Staying on the honour roll

Honour has never looked so far away

When I arrived home that Tuesday, I found uncle Iroh sitting on my bed. He gave me a look over his teacup. 'Now, zuko. Where have you been?'

I shifted awkwardly. 'Uh, just that photography club I told you about. Thought I would... expand my knowledge?'

He laughed, seeming so comfortable in the situation compared to me. 'My jasmine tea has mind healing properties. Do you really think I'm that dumb after drinking 27 cups a day? I know you were studying with Katara.'

I glared at him. 'And how did you find this out?' He winked and tapped his temple. 'I have my ways, boy.'

"I'm nearly back on the honour roll! How is this fair!?" I threw my hands up and glared at my Uncle.

'Zuko, when will you realise? Your honour isn't something you can get by studying everyday. You have to earn it.' He took an infuriating sip from his tea.

'But I have! I've worked hard every. Single. Day. To get my spot back.'

'Zuko, I've talked to your mother. You are not to continue your lessons with Katara. It's giving you the wrong message.' He raised an eyebrow suggestively, 'Besides, are you sure that studying is the only thing you're hoping to get out of those study sessions?'

I felt my cheeks turn red and my heart speed up. 'I-I dont know! Now- now... I don't know! Just... ARGH!' I stormed out. Why did Uncle have to be right about everything all the time?!

I was going to get back on the honour roll, and then I would ask Katara out. When I have my status back, surely she couldn't reject me! Ugh, now I had to call her and tell her that I couldn't keep doing lessons.

She answered on the third ring. "Yeah?"

'I can't come over. My uncles being annoying. He found out we were still doing lessons, and he wants me to stop, and get my honour "the right way" or whatever. But it's not like I'm a banished prince or anything who has to regain my honour!! I just want to be the best! Why can't he understand!' I groaned and flopped down onto my bed.

'Zuko... now, don't get mad, but your uncle might have a point...' she trailed off.

'What.' I slowly sat up and glared at the phone suspiciously. 'WHY.'

'Uh, he called me? And we chatted, and then he invited me over for tea, and it was quite lovely really... I really like jasmine tea now! By the way, uh yeah, and so we talked, and i think your honour is something you have to get back by yourself. Um... sorry?'

I pinched the bridge of my nose. 'Right, um great talk. See ya at school!'

'Wait Zu-'

I hung up the phone. I only had one more test to go, and if I succeeded that, I would get back on the honour roll. But, to make matters worse I didn't have a tutor anymore. Brilliant. Now how would I get to talk to Katara? Wait,  wrong problem. (Note to self: Ponder Katara situation after dinner). How would I get back on the honour roll?!

This started as a joke but idk anymore it's so fun. So there's that.

I haven't updated for a while, but sorry this chapter is a little short! It was written by my friend zoe (with a few small edits by me), and I really love it, so you know here's her tag (again lol) Zozi_bee .