gotten in somehow and destroyed the room just like they destroyed everything. Aang let out a breath, that sorrowful look taking over his features. But even when he looked sad he never looked defeated or hopeless. It was something Zuko was noticing about him. He was allowing himself to feel his emotions without letting them consume him. Was this part of the emotional wisdom he was talking about.
"When we visited to hide out we found earth kingdom refugees living there. At first I guess I was a little annoyed they were imitating my people. And destroying the history to build mechanical civilization. that's where we met Teo and his father. He's an inventor, he was the one that made all those tanks and subs for our invasion. But before that he was making weapons for the fire nation. He some how got into one of these rooms and used it to make his war inventions in secret from everyone else. He's changed, he was genuinely sorry for what he did so I'm not angry about it" Aang provided. He had turned away from Zuko though as he told the second half of his story. Not angry. Or not allowing himself to be angry.
Zuko felt a flicker of rage in his own chest at what he heard. Even if Aang forgave him. It wasn't right. Destroying something like this just for war. To help the fire nation. It was wrong. He couldn't imagine how hurt Aang must have been to see one of the air temples be destroyed with mechanics and used to make weapons for the very people that wiped out the air benders. Even if that man did change his purpose he still ruined one of the few places holding on to history.
Zuko took a step towards Aang. He moved his hand to reach out to the smaller. He flinched when he noticed what he was doing. He had no room to be angry at someone else. Not when he had done far worse to Aang and his friends. When he was on thin ice with all of them. Just a step away from being their enemy again. He pulled his hand back, setting it at his side.
"I'm sorry" he muttered in the space. His voice quiet enough to not echo in the chamber. Aang turned around to look at him. But he wasn't. He stared at the ground instead. Feeling the generational guilt on top of his own. His inner torment was interupted when he felt cool fingers gently touch his. He widened his eyes and turned his head.
Aang was smiling up at him. Not like he had been. It wasn't sad or over joyed. Rather it was a soft smile that made his whole face look unburden by the life he has been living. He felt Aang's hand hold on to his loosely.
"When you become fire lord lets rebuild the air nomads. Returning air bending to the world" he spoke so definitely yet so gently. Fire lord. Him. He hadn't thought that far ahead. He only wanted to end this war and bring a new area of peace to the world. To repair what his family had done for generations. Now that he thought about it, there was only one way to do that. Once his father was delt with he would have to take the throne. To insure the armies are disbanded and the troupes are sent out to help clean up this mess. Releasing the prisoners back to their villages. And yes cleaning up the air temples and returning air bending to the world.
Zuko moved his fingers. Slightly curling them to hold Aangs hand. A small smile tugging at his lips. The avatar thought he would be fire lord. Believed he would be a good fire lord instead of an imitation of all the ones before him. Then again Aang had always believed he had good in him. He said so before. That they could be friends.
He thought he had ruined that belief. When he had chosen his sister, his family, over the avatar in Ba sing se. When he had watched Aang die right in front of him. He was so sure he had ruined all his chances. Even though he pressed on, trying to gain this groups trust. Knowing he would never get it.
As he stood there, looking into Aangs bright eyes. Feeling his hand on his. Maybe he could be considered a friend. Someone to depend on for more then just his teaching and fire nation knowledge.
"I would be deeply honored if you would allow me to help bring air bending to the world. But becoming fire lord... That throne is meant for my uncle. It was always meant for him" Zuko told. The grin on Aang's face faltered. He looked surprised by the idea. But it was rightfully his uncles place. He was always meant to rule. It was only because of his grandfathers hatred and the death of his cousin that caused his own father to become fire lord. He was never meant to take the throne.
Even if his uncle didn't have an heir anymore it was still his seat as the eldest son. And when the time came he would have chosen the next fire lord. It wasn't really his place to take the throne yet. But when he did, he would rule like his uncle will.
Aang smiled again. He took a step to the side and moved around Zuko, still holding his hand. A bit more confidently now. That bright enjoyment crossing his features again.
"Come on there's still other temples I gotta show you" he told. He broke out in a sprint and Zuko was forced to run after him. Pulled along by their connected hands. Once again Aang's voice filled the halls as they left the room. His laughter echoing around them. Giving the temple new life with the sound.
-
Exploring the air temple had taken all day. Now Zuko was more exhausted then he had been. He dragged his feet across the floor to the room he was given. More then ready to fall onto the old cot and pass out for a while. He was so close to his mattress when someone had poked their head into his room.
