The Fire Within - an atla fanfic (Zuko x OC)

I Sometimes Wish

I looked down at Zuko in concern as I had been the past few days. Zuko was sick. Uncle explained to me that Zuko was going through some sort of 'metamorphosis' due to how he was in turmoil. One right decision, and Zuko's whole body shut down. Typical. While I tried to roll my eyes about the whole situation, I was still incredibly nervous about it all. Zuko was so sick. He briefly woke up the day before, gulped down some water, and fell back asleep. I heard him last night wake up from a nightmare, but before I could even ask him what was wrong, he was back asleep. It was so frustrating.

"Ashley, perhaps you should go take a walk. You've been spending too much time cramped up in here." Iroh suggested.

"No, Uncle, I'm fine." I replied, crossing my legs to get more comfortable. "I'm staying here 'til Zuko wakes back up."

"Well, in that case, I'm going to the tea shop. I still need to unpack a few things before we are ready to open." Iroh walked over to the door. "Would you mind making dinner?"

"No problem. Noodles again?" I asked.

"Yes." Iroh smiled in delight and left.

I closed my eyes and sighed. I tried my best to meditate, or whatever. I saw Zuko doing it a few times on the ship. It seemed easy, but in reality it was difficult. It was hard for me to sit in one position for such a long time. After a while, I heard Zuko grunt, and stand up. I opened my eyes and looked up at him in confusion. He ran walked to the bathroom and screamed in the mirror. I stood up and ran up behind him. "Zuko? What's wrong?"

Zuko shook his head and looked back at the mirror. "Nothing."

"A bad dream?" I asked lightly.

"Yeah." He answered.

"Are you hungry?" I asked. "You haven't eaten for a long time."

Zuko walked out and plopped down in front of the kitchen table. "Yeah, I guess so. How long was I out?" Zuko asked as I got out some leftovers from dinner yesterday.

"Uh, a few days." I replied, heating up his food with my fire bending. Iroh told us not to use it, but I didn't have the patience not to. I handed him the plate and sat down next to him. "Uncle is opening the tea shop tomorrow."

"Thanks." Zuko said, taking the plate.

I watched Zuko closely. He was acting different. Usually he didn't give thanks for anything. "Do you.. feel normal again?"

"Yeah, just tired." Zuko said as he ate.

"Alright, well I made your bed so you don't have to lay on the ground anymore." I said with a smile.

"Thanks, Ash." Zuko responded with a smile.

I looked at Zuko like he was crazy. He was definitely different.

———

It was the next morning. I was sitting in front of the kitchen table, trying my best to avoid whatever Iroh had made for breakfast. Zuko walked in the kitchen in his uniform for the tea shop. "What's that smell?"

"It's jook." Iroh said doubtfully. "I'm sure you wouldn't like it."

Zuko bowed over the pot, inhaling, as Iroh stepped back. "Actually, it smells delicious. I'd love a bowl, Uncle." He picked up and held out a bowl.

I watched in confusion.

"Now that your fever is gone, you seem different somehow." Iroh said in suspicion. He ladled some jook into Zuko's bowl.

"It's a new day. We've got a new apartment, new furniture, and today's the grand opening of your new tea shop. Things are looking up Uncle." Zuko said optimistically.

I looked at Uncle in confusion, but he seemed to be more pleased at Zuko's new attitude rather than concerned like me.

Zuko sat down next to me and started eating. "Would you like some?" He asked me.

"Uh, no." I said with an awkward smile.

They both finished eating and then we went to work.

"Who thought when we came to this city as refugees, that I'd end up owning my own tea shop. Follow your passion Zuko, and life will reward you." Uncle said.

"Congratulations Uncle." Zuko said cheerfully.

"I'm very thankful." Iroh said with a smile.

"You deserve it. The Jasmine Dragon will be the best tea shop in the city." Zuko said confidently.

"No, I'm thankful because you decided to share this special day with me. It means more than you know." Zuko gave him a warm hug.

I watched from the front of the restaurant in surprise.

"Now let's make these people some tea." Zuko said enthusiastically.

"Yes! Let's make some tea!" Uncle said eagerly.

It was now my job to lead guests to their seats. It was a lot more fun than how I used to have to wash dishes all the time. I could make small talk with people, while still not doing much physical work. It was very busy; however, and I commonly had to run and back and forth to the entrance.

I ran back to the entrance to take another customer to a table. "Hi, table for-" I started. I froze as I realized Katara was in front of me.

Katara whispered a gasp. "Ashley?"

"Uncle, I need two jasmine, one green and one lychee!" Zuko said behind me.

"I'm brewing as fast as I can!" Iroh responded.

"Katara, don't freak out!" I whispered.

She turned and fled as fast as she could down the front steps of the tea shop, and raced away.

"Damn it." I said in anger. I sighed and decided not to chase her. I had to stay here so Zuko didn't inquire about who I was chasing. Hopefully Katara wasn't going to go tell everyone and their mother we were here. Then again, knowing Katara, she probably would.

———

a/n- I know this chapter is super short but I wanted to quickly just thank everyone who has supported and voted for this book. When I started writing, I was mostly just bored, but I've found that it's truly an outlet for me to be creative and just get into a better mood. I never expected that it would be more than that. People actually, like, read it and that's really weird to me (but in a good way). Either way, I hope you enjoy, because it truly makes my day to see the comments and votes you guys leave. It's so amazing to see the ATLA fan base growing so much after its been put on Netflix. I can only hope that it keeps getting bigger :) Also, thanks for 1K reads! I hope I didn't blab too long, just wanted to let everyone know how much this means ❤️