Blazing: An Avatar AU

Chapter Forty-Five

I pulled away from Zuko. 

He was smiling, "Thank you, (Y/N). I-"

"But, that doesn't mean that you and I are a thing again."

"A thing? I don't think I-"

"Dating, you idiot. We're not dating."

Zuko's smile faded for a split second, "That's fine. As long as we're still friends."

"Friends is a strong word."

"(Y/N)-"

"I'm joking, calm down. But, seriously, it's late. Get out of my room."

Zuko nodded and he left. I closed the door behind him. 

This was going to be harder for me than it is for him. 

***

Zuko and I were waiting for Aang so we could teach him more firebending.

"Aang's with Toph, right now," I said, "I'm pretty sure we have some time."

Zuko's eyes lit up, "Then do you want to go do something?"

"Do something? Like what?"

Zuko started to say something but Sokka approached us.

"Hey, Zuko! Up for a little swordbending?" Sokka asked.

"I'm supposed to be teaching Aang. And don't call it "swordbending." That's not even a real word," Zuko rolled his eyes.

"Aang's busy with Toph! Besides, it's about time we had a duel - we're the only two swordbenders here!"

Zuko looked unimpressed, "I think I'm a little past your level Sokka. Besides, (Y/N) can use swords too."

"Shh, Zuko, we don't talk about that," I said.

He looked puzzled, "Why not? You have to be better than Sokka."

"I prefer bending," I shrugged. 

Sokka looked at me, "You swordbend?"

"That's not a thing!" Zuko and I exclaimed at the same time.

Zuko groaned, "Why don't you practice with The Duke or something."

"The Duke? But he's, like, eight years old!" Sokka exclaimed. 

I laughed, "Right up your alley, right Sokka?"

Zuko laughed with me, "He's a great match for you."

Sokka looked determined, "All right, Zuko. You leave me no choice.I challenge you to a swordbending kai!"

Zuko and I stared at Sokka, blinking.

"You know, like an Agni Kai, instead with swords instead of fire..." Sokka clarified. 

"We're not stupid, Sokka. We got it. It's just dumb," I said.

"Yeah, Sokka!" Zuko chimed in, "Swordbending Kai isn't a thing. But," he paused, "Honor demands that I accept your challenge."

"What?" I looked at Zuko, "Are... are you joking?"

"No," he went to go get his dual broadswords.

"I'm surrounded by idiots," I rolled my eyes.

Later, everyone gathered around a makeshift ring. Zuko had his broadswords and Sokka had his space sword. 

Aang was the referee for the match.

"Finally! Some action around here!" Toph exclaimed.

"Don't get your hopes up Sokka. I started training with Master Piandao since when I was just a kid," Zuko unsheathed his swords, "So I think I can take a beginner like you."