"Hey Zuko, we're having a camp fire tonight. Food and story telling, you should join" Aang's overly cheerful voice called out. Zuko sighed deeply. He was so exhausted. But if he refused he would only alienate himself further from the group. Which is not something he wanted to do. He wanted to be closer to them, to fit in a little and earn their trust. He couldn't do that if he missed out on the little moments like this.
He stood up straighter, turning around. Aang smiled brightly at him then darted out into the hall. He almost chuckled at the teens eagerness. It was so strange. He had spent the better half of the year, chasing and trying to hurt Aang. Now the monk was practically hovering around him. Actively choosing to be alone with him, spending general time with him and inviting him to hang out. It was really strange. An awkward kind of strange.
He grabbed a blanket off the mattress and heading out of the room. He faltered in his steps, Surprised to see Aang standing in the hall like he was waiting for him. His hands behind his back and his lips pursed as if he was whistling but making no noise. How funny would it be if he was an air bender who couldn't whistle. He looked over at Zuko then smiled again. Was he pleased to see him. He just saw him a second ago. Heck they even spend almost four days together. Wasn't he sick of him yet, of his gloomy attitude.
Zuko walked over to him and he sprinted along. Running ahead of him but stopping and turning to make sure Zuko was behind him. This was his greatest enemy. This energetic teen who moved too fast for his own feet making him clumsy. The thought actually made him chuckle at himself. It was so stupid, that he had ever thought Aang was his enemy. That he thought handing him over to his father would ever fix anything. When he could have just given it all up and been a part of the teens group from the beginning. He wondered, was this what his uncle had been hitting at all this time.
That he was suppose to be an ally to the avatar and not an enemy. Maybe if he had listened. Maybe if he had been a better person, stronger. He wouldn't have burned every bridge offered to him before getting to this point. Zuko blinked. His sights changing from the halls of the most accessible temple to the dark cliff side. A nurtured fire glowing in the middle of the outdoor platform. Its orange glow spreading out, flickering over the ground and reaching up to the cliffs roof.
Casting everything it could in it's warmth. Orange didn't seem like such an awful color anymore. When May had said she hated it he thought it was funny. But now he wondered how she could hate something so beautiful. If he ever got the chance to see her again, to be granted to talk with her after all this. Maybe he'd try and share all the wonderful things he has experienced with her. Maybe she'd like them too.
The thought died as soon as it entered his head. After what he did to her, there was no way he'd be able to even be friends with her. Not after he broke her heart in such a spineless way. Leaving the fire nation on the day of black sun when everyone was so busy with the invasion they didn't notice he had left. And his father had let him walk away.
He stepped into the light of the flame, the orange glow casting over his red attire. Everyone looked at him once he was touched by the light. They were all situated in a wide circle. The male earth bender who's name he had yet to remember sat in front of him. His gaze looked wiry, unsure now that Zuko was there. An expression that was mirrored by Teo who laid next to him on a sleeping bag. On his other side sat Sokka. He too looked just as wiry. Like he was analyzing him for any signs of betrayal.
Beside him was Katara. She made it really known how she felt about him being there in general. She glared at him with so much rage he felt his skin prickle with a phantom heat. Like she was trying to hurt him with her gaze alone. Something told him if anyone could do something like that it be her.
Toph sat next to her, she didn't seem to care about his presence. She sat on the bare ground with her head tilted down, her hands on the floor, shifting slightly, feeling the dirt under her. Beside her sat a small kid he knew as the duke. Since the kid kept yelling his own name it was easy to remember. He also stared at Zuko with the same wiriness everyone else did. On edge with him just being there.
He shouldn't be hear. He should just turn around and leave so they could all go back to sharing stories and eating together. Maybe held just grab a bowl of the soup they made and leave. So it didn't seem like he just came out to go back inside again. But he couldn't move. He felt stuck to the floor by all their uneased stares. And Katara's intense hatred directed at him.
Suddenly a hot bowl was placed in his hands and he hurried to hold it. Startled into moving. He hadn't collected himself at all when he felt an arm hook around his elbow. He was pulled and almost lost his footing all together. He didn't even have to look to know it was Aang moving him around. He let go of Zuko and the man fell into a sitting position. Settling against Appa who was curled up just outside the group.
He blinked a few times as he caught up to what had happened. He was going to leave but Aang took that chose away from him. He glanced up, seeing the teen spin around and drop into a sitting position beside him. Holding his own bowl in his hand. He sat closer to the fire then Zuko. Like a divider between him and the group. Or maybe he was a bridge. Given he didn't seem so scared by Zuko anymore but the others definitely did.
