The Tale of Fire and Sun | Zuko x OC

Chapter 23

Yara's POV:

I slowly stirred awake and felt a pair of arms around me. Zuko was snoring lightly beside me, still deeply asleep.

I carefully rested my head on his chest, feeling it rise and fall from his steady breathing. I sighed happily as my mind recalled yesterday's moments.

It was perfect... He was perfect!

I was thankful that we finally let our guards down and spared ourselves from any more awkwardness. My mind recalled to the moment when Zuko called me his... An involuntary smile grew on my lips at the thought. I wouldn't want anything else in the world.

I stayed like that for a while, then got up, careful not to wake him up. Zuko's been sleeping peacefully after a long time and I didn't want to ruin it.

I then tip-toed my way to the bathroom to take a shower. I stepped out after some time only to find my chamber empty.

Zuko seemed to wake up and left the chamber. I sighed as reality came rushing back. We had an Avatar to capture...

I quickly got ready and headed to the War Room. Usually, I'd hear an angry voice while closing the distance to the room. But I was surprised as I didn't hear any today. Wow... I was starting to like this side of Zuko!

I first peeked inside to check if anyone were there. Zuko was alone, standing by the table, his back facing me with his eyes focused on the map.

I felt my face brighten and my lips curl into a silly smile by just looking at Zuko. But it wasn't advisable to let distractions interrupt his quest. So I shook my head and entered the room.

"Good morning, Prince Zuko!" I greeted with a small smile as I helped myself with a cup of tea.

I saw his body stiffen at the corner of the eye but I was convinced it was just my imagination. Though, something didn't feel right...

Zuko didn't care to glance or even nod at me. He had his eyes trained on the map and his body was unusually rigid. Maybe he didn't hear me...

Just then, I remembered the intel Fai gave me yesterday. Zuko didn't know about it yet, I thought.

"So Zuko, Fai told me that the civilians spotted the Avatar during the Fire Days Festival. He might be closer-"

"You came here right after my Agni Kai with Zhao, right?" Zuko cut me off, his voice so cold that I could barely recognise it.

"What?" I asked, clearly confused.

"You found me right after I defeated your father in the Agni Kai, right?" he enquired.

"Why are you asking-"

"Just answer the question!" he gritted through his teeth.

I wondered why Zuko was acting weird as I answered, "Yes... but why are you-"

"Also, he didn't seem to have the slightest idea that you were even there back at the Crescent Island"

"I know! We were lucky!" I breathed out.

"How convenient!" he scoffed and I stared at him in disbelief.

And all this time, he didn't even spare a glance at me. What was he trying to do?!

"Zuko I-" I started but he constantly kept cutting me off, his voice growing colder with every comment.

"And you seemed to be happy about his promotion"

"Of course I would be!" I retorted as I grew impatient, "He's my father after all. And I was happy because I finally came to know that he was alive and well. You know how worried I was!"