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Chapter Text

Prologue

The sun was slowly making its appearance as the palace came alive with servants and guards. They occupied every room, fluffing pillows, preparing breakfast, and readying the baths. 

Zuko buried himself under the covers as servants spilled into his room, bringing with them a terrible reminder that he had to face a new day. They desecrated the silence Zuko desperately sought. As they moved around he followed their shadows from under the thin, red cotton. He hoped they would leave him in bed, act as though he was invisible like the rest of his family. For once he wanted to stay in bed and watch the Sun reach its zenith instead of with Piandao or his Father in the courtyard. 

“You know the routine, Prince Zuko,” the sheet was promptly pulled off the bed, revealing Suoli, his nanny. “Everyone has been summoned to the throne room.”

“No one will notice my absence. Let me go back to sleep if I don’t have to train.” Zuko reached for the sheet, but Suoli threw it on the floor and smacked his head. 

“Bath. Now.”

The command earned her a scowl and groan from Zuko as he slunk over to the basin and undressed. Once he was submerged Suoli sat behind him and began gently brushing his hair. It was significantly longer since he last saw his mother, and he wondered if she’d recognize him. If she was even alive. 

“Her highness, the Fire Lady says you’ll appreciate this surprise. Perhaps his majesty, Fire Lord Ozai has found you a betrothed. Wouldn’t that be sweet? A beautiful girl to be your lifelong friend.”

Zuko grumbled in agreement, but if girls were anything like Azula, he wanted nothing to do with them. He saw how the other noble girls watched him like a hawk, and he couldn’t ignore the whispers. Everyone assumed Mai was the ideal choice, but he couldn’t help but see her as Azula’s minion. She’d report right back to his sister the moment they held hands and Azula would undoubtedly tease him.

“Or perhaps a new Fire Bending instructor!”

“What’s the point? I’ll never be as good as Azula.” Zuko’s voice trailed off at the end and he pulled his knees into his chest. 

“You won’t with that spirit, my Prince,” she paused her brushing and styling. “I’ve seen your growth and you’re the Crown Prince! Your birthright is to embody perfection, and no one can take that away.”

They continued the bath in silence and she quickly dressed him in his best robes. Once his hair was pinned carefully atop his head, he emerged from his chambers and made eye contact with Azula. She too was dressed in her finest, gold and ruby adorning her ears and neck. She looked like their mother like that, he noted. 

“Don’t look so thrilled to see me, Zuzu,” Azula said, shooing her servants away when they tried fixing her hairpiece. It was strange seeing someone so small boss around people three times her age. 

“Do you know anything about why Father wants everyone?” They walked together to the throne room, passing dozens of busy workers. Zuko guessed some were new hires as he knew a majority of the help. He and his mother spend much of their time in the kitchens sneaking pastries back to their chambers. 

“Perhaps.” That was her last word on the topic. 

They arrived at the throne room while other nobles were still arriving. Mai’s parents stood with some generals in the corner and they quickly bowed to Zuko and Azula. 

Zuko averted his eyes and shifted on his feet, while Azula drank in the attention.

“Nephew!” 

Zuko’s eyes widened at his uncle’s appearance. The last he had seen him was at Lu Ten’s funeral two years ago. People said he retired in an Earth Kingdom colony, but Azula said their Father pressured him into leaving. 

Zuko leapt into his uncle’s arms and smiled brightly. “We missed you uncle!”

“You’ve gotten so much bigger! Eleven is treating you well! So big and strong!”

Azula snorted and went to take her place near the throne. 

“How long will you be here uncle?” 

“Not long, I’m afraid. Much to do at home.”

“Can I visit? I’m sure I can convince my tutors the importance of visiting one of our colonies!”

His uncle opened his mouth but quickly shut it when a servant announced Ozai’s arrival. Zuko sighed and rushed to his seat next to Azula. 

They knelt under the throne’s platform their backs straight and hands folded perfectly in their laps. Zuko’s mind spun as his lack of breakfast began to hit him. He instantly regretted not eating the dumpling Suoli offered him as she dressed him. 

