Within Shadows (Zuko x Reader)

Chapter 9

"Why are you really with us, (Y/n)?" Zuko asked in a sharp tone. Causing you to frown.

"I don't know how many times I have to tell you... I care about you. Why is that so hard to accept?" You asked in a pleading tone.

"If you really cared about me then why did you leave?" He snapped back but you captured the slight crack in it. Your heart ached and a small lump formed in your throat.

"Zuko... I felt the need to branch off and to do something right and start my own life. My plan was to not leave you behind and forget about you." You spoke truthfully as you stepped closer to him.

"But why leave? You could have easily just had a life with Iroh and I..." He trailed.

"Listen... I never meant to hurt you. That's the last thing I would ever want."

"Then what do you want? Why are you really here with us?"

"Because I want you to reconsider. I want you to reconsider capturing the Avatar to your own benefit." His expression twisted more.

"Do you not understand my circumstance? Why I want to capture the Avatar to begin with?!" He exclaimed.

"Zuko-" You reached out to touch his shoulder but he smacked your hand out of the way.

"Don't touch me!" He exclaimed and barged out the door causing you to flinch and your heart to ache even more. You swallowed thickly and fought back the tears threatening to spill. You left his room and made way to yours but stopped when you spotted Iroh.

"Oh dear... What happened?" He asked you softly and it was that moment you broke down. He pulled you into a tight hug and rubbed your back in small circles.

"What happened to the old Zuko? The o-one who was kind hearted and caring of everyone?" You whimpered. "I-i want to help him so desperately but I don't think I actually k-know how to without making him angry..."

"Why don't we discuss this over some tea?" Iroh pulled away and pat your shoulder you nodded and followed him to get some tea and sit down in a comfortable place to speak with no guards to listen in and no potential of Zuko coming in at the wrong time. You sat across from Iroh and carefully took a sip of tea and wiped away your tears.

"Prince Zuko has always been a stubborn yet compassionate boy since before you met him and grew to know him. And although he is those two things, it can become both a good and a bad thing. His compassion is what drives him to he a better person. To push him to prove himself to his father. But in doing so, he would hurt himself or make a fool of himself. Possibly even make his father view him as even more of a failure as sad as it is to say. As for his stubbornness, he would use that to care and tend for those he cared about and would be sure to put others before himself. However, it does get him in quite a bit of trouble and it is his stubbornness that got him that scar and he very well knows that, but he's not going to stop until he gets the Avatar." Iroh spoke and you listened intently and letting the words sink in.

"So... What do you suggest I do? I want to help him and steer him in the direction. Have him realize that there is a great danger coming up ahead that his father will be responsible for." You began. "Im... Not sure if you are aware, but Sozin's comet will come down by the end of the summer and Ozai will use that power against not only the Avatar, but the whole world." Iroh's eyes were closed and he fell silent in deep thought.

"Unfortunately, I am more than aware of Ozai's plans. And I do agree that Zuko should be more aware of the impending dooms that will be brought upon the other nations..." Iroh trailed off. "I have said this to you before and I still stand by my words when I say you are good for Zuko. You are the exact person he needs in his life. You are the key to help him through his journey however both of your destinies are very split. You must go your own way and continue helping the Avatar while Zuko must figure out his own path. Though I assure you, your paths shall merge together. All I ask, is when we cross paths with the Avatar, go with him. Zuko will be deeply hurt that you've left him once again but I will help guide him. That I promise you." You smiled a little at his words.