Tale of Lu Ten

Family pt. 3

Zuko groaned as he woke up, the last of his dream haunting his waking thoughts.

What was that?

He had dreamed of dragons. Two dragons, blue and red. Both whispered into his ear until eventually, the blue dragon ate him.

I feel light...

He sat up as the wet towel on his forehead fell to the floor.

He looked around the room, the last of his dream fading to his subconscious as he took in his surroundings.

He paused as he spotted Lu Ten sleeping on the mat next to him, face scrunched up in nightmares that Zuko knew were different from his own.

He's alive...

Zuko remembered his escapade to Lake Laogai, the secret cell he found underneath that housed more than just the Avatar's Bison.

He watched Lu Ten breathe out slowly, scowling in disgust at his past actions.

I can't believe I almost let my cousin die just because I wanted the throne. What the hell was I thinking?

Zuko's mind had cleared up after his dream.

We're safe now... The Dai Lee probably think Lu Ten died under Lake Laogai. We'll be safe here while Lu Ten recovers.

Zuko breathed out in relief, finally feeling like he had done something right for once.

He stilled as Lu Ten stirred, watching with anticipation as Lu Ten opened his eyes.

Lu Ten caught his gaze, their golden irises meeting as neither made a move to talk.

Zuko gulped, "Hey Lu Ten... It's been a while."

Zuko mentally slammed his head into the floor, wanting to throw himself off a building with how awkward he was being.

Seriously? It's been a while. He's been in that shitty cave for years. Of course, it's been a while.

He was saved from his mortification when Lu Ten chuckled, "No kidding baby cousin."

Zuko looked away, a little embarrassed that Lu Ten still used his old nickname.

Zuko muttered under his breath, "I'm not a baby..."

I'm the prince of the Fire Nation. Or ex-prince I guess. Actually, I'm not even an ex-prince anymore since Lu Ten came back.

Lu Ten laughed at Zuko's pouting face, his demeanor reminding him of when he would catch Zuko sneaking into the palace kitchen for desserts when they were young.

Lu Ten wiped the tears from his eyes, "I guess you're not a baby anymore huh..."

He looked toward Zuko, the little kid he used to know replaced with the one that saved him from his imprisonment.

"Yeah, I guess you've grown up."

Zuko's eyes widened at Lu Ten's somber tone, being hit with the reminder that Lu Ten hadn't been there to see him grow up.

Zuko spoke in a shaky voice, "Yeah, I guess I have..."

They stayed silent as they tried to think of things to say, the fact that they hadn't seen each other in years adding to the distance between them.

Zuko tilted his head away from his cousin's gaze, "I'm glad you're alive you know... When we thought you died everyone in the palace was heartbroken. It might have been the only time I've seen Azula be quiet."