Too Close

tested

Zuko waited minutes to pass by to feel something, if it was a single pill to kill him it should work fast like multiples would. Nothing.

Sokka covered his mouth as Katara was silently watching him. They both were in shock.

But a sickening feeling dropped in their guts when Zuko began laughing a little. He covered his mouth to hide his amusement but he broke into laughter. The room was silent but he chuckled shaking his head.

"You fucking lied," Zuko snorted like it was an inside joke.

"Was it a test?" He looked at his father wide eyes and a wicked smile. Zuko grabbed the gun and held it to his head.

The barrel pressed against his hair as he pulled the trigger.

Click

Nothing.

Zuko laughed in disbelief as he kept the barrel of the gun to his head. His shoulders shaking in laughter.

"Oh I should've known," he snorted as everyone looked at him like he was crazy.

"So, was it a test to see which of my friends I'd kill and then get them to hate me when I'd pick? I'll give it to you dad, it was a good plan," Zuko hummed as he finished the wine and set it down harshly.

"You said it yourself, I rather finish what I started, much rather do that then let someone die in my place,"

The room fell silent again.

"Kat, Sokka, leave," Zuko didn't look at them as he opened the side of the gun that he held. It had two bullets. Oops.

"Do you remember what I taught you?" Zuko asked calmly as he set the bullets in its proper place. Sokka paled seeing the bullets.

"Yes," Katara took a shaky breath as she stood up. He slid the gun across the table and she stopped it.

"Two are left, keep yourself safe," he nodded sternly.

"They dont get to leave," zhao stood up but Zuko grabbed the knife on the table that was for the meal but was never touched.

"We had a deal!" Zuko barked as he was on his feet already.

Ozai put his hand up to stop them from continuing.

"They may leave, you can leave as well," Ozai told them calmly as Zuko was taken by surprise.

"But know that it's not over, this was a small test, only for you to remember how easy it is for me to take anything and everything from you boy, never forget that," Ozai glared at his eldest as Zuko set the knife down.

"I own you," he sneered a little and Zuko clenched his fists.

Ozai waited for the answer and Zuko knew what he was waiting for.

"Yes sir," he whispered and the waiters opened the door. Zuko took the lead and walked to the door, he waited seeing Katara and Sokka quickly followed after him.

Zuko took the gun from Katara and handed it to the waiter before slamming the doors shut.

Zuko immediately fell to his knees as he gripped his head as his body shook.

"What the fuck?" Sokka whispered mortified as Katara was at his side.

Zuko was breathing quickly and shook his head a little as he covered his face.

"What the fuck Zuko?!" Sokka raised his voice at him.

"We need to go," Katara told the boys quickly. She grabbed zukos hand to pull him back up, they jogged a little to the exit but Katara could feel his hand shaking in hers. She pulled him more as Sokka ran behind them fearful still of where they were. She pushed the door open and saw they were outside, they were in the city still.