Light (Zuko x OC) ATLA Fanfic

Chapter 17 - Drift Off

Hikari POV

Looking at the sea, I stand next to Iroh as he chats with Zuko as he goes on that he's tired of living in such a manor. I can't really complain; I'm just glad to be alive. Blocking out the world, I hum a tune as watch the fish swim past us. 

No POV

Leaning against the rail, Hikari slowly falls asleep. Smiling at the sight, Zuko picks her up as he carries her down to the sleeping quarters. Laying her down, with her bag strapped around her he caresses her cheek. 

Checking up on Ro, he smiles at the sight of the medium-sized sleeping dragon. Going back upstairs he makes his way over to Jet as they discuss there plan for stealing the captain's food. When night falls Zuko and Jet's team successfully steals the food, sneaking off in the darkness they go to a safe place. 

Grabbing food for two he sneaks down to the bunkers, to wake up Hikari. Shaking her gently she stirs awake. "Zuko? What's wrong?"

He smiles at her, "Follow me."

Rubbing her eyes, she gets out of the stiff bed. As she follows him they turn up in a less populated area on the ship reserved for the refugees. She watches as he sets up the food for them to eat, sitting down her eyes sparkle at the sight. 

"Where did you get all of this?"

He smiles at her, "I have my ways, now dig in, you've been asleep all day." Nodding she eats the food with pleasure, "So good."

As they eat together they reminisce on their happy moments. As they finish eating Hikari gives Zuko a loving smile. Seeing her expression he blushes a bit, "Hikari, they're something I've been meaning to tell you."

She tilts her head a bit, "Yes?"

"Well, you see, I've been feeling these things. And I only feel it towards you, so what I'm trying to say is-"

"Hey!"

They look over to see none other than Jet, "Just wanted to congratulate you on a job well done."

Zuko frowns a bit, "It was nothing-"

Hikari yawns, still feeling tired all of a sudden. Zuko seeing this he smiles a bit, "Hey Jet can you, help me out here?"

Looking between them he smiles, "Sure."

With that Zuko lifts up the sleepy girl, snuggling into his chest she slowly drifts off to sleep as he carries her back to her bed. Fast sleep he mouths three simple words, only to save the courage to tell her another day. 

He then returns upstairs to see his Uncle chatting with Jet.

Mini Timeskip

The three-show their passport, passing the first stage of the immigration process. After some time, they finally get on the train to Ba Sing Sa. Ready for there new lives on the other side of the war. 

Becoming wanted with the lower levels of the city, the three walk around the area. Out of know where Iroh appears with a vase full of orange flowers. Zuko and Hikari look down at him, so he smiles and responds simply. "I just want our new place to look nice in case someone brings home some new friends."

Zuko looks away, "This city is a prison. I don't want to make a life here."

Iroh smiles, "Life happens wherever you are, whether you make it or not. Now come on, I found us some new jobs, and we start this afternoon."

On our way to the tea shop, Iroh hands Hikari a brown bag. "Here, you could change into this, you'll blend in better."

Nodding she makes her way to the nearest restroom, changing into short kimono it's similar to the one before. Same hood, the same concept, just dark green, and white. Putting her bag back on she looks in to see Ro eating the thick piece of meat from last night.

Smiling she walks out, only to see Zuko blushing at the sight of her. Giggling she returns to his side, soon making it to a local tea shop. Stepping in, the owner inspects us, "Well you do certainly look like official tea servers. How do you feel?"

Looking down at her apron she smiles, "Pretty good."

Zuko frowns, "Ridiculous."

Iroh struggles, "Does this come in a larger size?"

The owner smiles at Iroh, "I have some extra string in the back. Have some tea while you wait."

Handing them a cup, Iroh and Hikari take a nice sip only to cough it back out. Iroh groans, "This tea is nothing more than hot leaf juice."

Hikari frowns, "You said it."

Zuko corrects him, "That's what all tea is."

He looks at him, "How could a member of my own family say something so horrible? We'll have to make some major changes around here." Iroh turns to the window, dumping out the tea. 

Resting in the room next to Zuko's and Iroh's, Hikari plays with Ro. Laying down next to the white dragon she feels a bit cold. 

Tucking Ro in, she walks over to the bedroom next door. Opening it softly, she sees Zuko wide awake. He sits up, staring at her, calling him over in silence he gets out of bed and leaves his uncle behind. 

He looks down at Hikari, "What's wrong?"

Playing with her fingers, she grows nervous, "Can you keep me company until I fall asleep?"

He looks down at her and smiles, "Sure."

Walking to her bedroom she lays under the covers, surprisingly Zuko sits next to her. They end up chatting for about an hour before the dark-skinned girl fell asleep. Zuko feeling sleepish himself lays down next to her. Keeping his body on top of the covers respectfully he unconsciously wraps his arm around her waist. Making her cuddle into his warmth, soon after Ro joins them at the end of the bed.

Resting on top of there lower legs, the three keep each other warm as they drift off into the land of dreams.