The Girl That Waited (Jin x Zuko fanfic/AU)

Choices

(POV: Jin)

Jin and Etta sat on Jin's bed, the bed creaking as they sat on it. Jin looked at Etta, the pain at the thought of what could've possibly happened to Zuko felt like a knife stabbing straight through her heart. She also felt guilty that she would've pushed the possibility away because of HER feelings. Etta's green eyes met Jin's slightly darker ones and were full of sympathy. Despite having such a temper, and being so chaotic at times, Etta had Jin's back. Through the ups and downs. Jin knew this, and was greatful for it.
"Sis... What's wrong?"
The 10 year old asked. Jin sighed.
"It's... It's Zuko... I don't know why I didn't consider it soo- well I did, but I pushed it out of my mind because of how horrible it was. But... Now it's back... And... The more I think about it, the more it becomes the only reasonable explanation..."
Jin said, trying to figure out how to say the last part.
"The only reasonable explanation to what? Spit it out."
Etta said. Etta made it clear she didn't want to be suger coated on this, even if she was just a tiny 10 year old.
"I... Don't think his scar was an accident.. Of any type.. I think it was intentional."
She replied. Etta's eyes had not even a scrap of surprise or shock.
"Figured it myself. Didn't think you thought any different. I first thought it was some type of training accident until I saw it more closely."
Of course, Jin didn't know that Etta had lied in that moment and that her half-sister actually had an idea behind what had happened. Etta just gave Jin a small hug and set a letter in Jin's lap before leaving the room. It was a letter from Zuko. It seemed the letter had gotten to the house while Jin was helping with market booths. Jin quickly opened the letter and what the stranger said earlier about the portrait thing proved to be true.
"Dear Jin,
Uhh.. Hello... Zuko here.. Well you already know that. Anyways, I just wanted to say that.. I.. I don't even know exactly how I feel from the letter you have me before.. But, not in a bad way! It's... Well, again I can't explain. Anyways, since I don't know what to write in response to the letter, I'll just tell you how my life is going so far. Being the Firelord is so busy. It's... Exhausting really... Because, like I still have free time as Firelord, but it's so hard to try to come up with decisions to make so many people happy and knowing that the decisions you make, could greatly affect them. And... To be honest... I never know if I'm making the right decision. Although right now, there's been one thing that's this giant wall for me. The painters won't paint me on my good side! And... I don't want my scar to be etched through history! Do... You have any advice..? I don't wanna make this your problem of course but... If you can help me.. Please do. And sorry that this letter is so huge and awkward.
Love, Zuko"
Jin chuckled at the awkwardness in the start of the letter until it got further on. A tear welled in her eye. All this did was support her thoughts. Then, all of a sudden... She wanted to know. Like deeply wanted to know. But... She didn't wanna press Zuko. Now she had a choice to make. She understood the stress that Zuko went through, having to make important choices, but worse because some of Zuko's literally changed people's world. Choices. How could she pick. She wanted to know, but she didn't wanna press. How could she make such a choice?