A Second Flame: Zuko x Reader

Chapter 22

That moment when the episode this chapter is based off of is "Zuko Alone" but this is an x reader book so Zuko clearly can't be alone XD

I'm sorry Atla writers~

~

Sun beams buried on my skin, piercing it lightly. My hat although wide, was no match for the glistening warmth of the Earth Kingdom.

The ostrich-horse Zuko and I rode on was getting slower by the step. I couldn't blame him though, we were all tired and hungry. Ever since we left Iroh, we've barely eaten anything.

"Zuko..?"

"Yes (Y/N)?" He replied wearily

"Do you think we'll come across a  village soon?"

"I hope... but the Earth Kingdom is large... so everything is spread out"

"If you need a break... I could take the reigns.."

"It's okay (Y/N) I'll be fine"

"If you say so grumpy!"

~

We kept walking along the path and even across a bridge which we nearly fell through. It was difficult to even stay awake, we didn't even have water left.

Then, out of the corner of my eye I saw...

"A village..." I muttered to myself.

Finally! We could get food...

Zuko lead the ostrich Horse towards the town. When we arrived, I noticed a group of men gambling.

Psshh... Earth Kingdom soldiers no class...

We hoped off of our stead as Zuko stepped towards a shop behind us.

"Could I get a some water, a bag of feed, and something hot to eat?" Zuko asked the man running the shop as he showed his coins

"Not enough here for a hot meal, I can get you two bags of feed..."

Zuko nodded as I joined by his side.

I guess feed was better then nothing.

The shopkeeper went to get the feed when one of the soldiers yelled,
"Ow!"

I turned around.. it looked like some local children threw an egg at him... almost reminded me of when Zuko and I did silly things like that.

The children quickly scattered off and the soildiers turned to Zuko and I,
"Hey! Throwing eggs at us strangers?"

"No" Zuko and I said at the same time.

"You see who did throw it?"  The soildier replied. Zuko and I glanced at eachother I nodded for him to reply,

"No" Zuko muttered grabbing onto his sword in it's handle. I tightened the grip on my dagger I hid in the sleeve in case things went south.

"That's your favorite word.. 'no'?" Another soildier teased

"Egg had to come from somewhere..."

"Maybe a chicken flew over" Zuko mumbled turning back to the shop desk.

"Or perhaps a goose" I retorted crossing my arms taking my weapon ever so slightly out of my sleeve so the soildiers could see it.

The shopkeeper layed the feed we bought out, but before Zuko or I could grab it one of the soildiers snatched it away.
"Thanks for your contribution... the army appreciates your support.... now you better take your little girlfriend and leave town, penalty for staying is a lot steeper than you can afford stranger... trust me" he said tapping the hammer he carried with him.