The Tale of Fire and Sun | Zuko x OC

Chapter 5

Yara's POV:

Zuko and I have been trying to avoid each other the next day, right after the... incident. It left us both in an awkward position and neither of us could figure out a way to solve it.

Those thoughts aside, I had some other things going on my mind. Did Zuko really mean to do that? Or did it just happen... I didn't know how to think of it.

We have a strong friendship and I wouldn't dare to do anything that'd risk it. The more I thought about it, the more anxious I got. Maybe, some meditation would help. So I left the deck to my chambers to ease my mind.

Well, the meditation really helped. I felt relieved and my energy coursing back. It also helped me find a solution.

What has happened, had happened. I was here to help Zuko capture the Avatar and regain his honor. And I'd never let distractions like this interrupt his quest.

Zuko was my only friend. I'd refuse to let anything ruin that. And finally, I had to talk about it to Zuko and get things back to normal. It'd be the hardest part but I had to do it.

Just then, I heard the door open slightly. I stood up to greet the person and... speak of the spirit...

Zuko was standing by the door, his arms crossed across his chest. He seemed to be trying so hard to avoid my gaze. Well, I wouldn't blame him. Even I found it quite uneasy to be around him. But, I thought the meditation worked!

"Yara-um..." He cleared his throat, finally looking at me. "Did uncle tell you anything about where he went? It's been half an hour past the time we planned to stay on the dock and he hasn't returned yet."

I remembered uncle telling me that he intended to visit the hot springs nearby the forest. "I just know where he might be."

After asking some villagers the location of the hot springs, we walked in awkward silence. If I let this go on, we'd never find a solution. I gained all the courage I could to speak.

"Zuko..." I called out and as if something triggered he started to walk ahead of me. Ugh... Such a 'Zuko' behavior that was!

I was about to shout at him but realised it wouldn't work. So I took a deep breath and jogged to reach him.

"Zuko, listen to me. We need to talk." I implied. "I'm not in the mood for a conversation" He muttered.

"Well, we have a fifteen minute walk ahead of us. So you have no choice but to listen to me!" I retorted. He huffed in anger but didn't say anything.

I took that as a yes and continued. "I know what happened yesterday was totally uncalled for. But it was neither of our fault."

Zuko gave me a pointed look then turned to the road. "We might not have that kind of life but we're still teens. Stuff like this tend to happen."

"This conversation is not helping, Yara." He stated, angrily.

"I'm just stating out the truth. I-I just want to be honest with you, Zuko." I replied.

Zuko was about to say something but refused to. I looked at him intently and he finally gave in. "You...you liked it?" His voice barely audible.

I tried my best not to blush and looked at the road. "Yes... I did. And I guess we can consider it water under the bridge."

I didn't know but it ached my heart when I said that. Even Zuko seemed a little disappointed.

"It is the best thing for the both of us, Zuko. It just caused us so much awkwardness. We were even avoiding each other the whole day!"