Searching (Zuko x OC)

Chapter 8

When I woke up, my headache was gone. My body still ached from the bruises, but it was more of an annoyance than a pain. I opened my eyes and stared at the ceiling for a few seconds before sitting up.

I looked to the side of the bed and saw Zuko on the floor with only a pillow. I laughed a little bit at the sight. The mighty Prince Zuko sleeping peacefully on the ground. I swung my legs off the bed and get up, grabbing the blanket and laying it over him.

I grabbed my clothes from the night before and then returned to my room. I found the loosest shirt I could find from my closet to change into and then changed into some pants. I took off the robe Zuko lent me and slipped the loose shirt over my hips and slid my arms through.

I grabbed the robe and knocked on Zuko's door.

"Zuko, it's me," I said.

There was a few moments of silence before the door opened. Zuko looked wide awake and was dressed like he was ready to go somewhere.

"I have the robe you let me borrow," I explained, holding the robe out for him to grab.

"Oh," he said, taking it from me, "Thanks."

"Where are you going? Usually you train first thing in the morning," I asked.

"The ship is being repaired. We're stopping at Captain Zhao's dock," he explained before brushing past me and walking up to the deck.

I rolled my eyes as I followed after him. Zuko hates Zhao and I couldn't blame him. He was an awful man. Zuko tended to get pissy when we had to be around him. It was rare but it was never a fun experience.

When I walked up on deck, I saw Zuko standing by the railing and Uncle playing Pai Sho. He was playing against himself since Zuko hated playing, so I decided to have him teach me. I sat across from him and he smiled.

"Good morning Sora," he greeted.

"Morning Uncle. I was hoping you could teach me how to play," I said, gesturing to the board.

I saw a sparkle in his eyes and my request and he immediately launched into his explanation. I tried to pay close attention to his words, but my eyes kept drifting to Zuko. There was something about the way he firebent that captured him perfectly. It was angry and precise but also beautiful and graceful. I couldn't help but watch. I snapped out of it when the helmsman caught our attention.

"We've almost arrived," he informed us.

Uncle Iroh nodded as he walked back into the ship.

"Looks like our lesson will have to wait," he said with a soft smile.

"That's alright. I'll find something to do," I replied before slowly getting up from her sitting position, hissing from the pain.

"Are you alright?" Uncle Iroh asked concerned.

"I'm still sore from yesterday. I have a lot of bruises," I explained, lifting my shirt slightly to show him.

"You should come with us when we dock. I'm not leaving you alone," Zuko interrupted.

I looked to see Zuko standing next to me a few inches away.

"Are you sure that's a good idea? I'm not in fighting condition so I won't be able to-" I tried to say before Zuko stopped me.

"You're coming," he said firmly.

"Well I guess that settles it then," I said as I rolled my eyes.

It wasn't much longer before we were walking down the port. Zuko had insisted that I walk between him and Uncle so that they could keep watch on me. I thought it was a bit excessive, but I liked the change in roles. I was usually the one watching out for Zuko so I let it happen this one time.