A hush fell over the room and Zuko could feel the room’s temperature spike as the fire behind him came to life. It was strange not seeing his father’s face. His father’s face held so many clues for Zuko to decipher. Often a mistranslation meant a swift beating. 

“I’ve gathered you all here today to mark a historic day in Fire Nation history. To share with you a day that surpasses my grandfather’s galiant Air Temple raids,” Ozai began, each word punctuated by an ebb and spike in heat. “But my grandfather failed. The avatar was never found and terminated. But today... today I offer you both closure and security.”

Zuko fought the urge to groan.  Everyone knew the history of Fire Lord Sozin and the battle against the Air Nomads. It was elementary knowledge. 

Suddenly the throne room door opened and dozens of guards poured in. With them was a massive iron cage with chains welded to each corner. Once the crowd of soldiers dispersed, not a single person could contain their gasp. 

At the center of it all, arms and legs chained to create an ‘x’ was a naked boy Zuko’s age. His eyes were crazed and his body had a layer of sweat. An iron bar in his mouth kept him from speaking and a guard pressed a straight-headed spear just below his ribs. But the most jarring were the blue arrows adorning his body. 

“I’m pleased to introduce the Fire Nation’s greatest weapon: the Avatar!”

Chapter Text

Kaishi was its own little universe tucked between two mountains and just a few miles from the Fangzhou River. The city was by no means dull or subdued, and upon Zuko’s arrival the city exploded with festivities. The mayor responsible for the city pulled out all the stops for the Crown Prince, and by extension, his guest.

Zuko strolled down the ship’s boarding ramp, his smile bright as he waved to the citizens gathered at the dock.
He recognized some men who were undoubtedly the extended families of prominent noblemen. They were the best dressed and seemed the most well fed.

“Prince Zuko, it is an enormous honor to have you as our guest! We’ve prepared the best accommodations and we hope you’ll join us tonight for the ceremonial burning!” The mayor, his wife, and daughter bowed deeply before they proceeded to show Zuko the way.

“Aang,” Zuko shielded his eyes from the sun as he turned to look back at the ship deck. “Plan on joining us?”

The boy, clad in Fire Nation underarmor, descended slowly and took his place behind Zuko as they followed the mayor. His presence overwhelmed Zuko in ways only Ozai could; he towered over the 15 year old and stood broadly. Years of training had turned the lanky, imprisoned boy Zuko remembered into a beast.

“Do you think they expect me to speak at the festival?” Zuko asked as he continued to pleasantly wave at the colonists.

“I’ll be there.” Only a year older, Aang’s voice was significantly deeper than the prince’s. Zuko thought he should’ve been vexed by that or perhaps intimidated, but all he could feel was security.

He was oddly aware of every moment Aang’s arm brushed against his or Aang’s gaze on him. Every time he tried to sneak a glance at the avatar, the boy was already watching him stoically. But never cold like Zuko’s father.

Zuko could already anticipate the town’s beauty in the evening. Vibrant, red lanterns adorned every tree, and shops and houses alike decorated their facades with Fire Nation insignias. Occasionally the procession passed a native Earth Kingdom citizen’s home with two soldiers posted outside the door. The families were quickly decorating their homes, and often cast scorching glares at Zuko and Aang.

When the procession finally reached the mayor’s home, Zuko and Aang were escorted to their separate rooms. The mayor’s daughter walked with Zuko the short distance, while Aang’s room was on the opposite side of the house. Naturally Zuko suggested that they share a room to place less of a burden on the family, but Mayor Xin hastily shot down the idea.

“May I ask you a question, your highness?” The girl fidgeted in the doorway as Zuko looked over the room.

“Of course.” He said, giving her his undivided attention.

“That’s the avatar you’re with, correct?” Zuko nodded. “Are the rumors that the Fire Lord wants him to marry a Fire Nation noble true?”

Zuko’s jaw locked as he actually took in the girl’s appearance. She was pretty enough, equipped with the typical long hair, slender body, and doe-like eyes. “That’s not an appropriate question to ask the Crown Prince. You may leave.” He snapped icily.

