Bad Choices (Zuko x Reader)

3: The Promise

Less than three days later in the Earth Kingdom, directly after visiting his father, someone tried to kill Fire Lord Zuko using poisoned needles. It was only by the help of Mai's quick stars that he was even alive.

He was still shaking when we sat up in bed with Mai.

How did I even end up in here? It's just a bad choice. I don't like Mai like this... I didn't even want to do this... I have to go see Uncle in the morning... I need to find out what happened to YN... He thought to himself.

"I'm so glad that you're safe, Zuko." Mai laid on his bare chest. "Who would have thought that even here, in the Earth Kingdom, that we'd have to worry about that kind of stuff."

"It's not 'we', it's me." Zuko turned his head and then his body to get out of bed. "I've got to go meet the Avatar."

"Seriously?" She scoffed. "You were just with him all day! I get you for two minutes and you're running back to him. You are dating me not him."

No. Zuko thought as he pulled on an Earth Kingdom robe. I'm dating YN. But she completely disappeared. Weeks ago. Not a trace.

But that wasn't true either. You had left a trace. And currently, that trace was with Iroh, waiting to be put in Zuko's hand. It would have to wait until tomorrow though. Tonight was a celebration and everyone was getting on Appa to watch the fireworks.

"Ha ha! Let's go again!" Aang cheered as he sent Appa in a nosedive, causing Zuko and his sour face to cling onto the saddle.

"Wait, guys! The fireworks are starting!" Suki, who had joined for the festivities, cheered out.

"Wow, the view is amazing!" Katara yelled as the bright lights boomed around them.

"It is! Thanks Buddy!" Aang listened to Appa's growl of appreciation and the Earth Kingdom's cheers. "Sounds like the Earth King just announced the Harmony Restoration Movement!"

"Hey, wanna know what fireworks are like for me?" Toph asked Sokka. "Close your eyes."

Obediently, he closed his eyes.

"BOOOOOM!" She screamed in his ear, causing him to scream back and roll in pain on the saddle.

"Oh, Toph!" Katara laughed and hugged the young girl. "Don't be such a grump! You're out with friends on a beautiful night, celebrating the fact that we saved the world!"

"True." She nodded as Aang turned his attention to the sullen Fire Lord.

"You, too, your majesty, Fire Lord Zuko, Sir! Turn that frown upside down! It's happy time!"

There was no response.

"Zuko..." He pried again.

"I visited my father in prison the other day... I've been meaning to ask you for a favor, Aang." Zuko finally spoke up.

"Sure, anything."

"If you ever see me turning into my father, I want you to... I want you to end me."

"What?!" Aang was shocked.

"Even now, after everything that's happened, my family's legacy is still a part of me. That's why it's my duty to heal the scars that the Fire Nation has left on the world. But the Fire Lord's throne comes with a lot of pressures. And if I'm honest with myself... I need a safety net. And the world needs a safety net. That's what I need you to be, Aang. The safety net."

"Zuko, you're not your dad! And you're my friend! How can you expect me--"

"As your friend, I'm asking you-- If you ever see me go bad, end me. Promise me, Aang."

Katara nodded.

"Fine." Aang acquiesced. "I promise."