Zuko's Girl

The Kiss

Zuko and I haven't really talked much since our talk a few nights ago, but Iroh was kind enough to teach me some fire bending. I took my stance as Iroh watched me carefully " Take in a deep breath and release it slowly. You should feel the energy moving through your body through each breath". " I can feel it" I spoke up as I closed my eyes to concentrate " Good, now I want you focus on that energy, picture it in your mind. The colour, the warmth, the feel of it" I nodded as I pictured it, the warm red energy flowing through me. " On the count of three, I want you to do the first form I showed you, but picture the energy shooting out of your hands. And keep your eyes open".

I took in a slow deep breath as I opened my eyes, " One" Iroh began counting as I pictured the energy running through me. " Two!" I was ready, after hours of training with Iroh I was ready to see my power. " Three!" On three I did the first firm, pushing forward with my right leg and shooting my right arm forward. As I did a huge flame shot out of my hand and I looked in surprise at it, even when it was in front of me I could feel the strength and power it had. " Excellent work Scarlett! Your form has improved greatly" " Thank you Iroh" I bowed.

" What are you doing uncle? Your supposed to be helping me find the avatar!" Zuko yelled as he arrived on deck. " Easy nephew, I was helping Scarlett with her bending. She has quite the strength in her" " She's nothing more than a peasant girl from the south" Zuko groaned " Excuse me?". I stood an inch from Zuko and stared up at him " Want to say that again?" " Your a filthy peasant from a wasteland, you don't deserve the power of fire". " Prince Zuko! You don't speak to your guest like that"  " Its alright Iroh, I would expect nothing less from a braty banished prince".

" What did you say?" " Oh did I hit a nerve? Did daddy not want you so you run around playing prince while mommy ran away", " At least I know who my parents are". I roared in anger as I shoved Zuko back before kicking flames at him. Zuko easily deflected my attacks before firing a few of his owns, I quickly avoided the fire and raised my arm as Zuko did causing a huge fire to shoot into the sky. " I said enough!" Iroh yelled at us both, Zuko and I glared at each other as the flames died down.

" Scarlett I hope to never see you act like this again, but you Zuko. I taught you better than this!" " I want the girl off my ship" " We're in the middle of the ocean". Zuko grabbed my shirt and pulled me into his face " Once we dock again I want you off my ship" " And how am I supposed to get home?" " Walk for all I care". I watched as Zuko disappeared back into the ship, I turned around and screamed causing the water to rock the ship violently.

" Scarlett please calm down" Iroh grabbed my shoulder " My nephew is not worth your wrath". " How can you stand to be around someone like that? Family or not he is an ungrateful brat" " I know he seems like a hot head, trust me he is but it isnt his fault. His father is cruel and tempered, Zuko may not realise it but he is taking on his fathers traits of anger and hate since his banishment. He is alone and scared, remember Scarlett he too is young, too young to have to this path. But I hope you will see past that and help him". " Me? Help him? Don't make me laugh, besides you heard what he said, he's kicking me off the ship at the next dock". " Give him a few minutes to calm down, I will talk to him. I want you to join me for dinner this evening" " Oh sure, I'd love to".

I knocked on Iroh's door when it was dinner time, " Ah Scarlett it's nice of you to join us" " Us?". I turned my head to see Zuko sitting at the table in his casual clothes, " What is she doing here?" " You two need to sort this out. You were growing into friends up until a few days ago and I won't allow your ridiculous arguing to endanger or interrupt my men any longer". " My men" Zuko groaned " No Zuko, my men. The way you have been acting lately deserves no respect or loyalty and that is what you receive from our crew. They too have been taken away from their families, you and the crew are the same. If you want their support and loyalty then act like the man you are and treat them with respect!".

Iroh took a breath before standing up " I'll leave you two to sort this out now, by morning I expect to hear good news". Iroh left leaving Zuko and I in the room, we both stayed quiet for a while until Zuko sighed " I'm sorry about what I said. It wasnt right of me to make fun of your parents " " I'm sorry too, I shouldn't have mocked you about your banishment". " Your fire bending is coming along good, uncle was right you really are powerful. You'll be a very strong fire bender when you're fully trained". I felt a small blush appear on my cheeks and I smiled " Thank you- uh sorry for attacking you earlier" " I deserved it, I wasnt being the nicest host".

We talked and joked for a few minutes before I rubbed the back of my neck " What's wrong?" " Huh? Oh, I hurt the back of my neck earlier, I think I pulled something" " I did the same thing when uncle started training me, I know how to fix it, let me see". Zuko sat behind me as I moved my hair over my shoulder, my pale skin exposed to him. I shivered as I felt his fingers trace my back " Does that hurt?" " Yeah " " I know how to fix it, this might hurt so try not to move".

I winced as Zuko massaged the spot for a few moments. He stopped but left his hands on my skin " How does that feel?" " It feels better, thank you Zuko" I smiled as I turned around to face him. Our faces were only inches apart, my face flushed red as his lips were almost touching mine. " Zuko" " Don't say anything " he whispered before pressing his lips against mine.