Don't Leave Me (Zuko x OC)

Chapter 6

Day after day my routine never changed. Wake up at sunrise, wash, do my hair, my makeup, get dressed, do whatever was needed of me throughout the day, presumably go on some wacky adventure to capture the Avatar, serve dinner to Zuko, get ready for bed, sleep and do it all over again. 

But today was supposed to be different. 

Today was my 16th birthday. 

After my normal morning routine, I made my way through the hallways up to the steering jig with Nalo scampering at my feet. Once I reached it, I opened the door quietly and greeted those inside; the helmsman, the two servants, an engineer and a few soldiers. 

"Good morning." I greeted with a small bow. 

"Good morning." They all returned. 

I made my way to the Pai Sho table, resetting the board for Iroh's early morning game. 

One of the soldiers, Lin, wandered over, "Good morning, Lady Muri. How are you today?"

"Very good. And yourself?"

Lin chuckled, "I am well. You are very kind to ask, my lady. I believe it is your birthday today?"

I smiled, "Yes, I'm now 16."

"The coming of age for a young lady. I expect the Prince has a great gift for you in store."

"I would be very grateful if he did." I smiled. 

After a delightful chat with Lin, Iroh entered the room with a cheerful smile. 

"Happy birthday, my dear!" He threw his arms up, wrapping them around me in a tight hug, "16 years and you're as beautiful as ever!"

I laughed, "Thank you, Iroh."

"Now what would you like to do for your birthday?" He asked, pulling away. 

"I don't mind, a good meal would be nice."

"Then we shall throw you a feast! No, a party!"

I giggled at his antics as he began discussing preparations with the servants. The dung swung open with a load bang, revealing Zuko in his training gear. 

"There you are, Uncle! We are supposed to be training! What're you doing up here?" He asked angrily, not even sparing me a glance. 

Iroh's grin deflated, "I thought we would have the day off. On account of it being an important day."

"What's so important about today?" He was met with silence so whipped around to the door, "Come on! We're going to train!"

Iroh sent me a sympathetic smile and left with the young prince. It got very quiet as I think everyone came to a realisation. 

Zuko had forgotten my birthday.

The rest of the day was relatively uneventful. I read through my new scrolls, played with Nalo, attempted to go talk to the chef but he shooed me out since he was preparing my birthday dinner, watched Zuko train for a bit, then played a game of cards with Lin. By nightfall, I was dragged into the kitchens by Lin. Everyone was there, surrounding the table with one chair still empty. Sitting down with a wide grin, it faltered a bit when I noticed someone was missing. 

"Iroh," I leaned down and lowered my voice so only he could hear, "Where's Zuko?"

He had a regretful look on his face, "I believe he is not feeling well."

"He's sick?" I asked concerned and went to stand up, "I should go check on him and make sure he is well taken care of-"

"Muri!" Iroh cut me off with warm hands on my shoulders and a playful tone to his voice, "Stop worrying about Prince Zuko and focus on yourself. It is not everyday a young lady comes of age!"