Finding Each Other Again (Zuko x OC) [DISCONTINUED]

Chapter Eight: Disrespect

"Hey, hey, HEY! Watch it!" I yelped as one of Zuko's swords sliced through the air where my head had been only a second ago. We were trying to practice our sword fighting in the palace gardens.

"You're the one who wanted to practice! You can't get better if I go easy on you," Zuko protested.

"Yeah, I said practice, not give me a haircut," I grumbled. I touched the hairknot at the top of my head. Phew, still there. Since I had become a swordmaster, I started wearing my hair up on top of my head instead of at the base of my skull.

Zuko chuckled. "Sorry, I'll be more careful next time."

I sheathed my sword. "I'll make sure to hold you to your royal word, most honorable Prince Zuko."

Zuko sighed and shook his head. "I told you to stop calling me that."

"Whatever you say, Mr. Future Firelord," I smirked.

Zuko crossed his arms and frowned.

Ack. I should not have said that.

"Oh, uh, sorry, I guess that one isn't all that funny," I mumbled, scratching the back of my neck and averting my gaze away from him.

A moment of silence passed. It felt like an hour.

"That's... not really the reason," Zuko corrected. "It's easier if I show you why." He beckoned for me to follow him back into the palace.

He led me through the halls until we were in the Royal Gallery, standing in front of Firelord Ozai's larger-than-life portrait. It hung at the end of previous Firelord portraits. It was by far the most elaborate one, with black flames flowing from his hands and firey smokestacks at his sides. It radiated power, striking fear in the hearts of those who looked at it. I clenched my fists and suppressed a shiver. I hated that painting.

The large lanterns overhead cast a soft, golden glow on Zuko's face.

"Right now, all anyone sees me as is the prince of the Fire Nation," he said. He waved his arm at the paintings. "And this is what they will see me become. The next Firelord." He touched my shoulder and his golden eyes burned into mine. "But you," he continued, "are the only person who sees past that. You see me for who I am, not what I am or what I am meant to become."

All the memories I had of him danced across my mind. It all made sense now. My heart burned inside my chest and my mind filled with shame.

I should have known. How could I be so blind?!

"Oh," I said in a small voice. "I'm sorry, I should have realized."

He gave me a small smile. "It's alright. I wasn't expecting you to."

The burning in my chest grew so strong it was almost unbearable. "But I still should have!" I burst out.

Zuko blinked in surprise. "What?"

The words tumbled out of my mouth. "I should have been a better friend! I should have realized why you didn't like the names! I should have taken your feelings into account instead of jabbing you where it hurts!" I buried my face in my hands. "I'm sorry. You deserve better."

Zuko gripped my shoulders. "'Mari, I'm not mad at you." He looked me in the eyes. I couldn't tell what emotion was growing behind his golden irises, but it was soft and comforting. I could've gazed into those eyes forever. "You are a great friend, and I'm lucky to have you. Let's put this behind us, okay?" he said.

A small smile tugged at the corners of my mouth. I nodded.

"Relationship issues?" A voice taunted from behind a pillar. Azula strolled into view. Her arms were crossed and her face formed a sneer.