Swampy (Zuko x Reader)

47: Zuko's Dilemma

You watched over the next three days as Aang struggled to get any rest and relaxation. You tried to help him by bending his blood; slowing down his heart rate, forcing his eyes to stay closed. But nothing seemed to be fruitful. In fact, you were getting tired just from trying to help it. It was his destiny to fight the Fire Lord and if it was going to happen on the day of the black son, then you were going to try to help.

Acupuncture, massages and yoga aside, Aang was truly and honestly struggling to fall asleep. And he wasn't the only one.

Why wouldn't he invite me to the war meeting? Zuko tossed and turned as he laid in the bed that used to be yours. It didn't smell like you anymore, but the very thought that you used to sleep here gave him some semblance of comfort. My father must be embarrassed of me. He must not want me to dishonor him once again.

"I think you be o'er-reactin' Zu." He tried his best to mimic your voice. "You best be gettin' some sleep 'fore I gotta wear ya out!"

He laughed at himself. That did sound like something that you would say. And that he would want. He flipped over onto his stomach and pondered his relationships.

It feels so... fake... with her. Like that's the relationship I was supposed to have if I hadn't been banished... If I was the prince I was supposed to be. But she... YN... That was like... It felt so natural. But it was so awkward and so new and so exciting. But it felt wrong too. It felt like I was trespassing. As if I didn't deserve to be by her side, just like I don't deserve to be at the stupid war meeting.

He groaned out loud.

"I'll just ask Azula if she was invited. Maybe it's just for the old people..."

But that didn't seem to be the case. In fact, it felt to Zuko as if he had been worrying for no reason.

"You don't need an invitation to attend, Zuzu. It is assumed that you would come." She scoffed at him and used the nickname that she knew bothered him. "I on the other hand, had to be invited; as befits the princess. So why don't you stop acting like a paranoid little child and just go to the silly war meeting. I'm sure father is expecting you."

"You know what, Azula? I won't go. I don't feel welcome there, so I will spend my time elsewhere. It's the first war meeting since I've returned. I won't be embarrassed again."

"Whatever, Zuzu. I think Mai was looking for you."

"Do you know where she is?" He looked at her with a scowl. Sometimes he wondered how he had been kissed with such a terrible sister.

"No." She twiddled her fingers in the air and mysteriously disappeared to wherever she was trying to go.

"This just all feels so incredibly wrong." He shook his head as he headed toward Mai's usual place of residence; her room.