Fire & Rain: Book 1

Almost Friends

Zuko's POV
Dinner felt a lot less awkward, I was laughing and chatting with everyone, I finally felt like I actually belonged.

As I stuffed the food into my mouth I turned to Y/N, but she looked uncomfortable.

"Hey, are you okay?"

She nodded before taking a mouthful of food and turning away.

What was her deal?

I grasped her hand and whispered,

"What's wrong? Everything should be good now, you're here with me, we're where we belong..."

She jerked her hand away from mine and jumped up, she exploded,

"YOU MEAN WHERE YOU BELONG. I DON'T WANT TO BE HERE, I DON'T KNOW THESE PEOPLE, I SHOULD BE AT HOME PREPARING FOR THE COMET- NOT STUCK IN THIS DINGY CAMP WITH LITTLE MISS SOB STORY OVER THERE."

She was pointing at Katara, her hand was shaking and her face was tense.

I stood up and placed my hands on her shoulders, trying to trace my hand down to hers but she stepped back away from me and took a deep breath,

"Just- leave me alone. I'm going for a walk."

She walked away into the woods, I tried to follow her but Katara grabbed my arm,

"Let me."

I nodded and sat back down. When Katara had left I turned to the others and asked,

"So, how were things with Y/N while I was away?"

Toph shrugged,

"It's clear she wanted her distance, so I gave that to her."

Aang jumped in,

"She joined us for breakfast in the morning, but other than that I didn't really see her around camp much."

I rested my head on my palm,

"So that explains why I didn't see her around the camp as soon as I got back..."

Suki then interjected,

"Actually, she was with me."

I raised my eyebrow,

"She was?"

"Yeah, I gave her a little lesson on how to use my fans."

Sokka then added,

"I spoke to her a bit too."

Suki then continued,

"Just give her time, Zuko. You joined us because you wanted to, she came here because she had no choice and she stayed for you."

I sighed,

"I just wish there was something I could do to make her feel less uneasy."

Sokka placed his hand on his chin,

"Maybe there is..."

Y/N's POV
"Y/N! Y/N, wait!"

I turned around and yelled,

"Stop following me, Katara!"

She pleaded,

"Please, just talk to me!"

"I just need some air. I'll be back in a few minutes, go back."

She caught up to me and grabbed my hand,

"Y/N, we need to talk."

I huffed,

"What is there to talk about?"