The Tale of Fire and Sun | Zuko x OC

Chapter 27

Yara's POV:

Days passed painfully slow and finally it was just a day's voyage to reach the Northern Water Tribe. Zuko and I were doing a final rundown before we execute it.

Zuko's wound was almost healed and he didn't seem pale now. The cuts and bruises in his face were healing but still evident in his face.

To be honest, he looked more handsome with that. I let out a sigh, cursing my thoughts and tried to shake them off...

My mind wandered back to the rundown. Well, it wasn't much of a plan since we had no solid information regarding the Northern Water Tribe.

They've isolated themselves from the rest of the world and have not participated in the hundred year war. I wondered how it was even possible for an entire Tribe to stay out of trouble for a whole century.

Due to their lack of connection with the outside world, we had no current details or maps on the place. It made our planning even more difficult. The map we had was at least forty years old.

"Okay, let's go through this one last time" Zuko started as he sat on the cushion in front of the table and my attention turned to him.

"Once we're done with the rundown, I'll leave for patrol and we'll meet at the rendezvous by midnight tomorrow. I already kept the necessities there. So make sure you come there in one piece" he finished.

"Aye aye, Captain..." I drawled and sat on the table across him, "So we use the rowboat and get to the outer wall of the Northern Water Tribe"

"We'll find a way to sneak in from there. My bet is on the sewers" Zuko stated.

"You still think that's a good idea?" I questioned as the thought of getting into the sewers made me feel uncomfortable.

"Can you think of any other way?" he narrowed his gaze at me and I shook my head, "That settles it then. Well, I have a feeling that we'd be improvising... a lot"

"Are you ready for this?" I asked.

"I am more than ready" he responded, his voice determined, "It's time I finally get to restore my honor"

It was good to see Zuko back on form. He was confident, determined and... hopeful. I smiled and nodded at him.

We sat in comfortable silence until Zuko cleared his throat, "I-uh... I haven't thanked for what you did, Yara..."

I stared at him in confusion as he continued, "For saving my life. You came back after everything happened... after all those things I said... I... thank you, Yara..."

"Don't mention it" I smiled weakly, "I'd always do whatever I could for you...". He nodded and placed a hand on my knee, squeezing assuringly.

I glanced at him and felt the urge to ask something I've been thinking ever since I saved him, "Zuko... Can I ask you something?"

He nodded, his eyes distant. I chose my words carefully as I spoke, "When I came to get you out of the ship... I saw you come from my chamber..."

Zuko's eyes widened and his hand on my knee fell. I immediately realised that I shouldn't have asked...

"I'm sorry. If you don't want-"

"I missed you..." he spoke, his voice barely a whisper.

"What?"

"I missed you, Yara... I-I messed up... so bad. When I got the messenger hawk from Zhao, I panicked. He gets what he wants. I knew he'd definitely come to get you if I don't send you back. I-I... couldn't think of any other way. And you wouldn't have left if I'd told you the truth-"