The Tale of Fire and Sun | Zuko x OC

Chapter 2

Yara's POV:

I collected my belongings from my hideout and reached the rendezvous point as Zuko instructed. He was already there, waiting for me.

"You said you had very little stuff." He deadpanned, crossing his arms across his chest as he examined my 'almost' overflowing bag.

"Well, let's just say I have some important belongings not to be left behind..." I drawled and let out a nervous chuckle. Zuko gave me a pointed look before we started walking, but I could bet I saw him smile a little.

We walked back to the ship in comfortable silence. Both of us were clueless about how to start a conversation. It felt so different being with Zuko after all this time. Maybe, it needed time for everything to become normal. It had been three years, after all...

I felt Zuko's arm slide around my shoulder, cutting my thoughts. His arm rested over my shoulder protectively, gently pulling me close to him. I turned my head to see him. He didn't look back, but his face seemed calm since the first time I saw him. I just smiled to myself and let the moment pass.

As we neared the ship, my mind started to fill with anxiety. I knew Zuko was happy to have me on board, but what about the crew? What if they don't approve or support me joining them? Or worse, what if there was a spy among them? I'd be good as dead then...

"You'll be fine, Yara. And don't worry, I'd do whatever it takes to protect you." Zuko assured, giving me a sense of hope. I took a deep breath and boarded the ship, Zuko trailing behind me.

"Ah, nephew! There you are! I was won-" Iroh stopped mid-sentence as he looked at me. "Yara?" He breathed out, utterly surprised.

"General Iroh! It is so good to see you again," I smiled nervously, bowing in front of him.

His lips broke into a huge grin as he came forward, and without warning, pulled me in for a warm hug. I smiled widely while hugging him back.

I had to say, Iroh was the best hugger in the world. I'd bet on anything to prove it. It really helped me feel relaxed.

"It is so good to see you after all these years and look at you! You are all grown up and looking beautiful, Yara..." Iroh exclaimed but was interrupted by an awkward cough by Zuko. But he just seemed to ignore his presence.

"And yes! Please don't be so formal around me. You can call me uncle, just like old times. We're family, after all!" He winked, leaving me confused. Zuko fumed at uncle and face-palmed.

"Prince Zuko, shall we set sail? It's almost time."

I turned to the source of the voice and saw a man approaching us. By his attire, I could say he was a lieutenant.

"Yes Lieutenant, make it fast. And this is Yara. She will be accompanying us for the quest," Zuko pointed at me. "Yara, this is Lieutenant Jee."

I smiled and bowed, which he reciprocated. "I will introduce you to the crew soon, Lady Yara. I have some important work to be done, so I take my leave from here," he said.

"Yes, Lieutenant, and thank you for your time," I nodded, which he returned before disappearing into the ship.

"You must be tired. I will tell the servants to get a chamber ready for you as soon as possible," Zuko muttered, almost urging me to follow him.

"But before that, we should have some tea..." Uncle Iroh beamed. "After all, we are celebrating a reunion here!"

"I don't think she's-" Zuko started, but I cut him off.

"That would be great, only if you have jasmine," I grinned at uncle. I was finally here, seeing them after over three years and sleep was the last thing on my mind.