Aang turned his head and smiled up at him with his wide grin. The orange light behind him casting over the edges of his person. While the rest of him was darkened by the shadows and lack of sun. Yet his smile was just as vibrant as ever. Zuko looked away from him. It was hard to look at his joyful face sometimes. He looked at him like he was genuinely happy to have him there.
To be near Zuko. He wasn't really use to that. No one liked being in his presence. He was difficult and angry. Gloomy and stubborn. Its part of the reason why he didn't have his own friends. His friends were Azula's victims that she had manipulated into thinking they were her friends. The only person that wasn't tired of his attitude was May. She was just as gloomy as he was. Hating everything half heartedly. While he hated everything to his core. It had been nice being in her presence, it made him feel so validated for the way he felt. How angry he was, how sad he felt. She never got tired of it. Except that one time when he had been very over barring about his rage. She was right to be angry at him. He was angry with himself and had said some hurtful things to her.
"You're suppose to eat it" Aang whispered loudly to him. He leaned over to Zuko, placing his hand by the side of his mouth to hide what he was saying. It actually made Zuko smirk a bit. Here he was getting lost in his head again and Aang was acting like he was just any normal person in his group.
Zuko picked up the spoon he had and went to take a mouth full of the soup. It was cold. Well not cold, lukewarm maybe. Not hot enough. He moved his hand under the bowl. He raised the temperature of his palm, heating the soup slowly so as not to burn it. He could already see the steam coming off the surface.
"Wow that's so cool. Can you teach me how to do that" Aang asked. Of course he was watching Zuko lightly fire bend to make the meal better. He supposed he could make a lesson of this. To take his position as Aang's fire bending teacher.
"You sure you're ready. It takes a lot of control to heat your palm without making a flame" Zuko asked. He didn't wait for the teens answer. He set his bowl down then held out his own hand. "You have to concentrate. Feel the flame within yourself and visualize the heat of it in your palm. As if it's there but isn't visible" he told. Admittedly it was a bit cryptic of him. Maybe he had learned some habits from his uncle after all.
He felt his hand heat. His palm starting to glow with the intensity. As if the fire was just under his skin. Aang watched him a moment then turned his own hand over. He stared at it, sticking his tongue out a bit in concentration. His brows angling down as he tried to focus. Something told Zuko he wasn't really concentrating on the technique but the result.
Aang leaned a bit close to his own hand. Suddenly a large flame shut up from his hand and he threw himself back while tossing his hand away from himself. He yelped, startled by the sight of it. Of course that would happen. Zuko reached out to him. Running his hand over Aang's wrist.
Fast and swift he ran his hand over the teens palm. Snuffing out the flame easily. He moved so fast he hardly felt the flame tickle his skin with it's heat. Just like that it was gone and Aang let out a sigh of relief. He placed a hand on his collar bone as he let out a breath. Zuko reached for his own bowl and picked it up.
"Tomorrow we'll start your actual training at dawn" he told Aang. Ignoring the slight pout that crossed the others face. He picked up his spoon and took another mouthful. This time it was just right. Just a little too hot making it hard to taste the actual food. It's how he liked his meals. More warmth then flavor.
"Haha, looks like you have a long day a head of you" Toph spoke and Zuko looked over to her. Who was she talking too. Aang. Had to be right. she wouldn't be talking to him so casually would she.
"Don't forget the 'positive reinforcement' Aang's a delicate little flower" she mocked and laughed. The others also giggled at her comment. All except Katara who continued to glare down at the fire this time. Toph nudged her as if to tease her too with what she said but the woman didn't join in. She closed her eyes but Zuko could still feel the rage inside her even from how far away he was.
"Hey I'm not that sensitive" Aang argued back. "I don't know, every time you fail at something you run off and broad somewhere high up" Sokka added. The group laughed at his comment. Aang scrunched up his nose at them.
"I do not" he argued quietly. Turning back to his bowl he now held. He angerly took a spoon full of it. He was actually annoyed, angered by his friends. Zuko didn't think that was possible with how cheerful he had seemed. With how close they all were. Toph pointed out to him. Throwing her arm out and almost hitting the Duke where he sat.
"Yes you do. When I thought you earth bending you got so upset with your inability you let Sokka sit in a hole instead of getting help for him. Just because you didn't want to face me" Toph tossed back. Aang squirmed guiltily in his spot.
