Don't Leave Me (Zuko x OC)

Chapter 5

Sat calmly in the steerage rig, Iroh and I were sipping tea and playing a delightful game of Pai Sho with Nalo on my lap. Unfortunately halfway through, Iroh went to make a move but spat out his tea in horror. Without explanation, he demanded the Helmsman to set a course for the nearest dock. The ship rocked at the sudden turn, sending all the tiles to the floor. I quickly knelt down to pick them up when Zuko burst through the doors. 

"What's the meaning of this mutiny? No one told you to change course!" He yelled at poor man who was just doing his job. 

"Actually someone did." Iroh answered from his seat, "I assure you it is a matter of utmost importance, Prince Zuko."

His eyes widened, "Is it something to do with the Avatar?"

"Even more urgent. It seems, I-ugh-I've lost my lotus tile."

"Lotus tile?"

Iroh stared wistfully at the board that he was tidying up, "For my Pai Sho game. Most people think the lotus tile insignificant. But it is essential for the unusual strategy I employ."

Zuko was not happy, "You've changed our course for a stupid lotus tile?"

"See you like most people underestimate it's value." Iroh informed us, "Just give me ten minutes to check the merchants at this port of call. Hopefully, they'll have the lotus tile in stock and Muri and I can get back to our game."

The Prince finally saw me knelt down on the floor and stomped over. He picked me up by my arms and moved me to sit on the cushion. 

"What're you doing on the floor? That is a servant's job, not yours." He glared at the only two servants we had on the ship who were stood watching us play. They yelped and quickly went to picking the tiles up as Zuko brushed off the muck from my dress. 

I pouted, "I don't mind. It makes me feel bad."

Zuko sighed, "You will be Fire Lady one day. You need to understand where you stand in our hierarchy. They are here to serve us, not the other way around." He turned to Iroh, "I'm still not happy about changing course."

"I'm lucky to have such an understanding nephew." Iroh beamed. 

The port was a very busy place and while I wanted to walk around with Zuko, he seemed very grumpy about the whole thing and wanted to stay put. So I ran off with Nalo on my shoulder to see what I could buy. I ended up very happy with my haul, several gold bracelets, gold earrings and a golden foreheadpiece, a couple scroll on herbs and poisons and a cute bag to carry it all.

Eventually, I returned to where Zuko last was and there he stood, arms crossed and grumpy as ever. Iroh was next to him complaining. 

"I've checked every shop on this pier. Not a single lotus tile in the entire market place."

"It's good to know this trip was a complete waste of time for everyone!" He said angrily, getting right in Iroh's face. 

Iroh replied calmly, "Quite the contrary, I always say the only thing better than finding something you were looking for, is finding something you weren't looking for at a great bargain!"

Several soldiers walked past carrying heaps of random junk.

"You bought a sunghi horn?" Zuko asked, watching the last one walk past carrying the instrument. 

"For music night on the ship." Iroh answered cheerfully. "Now if we could only find some woodwinds."

I approached them, "And look what I got!" 

Showing my new jewellery off to them, I beamed with happiness. 

Zuko smiled at me, put a hand behind my head and it pulled it forward to kiss my forehead, "You look great." He glanced down at my bag, "What's that?"