Coco (ATLA) (Book 1)- Major Editing Coming SOON

Winter Solstice: Kyoshi Island

Word count: 2,934

"Heyy, buddy," I greet Zuko while carefully opening his door.

He's meditating.

"The only reason you should be bothering me is if you have any news on the Avatar," he says, eyes still closed.

"Ok, don't be mad, but uncle just wanted me to let you know that-" I pause.

I can't believe uncle is making me do this! Zuko is going to shoot the messenger- literally! And I'm the messenger!

"WevelosttrackoftheAvatar," I say quickly, hoping he doesn't make out what I said.

"What?!"

He quickly stands up, making the candles flare. I cover my face from the falling embers. I look at my hands and give myself a quick look over. I'm surprised I'm not dead.

That went better than I thought.

...

"Thank you, Prince Zuko, for joining us for dinner," uncle says nicely.

"Whatever."

It's too quiet, as usual.

Our dinners are always awkward because Zuko is so quiet, mostly because he's always angry, and me being the newest member of the ship, it causes a lot of tension between the both of us- though I've finally convinced him I'm not spy. I don't really get it. Zuko acts like he hates me, but sometimes he says little nice things that say otherwise, like he has the potential to be a real human being.  I've been on the ship for a while now, and I've seen so many sides to him, sometimes I don't know what side to believe.

"So, Prince Zuko, how... was your birthday?" I ask awkwardly, already knowing the answer. "We didn't really do much..."

I thought this would be easier, but it's not. I just don't want Zuko to blow up or get so mad at me that he throws me overboard regardless of what uncle has to say. I know he doesn't want me here, but I kinda have no other choice.

He says nothing.

"I'm sure he had a nice relaxing day," uncle answers. "It was a nice way to welcome 16."

"Nice, I'm 15. I'll be 16 soon, too."

"I don't care," Zuko answers.

"Ok then..." I mumble, not really knowing what else to say.

"Please excuse my nephew, he's not much for conversation, rough day. So, 16? That's a big deal. Anything special you want for your birthday?"

"I'm not sure."

"Really?" He asks. "There's nothing you've always dreamed of having? Something that would make you happy?"

"Happy? Well honestly, uncle, all I've really wanted is a nice bed to sleep in and a hot meal. I've traveled so many places since losing my mom, and it hasn't always been easy," I admit with a sigh.

Zuko actually looks at me this time.

"But..." I continue. "When I lived in the Fire Nation, my neighbor, she had this flute... I love music, and I've always wanted one, but my parents couldn't afford it... I guess that would be nice."

"I see you're a music lover then. I have quite a knack for the arts myself," uncle replies.

"Really? My family was big in the arts, too! Music, dance, theater, we loved it! My father use to train me. He was a gymnast before... Anyways, my brother would tease me all the time. Said I should be in the circus or something, hehe," I laugh, reminiscing the good old days when my family was together.