Flamed Out (Zuko Love Story)

Chapter Sixteen

When Estella was back on deck next to Zuko, she saw Fire nation ships all around them.
"Estella-"
"Technically you are still in Earth Kingdom waters. Turn back now and they cannot arrest you or take away Estella," Iroh says thoughtfully while stroking his beard.
Zuko only glared at him as he turned back to face Estella who wouldn't look at Zuko in the eyes.
"Estella I'm sorry for yelling. I love you I really do but I'm capturing the avatar so both of us can go home and be with each other freely,"
No answer. Estella just stared straight ahead ignoring Zuko.
He sighed as Uncle placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Give her time my nephew, she'll come around. After all it's you,"
Zuko raised an eyebrow.
"And that's supposed to mean what?"
Iroh only smiled while shaking his head.
"He's not turning around," Zuko says as he saw Appa still flying.
"Please Prince Zuko, if the Fire Nation captures you two, there is nothing I can do. Do not follow the Avatar,"
"I'm sorry Uncle. And Estella. Run the blockade,"
"Your so stupid sometimes," Estella mumbled while crossing her arms.
"GO inside!" Zuko suddenly yelled while pushing Estella.
"What?" She asked confused as she forgot why she was mad at him for a second.
"Go inside so i know your safe! Go now!" He says just as Fire balls were heading towards the ship.
"IM NOT LEAVING YOU!" Estella shouted just as the ship was rocking back in forth due to the closeness of the fireballs.
One fireball manages to land extremely close to the ship and generates a wave that breaks across the deck. Another fireball hits the back part of the ship. Prince Zuko braces himself and Estella against the catapult shielding her from any impact. Once it was finished, He turns towards the front of the ship with Estella still wrapped securely around his arms inspecting the damage. The engine master calls to him as Zuko turns around to speak to him while letting go of Estella. She instantly missed the warmth he had. The engine master points to the billowing fire and smoke behind him.
"Prince Zuko, the engines are damaged! We need to stop and make repairs!"
"Do not stop this ship." Zuko demanded in a serious voice.
"YOUR CRAZY ZUKO! YOUR GETTING US KILLED!" Estella shouted as Zuko only glared at her.
"Look your either with me or against me on this. If your against me Zhao's ship is right there and you can go home," Zuko growls while walking towards her and pointing to his ship.
Angry, Estella pushed Zuko away from her as Zuko looked hurt for a moment.
"Why do you always have to be such a dickhead at moments like these?! I just want to be by you but if you don't want me fine!"
"YOU ACT LIKE I DONT WANT YOU WHEN I DO WANT YOU! I ALSO WANT YOU SAFE BECAUSE YOUR THE ONLY DAMN PERSON I CARE ABOUT BESIDES MY UNCLE! WHY CANT YOU SEE IM JUST TRYING TO PROTECT YOU?!"
"Ummm.... Prince Zuko-" Iroh tried But was interrupted by Estella.
"ITS THE WAY YOUR ACTING ZUKO! ZHAO THIS, ZHAO THAT, GO WITH ZHAO! EVERYTHING IS ABOUT ZHAO IN YOUR EYES EVER SINCE HE OFFERED TO TAKE ME HOME! MAYBE I DONT WANT TO GO HOME! MAYBE I JUST WANT TO STAY WITH YOU!"
"GUYS!" Iroh shouted irritated at the couples bickering.
"WHAT?!" They both shouted at the same time.
"We're on a collision course!"
"We can make it!" Zuko says angry stepping away from Estella.
As they near the blockade, everything stops as the ship easily passed through. While it was, Zuko along with Estella were staring Zhao as he stared right back at them. Estella had a hand on her sword, ready to strike at any second but Zhao only smiled at her.
"My offer still stands Estella. You have a chance to leave now,"
"I'm not taking it," She growls while narrowing her eyes at him.
"So be it," he says smiling at her again just as they passed through them completely.
•••••••••
Zuko's damaged ship was sailing through the water. Dark black smoke billows from the back of the ship. Prince Zuko was still above deck and his hand was gripping a bar hard.
"What's he up to, Uncle? Why didn't Commander Zhao arrest us?"
"Because he wants to follow you. He knows you'll lead him to the prize you're both after...the Avatar. But I would go talk to Estella first. That was quite an argument you two had,"
Zuko sighed as a guilty look overcame him. He was really harsh on her, but he only wanted to protect her but he also let his anger and determination for the Avatar get in the way. He groaned.
"What am I supposed to say to her? She'll never forgive me,"
"If she truly loves you she will. Just say what's in your head, make it right,"
Zuko nodded his head as he looked through the door that Estella had went into.