Fighting Fire with Fire ~ ☼ ZUKO X OC ☼

Chapter 7

Dust settles on the sky as I find myself pacing in the alley way I had a mental breakdown two days before, wow, a lot really can change in 48 hours. Zuko said that Iroh makes a pot of tea in the evening, but I don't know if it was an invitation to come back or just a fun fact he mentioned to fill the air. I groan, dropping my head to the wall in front of me.

"Come on, just stop over thinking this, Virra." I mutter, trying to talk myself out of this psyched out state. I finally lift my head from the wall and poke my head out to look at the tea shop, the lanterns outside burning brighter as I watch.

After only a few seconds, Zuko walks out with Iroh, his hair looks slicked back and super weird. I can't make out what Iroh mutters to Zuko as he swats his hand away. I find myself grinning at their interaction as Iroh walks back into the shop, closing the door behind him. A younger girl walks out of the alleyway and walks towards Zuko. He snaps his head at her as she comes up beside him and messes up his hair. He quickly inches away trying to fix the damage she did, but personally I think it looks better.

After a little too long I realise it is more than just a friendly interaction and rather a more romantic one. I'm not angry, nor am I disappointed, I think I'm just surprised. As I zone out they walk off together down the street. A small scoff escapes my lips as I storm over to the tea shop and push away the cloth, passing through into it. Man, he is making it hard to tolerate him right now.

"Why doesn't he remember me?" I blurt to Iroh's back as he cleans the bar of the empty shop. He looks over his shoulder at me before turning around to face me.

"Ah, good to see you Virra." He chuckles.

"It's not funny Ir- Mushi." I correct myself, not sure if anyone is around.

He laughs before looking back to me, "He has grown up a lot, Virra and so have you. Lee has been through a lot the last few years, you know that. I don't think it's that he doesn't remember you. I think it's that he doesnt recognise you." He sighs. My eyebrows furrow at his comment.

"That's no excuse. We were best friends." I snap back. "You know what, forget it, forget this all. I won't come back, you don't have to worry about me outing you. He will never have to see me again. I'm done, he was an idiot then and he still is one now, maybe I am too." I grunt, trying to control my emotions as I make my way to the door.

"Virra!" Iroh calls. But I'm already out the door.

"Woah!" A voice laughs as I walk into them. "Oh it's you again." Zuko chuckles next to the girl, grinning at her.

"Yes, it's me." I snap, "It seems I missed that pot of special blends of tea you were talking about." I mutter, stepping back. "Have a good night." I spit bitterly, turning around and walking down the alleyway.

Never again am I going to let myself be upset by him. He thinks he picked the wrong sister? Fine. Maybe he did. But as of right now I have no intention of speaking to him ever again.

☯

By the time I reach the house the sunset is barely peeking over the wall behind it. I scoff under my breath both processing my embarrassment and anger as I push open the front door.

"Where have you been!" Sokka stands up abruptly from the table staring at me as I take off my shoes.

"Out." I mutter putting them to the side and closing the door.

"Out? Out! Virra, you said you'd be home before sunset! We were starting to worry about you!" He continues to scold me.

"Where have you been?" Katara asks more calmly, yet her concern still seeps through her voice.