A Second Flame: Zuko x Reader

Chapter 36

Moonlight waned dim upon the eerie palace. I crept down the halls with a flame in my hand. Each portrait and tapestry I passed seemed to haunt my soul. Why do I feel so sick? It was the dead of night, it's not like anyone's going to catch me.

"(Y/N), over here." A familiar voice whispered. I was meet by warm eyes and a handsome smile.

"Fai, there you are!"

"(Y/N)... you look even more beautiful then the last time I  saw you." He blushed. My face was tinted with color.

"Oh um thank you. You look rather nice yourself Fai." I stammered awkwardly.

"So, how did it go? Have you got any information yet?" He asked a gleam of excitement in his eyes.

A wave of panic fled over me. I saw Zuko lie helplessly in front of Fai, beaten, Fai binding him in chains, me standing by Fai's side. Zuko's eyes stared into my very soul.

"(Y/N) how could you?"

"I don't know anything.... at least nothing interesting." I lied.

"What are you doing (Y/N)?" I thought, "What about Iroh? What about Zuko's betrayal? Isn't this what you want? Why are you being so stupid?"

"What aren't you telling me? You can't tell me after all this time are you still loyal to that dammed spoiled prince? Now spit it out already,  what do you know?" Fai argued changing his tone.

"Don't call him that! I-I umm..."

"What do you know (Y/N)? Tell me now! This is for the good of the Firenation, The world! Tell me what you know!"

Sweat dripped down my cheek, I knew what information Fai wanted, the Avatar was alive. Zuko had told me himself. But if that got out... what would happen to Zuko?

"Isn't there another way we can do this?"

"Think about Azula... what she did to you! Imagine how better you would be if she was gone!" He retorted.

"I-I"

"I-I want out of this plan.. I can't just betray the only man I've ever loved no matter how much he screwed up. There is good in him! If you just give him some time..."

"Do you even hear yourself? You love him? I thought we were in this together!" He snapped grabbing my palm, " and now you tell me that you love that-monster! Tell me what you know. Think about what the Firenation has done."

"Fai, im just give me some more time, please."

"One of these days (Y/N), you'll realize just how horrible Prince Zuko is. But until then," he kissed my forehead, "I'll keep waiting, send me a letter when you're ready to talk again. I'll be around if you change your mind"

"You're too good to me. Honestly, why? After all I've done... why do you still trust me?"

"Because, you were the first person to see me as a person after so many years in the dark.. alone. Or maybe I'm just stupid, who knows." He smiled and I felt ever instinct in my body plummet. What the hell is wrong with me? Why aren't I telling him everything?

I knew exactly why, Zuko. I watched as Fai faded back into the shadows of the palace.

Perhaps I should go visit Iroh... he always knows what to do when Zuko's conflicted. But the prisoner guards probably wouldn't trust me enough to see him. Everyone in this stupid palace seems not to trust me. It took so long for the guards to be distracted enough to sneak out.

"Why does everything need to be so complicated!" I whisper shouted.

"(Y/N)? What are you doing up this late?"