Freedom And Honor| Zuko x NB!Reader

Chapter 10: The Storm

You were recovering just fine. With the checkups, making sure to stretch and keep your body active, you bounced back fast.

You sat at your spot at Iroh's table on the deck, he had recommended you to continue some training as soon as you felt better enough to do so.

Sometimes you think he forgets you are planning to leave again. Or maybe he knows that. Either way, it has you back at the table watching Zuko train is butt off more than ever.

Once Zuko finished the advance set he was working on, he looked to Iroh for feedback or approval. You locked eyes with him for a moment and noticed just how large the bags under his eyes were. He hadn't been resting well since he's had close calls with the avatar lately.

You shook your head at the rising concern for his health. You thought to yourself that you shouldn't worry yourself since he wouldn't do the same for you. At least you think.

"Are you well enough to try learning this set?" Iroh turned to you.

"What?" You ask is shock.
"WHAT?!" Zuko asks is more shock, "Uncle! They are with the enemy why would you teach them the set!" He yelled.

"I hate to agree-and I mean really hate to agree with Zuko," you chime in earning a glare from Zuko, "why would you teach me anymore if I might go back to the others?" You ask.

"One should never stop learning and growing." Was all Iroh's response, "It was merely a suggestion, it is your choice in the end."

"I refuse this!" Zuko yelled and glared at you. You felt your eye twitch.

"You know what, I will learn." You say to Iroh and then return Zuko glare, "deal with it Princey."

Zuko shouted and flipped the table, Iroh saved the tea he had and calmly stood up as Zuko stormed inside. Some crew members were outside witnessing the whole scene and began whispering to each other. You weren't quite aware that you were the only one who was able to speak to Zuko that way and not get thrown overboard or in a cell.

"Shall we begin?" Iroh asks.

————

The advanced set was much more challenging to translate into water bending. It was a lot more fire bending techniques so you had to really adapt.

You quickly got re-accustomed to the ship life as you fully healed. You found yourself too busy practicing you combat and trying to learn the fire nation recipes to look for your old gloves you've left on the ship.

You kind of gotten used to being gloveless since you lost the one glove. You almost felt your water bending was easier to do. But whether it was actual restrictions or mental you wouldn't know.

You spent your time out on the deck, practicing or looking out at the distant water. There was no plan on stopping anywhere with land. No way for you to leave anytime soon. Some times you wished you could make a boat out of ice and leave. But you don't know how to do that, and you don't know where land is. 

"Out of my way Peasant! I'm training!" Zuko's loud, annoying voice broke you out of your thoughts. You turn to face him. Lately the sight of him has annoyed you more than usual. 

"Well so am I!" you replied, crossing your arms. 

"Not anymore. This is my ship." he said getting in your face. "I decide who does what"

You wanted to say something back but you knew you were treading on thin ice already so you huffed and stepped to the side with a grumble. You couldn't get away any faster.