Zuko sank to the floor and buried his head in his lap. His mind buzzed with incoherent sentences, each overlapping with the others as he struggled to find something to grasp onto. His body seemed to collapse onto his heart, leaving no room for the frantic muscle to expand. Every breath felt like his last, and the only clear thoughts at the forefront of his mind were with regard to his father and dear friend, Aang.

The prince scrambled to his feet and faced the enormous mirror in the attached bathroom. He stared at himself and violently rubbed the silent tears away until the skin around his eyes glowed red. As he stared, his gaze seemed distant and surreal. While he felt on the brink of death, he remained nearly expressionless in the mirror.

It felt like an eternity before Aang appeared in the room, dressed formally, his hair pulled tightly into a round, puffy tail. How many nights had Zuko helped him detangle and style that mess of hair?

Without question, Aang helped Zuko to his feet and drew water from the air, applying ice to his eyes. Zuko searched Aang’s face for some sort of judgment; no one should ever find the Crown Prince having a fit. If it had been Mayor Xin or even his daughter, word would’ve reached his father and he’d lose any residual respect his father had for him.

“I told them to never enter your room uninvited.”

That same security from earlier washed over Zuko as Aang dressed him. They emerged from the house together, and upon arrival in the town center, we met with an enormous throng. The mayor guided Zuko to a makeshift stage and Aang was close behind.

“My Prince, we have soldiers posted throughout the crowd in case those savage rebels try to start a racket again. You have nothing to worry about.” Mayor Xin assured him while Zuko climbed onto the stage.

The town quieted once Zuko took his place above them. He tightened his hands into fists and began. “People of Kaishi, last month Fire Lord Ozai, my Father and your glorious leader, entrusted me with touring the colonies. Too long have you been separated from the homeland, unable to share in the joys of traditional Fire Nation life.” Sweat began to accumulate on his brow and the lanterns flickered for a moment before settling into their fluid dance. “But I’m here to tell you that you are stronger than you know. You live amongst the savages in peace and are an example of the vibrant civilization the Fire Nation offers all peoples. Tonight we celebrate your immeasurable contribution to the Fire Nation’s success!”

Upon the end of Zuko’s speech, the crowd erupted into applause and shouted well wishes on the prince. Zuko, uninterested by the praise, turned to join Aang. But instead of watching him, Aang was speaking to the mayor’s daughter, Zhuhao. He could easily single out her giggles over the roar of the crowd, and couldn’t help but wonder what Aang said to make her so jittery.

To make her act as he felt when Aang was near.

“Prince Zuko, thank you for your kind words! I hope you don’t say that to every colony you visit.” Mayor Xin suddenly blocked Zuko’s view of his friend and the girl. “Would you like anything to eat? There are a few shops with immaculate Fire Nation and Earth Kingdom fusion. Imagine a beautiful mix between seafood and venison.”

Zuko grimaced at the thought, but followed the man to a shop with a Fire Nation man and a pregnant, Earth Kingdom woman. They gazed at him warily as they prepared the food at the shop window.

As the woman served him the bowl of mystery liquid and chunks, she asked, “Do you ever miss your mother’s cooking when at sea, your grace?”

Zuko swirled the bowl with one hand. An image of a faceless woman flashed in his mind, leaving him on edge. “I suppose.” He silenced himself with the food despite the chance of poison. It ended up not being half bad, and his stomach surprisingly growling for more.

Later, Zuko had visited every shop and stall, and greeted every colonist who approached him. While they were a friendly bunch, Zuko expended all of his energy and retreated to the mayor’s home.

Once he undressed and unpinned his hair, he laid in his bed, forcing himself to breath evenly. He focused on finding sounds he could recognize to calm the climbing heart rate. As he listened to the wind whistling through the trees and distant water running in the river, his chaotic thoughts gradually straightened themselves out. And hours later, when his consciousness dimmed, he heard two people enter the house. The mayor and his wife returned mere minutes after Zuko retired to his room.

