The Tale of Fire and Sun | Zuko x OC

Chapter 13

Yara's POV:

"I don't know what to talk to him, mother. He's been avoiding everyone ever since Ursa left..." I rubbed my face in frustration as we walked down the hallway.

"I should be making him feel better but look at me! I'm not a good friend. He hasn't eaten anything for days and I was here, doing nothing!"

"Yara, sweetie..." Mother put a hand on my shoulder, stopping me. "Did you even hear what you were saying?"

I turned to her, my head down. "I was blabbering something stupid, right?" I sure was stupid...

She shook her head. "No. I have never seen you sound this worried or concerned. You look out for Zuko, no matter what. And that makes you a great... no, the best friend one can ever have!"

"Really?!" I looked at her, astonished. "Yes. It must be really hard for him, Yara. His mother disappeared and he's just eleven years old. He might seem to be shutting everyone out but even the smallest comfort would make him feel better." Mother smiled sadly.

"I know you're not sure on how to comfort him. Just tell Zuko that you'll be there for him. Alright?" She said and ruffled my hair. I took a deep breath and smiled weakly at her.

"Thank Agni, your father left for the Yuyan village." Mother sighed as we resumed walking.

"I wish he'd left sooner..." I mumbled but mother seemed to hear it and cleared her throat accusingly. "I'm sorry."

Soon, we stood in front of Zuko's chamber. Mother knocked twice but there was no answer. I grew impatient and barged in, mother trailing behind hesitantly.

I was shocked to see the chamber filled with darkness. Zuko usually felt uncomfortable being in the dark so it felt weird.

"Who's there?" Zuko's voice echoed across the room. I ignited a small flame on my palm and lit the lamps in the chamber. It took a while for Zuko to realise it was us as his eyes adjusted to the light.

"Yara... Aiko..." He stared at us, surprised. Mother closed the doors and rushed to the bed where Zuko was sitting.

She sat on the bed and hugged him tightly, "I'm so sorry we couldn't come sooner, Zuko."

Zuko seemed hesitant for a moment then let his guard down. He hugged her back and I saw him shaking visibly. I slowly climbed on the bed and sat beside Zuko.

I heard mother whisper comforting words as she held him and stroked his hair gently.

The sight itself made my heart ache as I've never seen Zuko being vulnerable. It was hard to see my best friend like this but I fought back the tears threatening to fall off.

They pulled back a while later and Zuko glanced at me. I smiled weakly and gave him a side hug. "How did Zhao allow you to visit me?" He asked as we pulled back.

"There's been a confrontation in the Yuyan village after your father was crowned the Fire Lord. So my father set off to the village to solve it. We think it might take at least a month for him to return." I said.

"I see..." He drawled, his eyes focused on his hands.

"How are you feeling, Zuko?" Mother asked in a concerned tone. "You know you can talk to us, right?" I scooted close to him and rubbed his back comfortingly.