Freedom And Honor| Zuko x NB!Reader

Chapter 5: Kyoshi Escape

It was a careful few days as the ship was taken to a repair dock. You're thankful you didn't catch a cold from the events of the avatar encounter. But you did notice a change in Zuko. His walk had a boost in urgency since then, and he stood out on the deck each evening. Looking for him.

You often think back to the opportunity to leave that you were given. Was it a missed window? Did you hesitate? Why didn't you go with them?
Your thoughts riddled your mind and you sighed. You walk out on the deck to clean it once more, only to be met with the brooding prince himself.

It's somewhat of a common encounter at this point so all you do is start mopping. It's a silent air between you two until you decided to speak up.
"So what now?" You asked as you moved the water.

"What's that supposed to mean?" He sounded defensive already.

"Are you just going to keep going after him?"

"That's a stupid question. I'm going to capture The Avatar. Even if it is a kid." He spoke as he looked out into the distance. He sounded almost insulted you even asked.

"Right, I forgot, your entire plan of 'just get him'" you spoke with sarcasm. Maybe it was a stupid decision sure, you had your frustrations leaking into your words toward the prince.

"My plans are no business of yours." He glared. There was a moment of silence before he spoke again, "Why didn't you leave?" He asked. He wasn't sure why he did, it's not like he cared what an orphaned peasant does or does not do.

"It's not for my loyalty to the fire nation that's for sure," you spoke, "I guess there wasn't time." You answered honestly as you looked up to the horizon as a breeze brushed by. You had no plan or business to spill your worries to the prince of the fire nation, however. With a brief sigh, you decided to head in first, leaving the hothead out in the chill of the night.

Your demeanor didn't go unnoticed, but Zuko huffed and went back to brooding. He turned his mind back to the important, the capture of the Avatar.

-

Making it to the repair dock was nerve-wracking, to say the least. Of course not to any other crew member but to you, the only water bender, it was terrifying and the last place you wanted to be. The crew was told to get off so the ship could be repaired and you stuck close to the people you somewhat knew. You fit right in, but you felt like they all knew you did not belong. You felt like their eyes watched every step you took, like one wrong breath would be the end of your life.

Inside, you were down right terrified.

It felt like an eternity and you almost couldn't quite process the soldiers questioning you about the avatar. You weren't sure what to say but noticed the rest of the crew confirm Zuko had the avatar. So to seem less suspicious, you said the same. They soon left.

'That can't be good' you thought.

Shortly afterwards you saw the commander that Zuko left with. But no Zuko.

'That definitely can't be good' You felt worry build up in your gut. Before you could ask any questions the crew was told they could return to the ship. The entire time, you kept wondering where Zuko was. Was he getting more soldiers?

You kept busy with some basic chores when you see Zuko storm onto the deck, as angry as ever.

"Whoa what-" You started to ask.

"Shut it!" He yelled as he stormed to his quarters. You frowned and huffed in response.

"Forgive him. There was an incident and he has asked Commander Zhao to a duel. He must get prepared." Iroh defended him.