Bad Choices (Zuko x Reader)

4: The Note

"Don't you want any breakfast?" Mai sat up in bed abruptly as Zuko flung himself out of the comfortable sleeping area. "Or like, any kind of intimacy or calmness in the morning? It's like a fire ant bit you."

"I have to go see my uncle." Zuko responded gruffly.

"This early? Without even saying good morning to me? After I saved your life?"

"You know, no one asked you to!" Zuko snapped.

"You know, I think the entire Fire Nation did." Mai retorted. "But go ahead. Just go on whatever super important business you have. Hope you don't get assassinated, because I am going to enjoy this large, comfortable bed."

"Whatever." Zuko grumbled, pulling on his robe and leaving the room.

The walk to Iroh was not too long; perhaps forty-five minutes. But when he got there, his mood was lifted decently.

"My precious nephew turned Fire Lord!" Iroh walked over and hugged him sincerely. "How good it is to see you. I have missed you deeply! Come sit. We have much to discuss."

Secretly, it was killing the old man not to spill the secret he held within him, but there was no choice. Instead, he grabbed the letter that he kept with his best tea cups and joined Zuko at the tea table.

"Please," Iroh refrained from handing him the letter immediately. "Tell me how you are feeling."

"I can't do it Uncle." Zuko placed his head in his hands. "I am not cut out for this position."

"Zuko. Look at me." Iroh's face shifted.

Zuko shook his head as tears began to escape his eyes.

"Look at me, Zuko!" Iroh demanded. Zuko tore his eyes from behinds his fingers and looked up at the stern old man. "You have no choice. You are the Fire Lord now. You will not be perfect and you will make mistakes; but you will learn. You will grow! And you will have friends and family to help you."

"Uncle..." Zuko frowned as he wiped at his eyes. "I miss her so much. Where did she go?"

"Here." Iroh handed Zuko the note. "This is where."

Shakily, he grasped the note and opened it to read.

Zu,

I have to go back to the Swamplands for my family. Do not forget about me! I am sorry to leave so abruptly, but they need me there. Promise to see me after you win and to tell me all your stories. I'll be sure to show you everything cool in the swamp when you come. And I'll introduce you to my family and my catgator. I will keep your necklace on to remember you all the time.

I love you,

YN

The paper got wet as his tears dropped onto it.

"Why... Why didn't you find me and give this to me?!" Zuko looked up at Iroh in anger. "Why didn't she give it to me in person!? She could have even just said something!"

That witch! Zuko cursed. Why would she leave me when I need her so much! She just up and left! And then telling me that I have to come and see her! When she knows that I am the leader of a nation and she's just a nothing member of a nothing nation!