The Hardest Choice (malereader x avatar)

The Chase (Book 2: Chapter 7)

The rain fell relentlessly, a constant drumbeat against the canopy of trees that surrounded Y/N and his companions. While the dense forest shielded them somewhat from the downpour, the narrow path that Azula insisted they follow was exposed, leaving Y/N soaked and chilled to the bone. He grumbled under his breath, keeping his dissatisfaction quiet, especially when it came to following orders from Azula. Her word was law, and he knew better than to openly disagree with her, but the cold rain was testing his limits.

Y/N trudged at the back of the group, with Azula leading the way and Mai beside her. Ty Lee bounced along behind them, seemingly unbothered by the weather. Y/N preferred to lag behind, his thoughts offering more comfort than any conversation. The rain seemed to amplify his worries, making the path feel longer and more desolate.

His mind wandered to Zuko and Iroh, and he couldn't help but wonder about their fate. It had been too long since he'd last seen them, and while he doubted they were in any real danger—considering Iroh's wisdom and Zuko's determination—he couldn't shake the worry. They were like family to him, Iroh an uncle and Zuko a brother. Yet, here he was, hunting them down.

'Funny how life works,' he thought bitterly, staring into the depths of the forest. 'The two people I care most about are now my enemies.'

His musings were interrupted by Azula's voice, slicing through the steady patter of rain.

"Y/N," she called, her tone deceptively casual, "instead of getting lost in your thoughts, do you think you could keep an eye out for signs of our prey?"

Her words were friendly enough, but Y/N could detect the underlying irritation. He straightened his expression, not wanting to betray his inner thoughts, and replied with measured politeness.

"Of course, Princess. I'm just a bit tired. I'll focus on it right away."

Azula's smile was quick and fleeting, more calculating than kind. "Good," she said, before pausing to add, "Come up here, Y/N. I want to talk to you."

Y/N hesitated briefly but quickened his pace to join her. Mai fell back slightly, giving them some space. They walked in silence for a few moments, the rain a steady companion, before Azula spoke again, a slight frown marring her brow.

"There's no need to be so distant, Y/N. Is something wrong?"

Her question, though sounding concerned, lacked warmth. Y/N knew better than to reveal any sympathy for Iroh and Zuko. He wasn't even sure of his own feelings, and admitting anything to Azula was dangerous. Keeping his tone light, he responded with a laugh.

"I don't mean to be distant, Azula. I'm just cold, wet, and hungry. It's hard to be conversational under these conditions."

Azula's eyes narrowed, a hint of a smile playing on her lips as she dropped her voice to a whisper. "That's a good answer. Too bad it's a lie."

Y/N kept his composure, meeting her gaze with a charming smile. "You don't think I'm cold, wet, and hungry? You give me too much credit."

Azula rolled her eyes, her skepticism evident. "Oh, spare me. I know what you're really thinking about. Don't try to lie to me."

Feigning ignorance, Y/N tilted his head, his smile unwavering. "Please, Princess, enlighten me. What do you think I mean?"

Azula smirked, the rain failing to dampen her satisfaction. "You're thinking about that Water Tribe peasant; the girl. It's obvious."

Y/N nearly choked at her words. Azula was rarely wrong about people, especially those she knew well. Was he truly that hard to read, or was something clouding her judgment? Pushing the thought aside, he smirked.