"That's not- That wasn't the whole truth. You were picking on me" Aang shouted out. he moved to stand on his one knee as he pointed out to Toph. The girl shrugged at him. An indication that she was admitting to it but so what. Was this how they usually were. Bickering with each other. Teasing Aang so casually.
"The blame game, what happened to that emotional wisdom you were talking about" Zuko teased back. Was that an ok comment, or did he push too far. His answer came in the form of everyone laughing loudly. Aang deflated in his stands. Dropping his head then tossing himself down to the ground. Laying back on Appa.
"Everyone's against me" he whined. It was true and it also wasn't. But Zuko knew he didn't really mean it. "But in all seriousness watch out for that Zuko. Aang gets really hung up on his short comings" Toph continued after the laughter died down a bit. Aang grumbled in response rather then arguing the fact.
That wouldn't do. Aang had to learn fire bending, there was no time for him to sulk and wallow in what he couldn't do. He had to learn how to use the element before the comet arrived. Every techniques, every form and fighting style that Zuko had been thought in a small amount of time. There wasn't room for Aang to be upset by any of it.
The conversation moved on from there. Switching to this and that. The group catching up with each other and sharing stories. Even Katara lost a majority of her rage to join in on the fun. Laughing with the others over moments Zuko hadn't been apart of. Things that happened in the earth kingdom.
Zuko leaned back on Appa. His body now moving with the rise and fall of the sky bison's breathing. Gently rocking him like a soft current. Like being at sea. Zuko fought to keep his eyes open. His vision blurring, abstracting what he was looking at. The dark night turning into metal walls, red hues flickering up the sides of the cool space. The scent of tea in the air. Brewed in the lower decks of a ship and carried up as it was offered to a crew he knew was there but could not see.
Zuko felt something rest against his shoulder. Something warm curling up next to him. Resting on his arm. He was barely able to register it. Drifting into darkness that felt oddly comforting for once.
He opened his eyes with more struggle then usual. Blinking himself awake. The sky was light with a looming mist that carried the grey and blue hues. The sky preparing for the sun to rise properly. It was almost dawn. Zuko stared at the mist for a moment, his mind waking up slowly. Catching up to his situation. He was in the western air temple, hiding out from the fire nation to help train the avatar. Well he supposed now was a good time to start. The sun was almost risen.
He turned his head, looking up at the spiky cave ceiling above him. He began to feel the soft fur under him. He guessed he fell asleep on Appa. He continued moving his head, looking into the structure. His eyes moved to the body laying beside him. All his grogginess shocked out of him when he did.
Aang laid beside him. Resting on his arm and Appa. His eyes were closed and it was clear he was sleeping. His features smoothed out, indicating he wasn't struggling in his slumber. Zuko could feel his breath running over his skin from where his shirt sleeve had ridden up. Something about it had him on edge for a second.
He really didn't understand personal space did he. Why was he so close to him. Appa was a big guy, he could have fallen asleep anywhere. Yet he curled up beside Zuko. Leaning on him. Should he really let his guard down this much. Even if Zuko had promised he had changed, everyone else still expected him to make a wrong move. But Aang didn't seem that hostile to him. Despite everything he put the teen through. He actually felt safe enough around him to sleep on him a little.
Something about it had the tension in his body melting. Aang trusted him. He would do anything and everything he could to hold on to that trust. To prove his value, and keep the Avatar as safe as he could. Instead of endangering him. Zuko moved his hand. lifting it to reach out to Aang. His face was so round, his nose wide and upturned. His eyes were so big. Even when closed they were still really expressive. Showing how at peace he was in this moment. Zuko moved his hand, not sure what he was really doing. He positioned his hand to cup Aang's cheek.
"Don't touch him" he heard a venomous warning in the space. It caused him to pull back. His whole body tensing again as he lifted his head. Looking all around till he spotted Katara standing just in front of them. She held her hands on her hips and glared at him with more fury then she had the previous night. It almost made him gulp. She really hated him.
He looked away from her then placed his hand on the ground. He pushed himself up. Shrugging Aang off him as he got up. The monk groaned as he woke up. Zuko didn't linger to watch him open his eyes. Instead he stood up, stepping away from Katara and the teen. He moved his arms to stretch. He heard Aang yawn rather loudly.
"Get up, the sun is risen" Zuko ordered his student. He ignored the way Katara watched him. He had to focus, teaching Aang had to be his priority right now.