Republic City's Hospital [Zukaang]

Week one

Song I'd think Aang would sing to Zuko, accent and all, plus what Zuko's scar looks like in this AU^^^

~♡~

I glance up from my book. There's Zuko, still listening to his music. If he's even listening to music. These past three days, I've only seen him, eat, sleep, and listen to music. Occasionally he'll ask if I'm up for a board game. Of course I always say yes. Then he casually demolishes me, in whatever game we're playing.

I haven't won a game against him once, once. It honestly feels like he's cheating. Because he can't possibly be that good at crazy eights. And yet he manages to lose all his cards in the first ten minutes. While I'm stuck with half the deck.

Even if I lose all the time, it's fun seeing him relax. Scary bandages and all. I've gotten him to laugh a total of two times. Which is a complete and total victory for me. He rarely smiles. And then it's when he thinks no ones looking. He usually smiles at something wholesome and cute. Usually plants that aren't dead yet, sometimes Momo doing something stupid. Whenever I catch him though, he reverts to his stoney self.

However when he's listening to whatever he's listening to, he always seems to go through different emotions. Very toned down emotions, but emotions. Sometimes disapointed, usually impatient, then sometimes on a very rare occasion, happy. I spend so much time just staring at him that I can notice the slight changes in his mood. It's a wonder he hasn't caught me. I know it's creepy but it's interesting.

I tear my eyes away from the bandaged man, and to the clock. Almost twelve, I grin. Yesterday was just as fun as the day before. Eugene had shown me his design, I like it a lot. I look back at Zuko. I wonder if he'd like tea time.

Harlow would load him up with tea abd cookies for all the times he missed it. The kids would crowd around him and ask about the bandages and his opinon on classical kids bop music. Then Bumi would challenge him to a game of checkers. Bumi's undefeated, I wonder if Zuko'd beat him. Either way it'd be fun to watch.

My arms are starting to become numb from holding the thick book above my head. I look back to it, and work my way through the chapter.

~♡~

I'm on my last page, when a familiar cranky voice shouts. "AANG L'AIR GET YOUR BUTT OUT HERE!!!"

Making Zuko's eyes snap open, and me chuckle. I brushed through my hair again. Another clump came out I looked down at it thoughtfully. Maybe I should just shave it off,  no hair is better than clumpy hair.

My book safely in my bag, I hop off the bed. "Calm down Bumi, you don't have to shout." I say smiling as I open the door. Bumi scoffs and steals a glance in the dooor. Zuko had settled back down, but his eyes were open and his posture was rigid.

I clear my throat and step back inside before I can change my mind.

"Zuko, do you wanna come with us?" I asked meekly, my hand tracing the bump on my neck. Zuko looked up surprised. Yesterday and the day before, I just shouted bye and left with Bumi.

He glanced behind me, to an equally bewildered Bumi. Bewildered but not unpleased. In fact, I bet the man was grinning like a maniac. Hopefully an agreeable maniac.

"No, I'm good. I think I'll stay here. Thanks for asking though." He placed his ear bud in his ear. I pouted and poked his arm.

"Come on, pleaseeeeee." I give him my best puppy dog look. He raises his single eyebrow unimpressed. "Please Zuko, there will be cookies. Please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, pl-" I got interupted from my pleading, when Zuko clamped a hand on my mouth. I furrowed my eyebrows, and licked his hand.