Burning Pile (Prince Zuko Book 1)

*twelve*

They were walking in an uncomfortable silence as Aurora fidgeted with the fabric of her skirt. Zuko gave her unnoticeable glances, not knowing what he should say. "It's a beautiful day today, isn't it?" The young girl said looking around with a smile, admiring the people around her.

"Sure." The Prince was acting quiet stiffly, compared to Aurora it was quiet hilarious to see. "Are you okay?" A soft giggle escaped her mouth, making the prince look at her. "I'm fine." His answer was quick as his eyes continued staring at the stones on the floor as they walked.

As they continued walking, they reached some small shops. "Uncle Iroh wanted us to get some tea." Zuko said as he continued walking, looking to his side only to see no one there. "What- Hey what are you doing?" He found her standing by a small shop talking to the owner.

"Of course, I would like this one right here, please." Aurora pointed towards a book, not paying attention to the prince in any way. "This one is one of my favorites as well." The owner said giving her a small smile, until she noticed the prince walking up to her.

"What are you doing here?" Zuko was getting impatient. "Since someone burned almost every book I own, I thought I could get new ones. The shop owner was very nice about it as well, could you imagine how cheap she sold them to me?" An excited smile was on Auroras face as she turned slightly to the prince.

"Thank you so much, here have a little more." Aurora gave her more money then what she asked for and the owner thanked her over and over again. "It's no worry." The young girl tried to continue the conversation but Zuko pulled her by her arm away, so that they could continue their walk.

Aurora looked up to the prince raising an eyebrow. His eyes found hers and his breath hitched unnoticeable. "What?" His voice was a bit more quiet. "You're very rude, I was in the middle of a conversation." A small pout was on her face as she continued walking quietly next to him. "We needed to get going." He tried to reason with her, but she completely ignored him, walking to a small tea shop getting Irohs favorite tea.

"Stop ignoring me." Zuko finally said, as they almost reached the ship. "Come on, Aurora." She was walking in front of him, so he wouldn't see her smile. As they reached the deck it was empty. The prince used it as a chance to get her to talk to him. His hands found her waist, turning her around. His body being pressed against hers as he cornered her between himself and the railing

Her cheeks started feeling like they're on fire as she lowered her head. Zuko placed a finger under her chin, making her look back up. A smirk on his face. "So we're ignoring me now, to tease me, huh?" His voice was huskier then usual, bringing butterflies to Auroras stomach. "I don't know what you mean, my prince." An innocent smile on her face as she leaned more against the railing. "Of course you don't." He mumbled watching her face closely.

His eyes fell onto her lips before looking back up into her eyes. Her eyes were always so bright, he used to wonder how, he still does. "You confuse me..." Her voice was soft, he barely heard her. "How?" His hand wandering up to cup her cheek softly. "One time you're sweet, you laugh with me, even give me a smile." A soft smile grazed her features. "But other times, you say so hurtful things. You push me away so often only to pull me back with little things."

Realization of what he was doing right now washed over him, pulling away completely. A slight pain was in Auroras eyes but he looked away. "You're right, I should stop this." With this being his last words he walked away. A breath escaped the young girls lips, a smile still on her face.

The boy was starting to open up to her, to show a different side, and she liked it. Maybe helping him find the avatar won't be as bad as she thought it would be.