The two people passed his room and entered the room next door. Zhuhao’s room. Before he could convince himself otherwise, Zuko crept out of his room just in his underwear and a massive tunic he borrowed from Aang months prior.

He kept his steps light and peeked into the room, squinting as the shadows appeared tangled together on the bed. Heavy breathing filled the room and Zuko’s heart seized.

“Will it hurt, Avatar Aang?” Zhuhao breathed, Aang’s enormous body burying her in the thin mat.

“We agreed on silence,” Aang’s hand disappeared beneath him, slowly ground his hips into her with a grunt.

Most of the exclamations emitted from the room were from Zhuhao asking him to slow down or be more gentle. But, on the off chance of Aang moaning, Zuko quickly found his hand tugging his growing cock.

Aang’s moans were always soft, and anyone could overlook them with Zhuhao practically squealing like a stuck pig. But Zuko strained his ears to hear his friend’s subtle whimpers, eager to imagine himself under Aang and feel his pulsing cock breach his asshole.

How deep would he reach, Zuko wondered.

He hadn’t seen his friend’s cock since that fateful day of his arrival in the Fire Nation.

“Agni, I’m cumming,” Aang’s hips sputtered as he wrapped his arms around the girl’s neck in a quasi-headlock.

Zuko tightened his grip on his cock, as he exploded, shot after shot spilling into his underwear. A low whine escaped his mouth, and he froze, but Aang already collapsed atop the girl.

***

By the time Zuko emerged from his room freshly bathed, Aang was already eating with the rest of the mayor’s family. Zhuhao conveniently sat the farthest from him.

Zuko assured them that they need not bow, and took his place next to his companion. “Well-rested?” He inquired.

“As well as expected,” Aang mumbled.

“Prince Zuko, I must thank you for boosting the town’s spirits, and for the luck you’ve brought!” Mayor Xin exclaimed, shoveling food into his mouth. “We found the rebels that we’ve been investigating for months now!”

Zuko raised his brows and glanced at Aang who was staring silently out the window. “Have you questioned them yet? I can postpone my next tour stop; these rebels are a nuisance to my father as well,”

“Unfortunately they were dead when we arrived, your Highness. Burned alive and impaled.”

Chapter Text

After Kaishi, Zuko went out of his way to avoid being alone with Aang, which proved difficult considering the promise the young Avatar made to Ozai. How could he look his childhood friend in the face after witnessing and being turned on by his sexual escapades?

So Zuko resorted to taking his meals in his room. At least he could pretend he was busy with work. But they were due to reach the next stop on the tour, and separate rooms weren’t guaranteed. Of course there had been times after Ozai revealed the Avatar’s capture to the royal court that he snuck the malnourished child into his room to play. But seeing the boy naked then was different from seeing him thrusting his hard cock into a girl. 

Zuko stood at the helm of the ship and soaked in the sun’s spirit, the fierce pull of his chi akin to the intensity of when he saw Aang with Zhuhao. As much as he wanted to avoid his friend, it had been days since he last trained. It was a perfect day for fire-bending. 

The young prince gripped his broadswords and slashed at the air as the ship cut through the water. The ocean breeze nipped at his bare chest and the mist clashed with his layer of sweat. He worked on his Hiraki-Ashi, stepping sideways without losing focus on his imaginary opponent, after completing his Kirikaeshi. The warm-up was brutal as it required him to lift and wing downwards until he reached physical and mental exhaustion. Zuko stayed low, keeping his core activated as his quads strained. He thought the pain would’ve resolved after more than a decade of training in his sitting stance, and yet he had to actively stop himself from straightening back up. 

Just as Zuko began to segue into Kihon, basic movements he learned as a child, as a cool down. It was just past noon, while Aang often did not emerge from his room until mealtimes or he was beckoned, Zuko did not want to take any chances. But nearing the end of his training, two tentacles of water materialized from beside the ship, gripped his blades, and pulled them from Zuko’s grasp. 

“I think that’s enough training. Don’t you?” Aang said, his lips turning up slightly when Zuko glared at him.

Averting his eyes, Zuko picked up his swords and sheathed them. “Who are you to decide when I am done?”

“Doesn’t Father want you to focus your energies on perfecting your bending?”

Zuko directed an enormous fireball at Aang’s head, not surprised by Aang’s effortless deflection. 

“Do you need a sparring partner? I promise I’ll take it easy on you.” 

Zuko scoffed at Aang’s words. “I’m the Fire Nation prince . I don’t need your pity. If you need someone to stroke your ego, ask your little girlfriend, Zhuhao,”

Aang’s face darkened, and he gripped Zuko’s arm tightly. “She said something?” Although his voice didn’t waver, Zuko noted the unnatural stillness that settled over his companion. A stillness he recognized in Aang weeks after his arrival in the palace. Typically, he would’ve left Aang alone...gave him space. But he wanted just a whisper of the intimacy Zhuhao experienced with him. Just hold his hand and embrace him as if they were old lovers. At home with each other. Surely years at each other’s side awarded him that.

Aang immediately recoiled from Zuko’s attempt at an embrace. 

A bitter taste developed in his mouth, the poison already pouring from his mouth. “Perhaps you should practice your air bending, or did those nomads waste their blue ink on you?” 

The air turned cold around them, and Zuko watched Aang’s stillness devolve into childlike vulnerability. He ripped his arm out of Aang’s loosening grip and retreated to his room, the high from inflicting the same pain he had felt morphing into self-loathing.

***

“Don’t bother. The savage doesn’t know how to speak,” Azula spat, picking at her nail beds. 

Zuko and Azula sat across from the frail boy in the courtyard. It was just before sunrise and the three began training together two weeks prior. Zuko didn’t mind the new addition to the class; at least he wouldn’t be the worst fire bender.

“Maybe he’s just nervous to train with Father,” Zuko tugged at the trimmed grass beneath him, his gaze never leaving the boy before him. 

The Avatar lay on his side, his eyes trained on the turtle duck pond just behind Zuko. It had been a month since Zuko first saw him tied up in the throne room, and he seemed to be much smaller and bonier than before. From what he heard from Father at dinner every evening, the boy had yet to open his mouth. If Father was anything like he was when Zuko failed to produce desired results in his studies or bending, the young Avatar had already endured too much. Zuko didn’t need to see the boy’s back to know what he would find there.

“Did I raise you to laze around?”

Zuko jumped up only to find Azula already on her feet. Of course she didn’t warn him.

The Avatar slowly found his footing facing Ozai, but his gaze remained on the ground. Zuko could practically hear the Avatar’s bones clanking against each other as he straightened out. 

“Review today,” Seconds later, an enormous burst of fire sprouted from Ozai’s fist followed by an arc of fire from his turning kick. 

Azula made easy work of the initial attacks and retaliated with her own generously sized fireballs. They seemed to be their own world of fireball volley, but Ozai soon turned his attention to Zuko. 

Zuko remembered the sparring sequence fairly well, but he soon realized that was not enough. Where Azula could improvise and easily counter their father’s attacks, Zuko froze, bearing the brunt of each missed defensive opportunity. 

Ozai pushed him to the edge of the courtyard, and made a 180 to fac the Avatar who cowered near the edge. The boy’s form was technically correct, but as usual, he was too light on his feet. He avoided Ozai’s first attack in a maneuver Zuko had never seen before. The boy avoided a serious burn by a hair’s breadth, and yet he seemed fairly composed. He still looked like a pet that had been kicked one too many times, but he always exuded confidence in his defensive techniques. 

The little dance continued, but Ozai pushed the boy into a corner, forcing him to send the weakest fireball at the Fire Lord. Ozai laughed heartily at the Avatar’s pathetic attempt at fire-bending, and directed an attack, much larger than what Azula or Zuko received, at the boy. 

In the weeks before, Ozai would’ve stopped after the Avatar made a fool of himself. But with this violent attack, the boy shot an equally powerful burst of air at Ozai, propelling the fire-bender into a tree. Zuko gaped and stifled a chuckle. The boy certainly was not a great fire-bender, but his air bending was impressive. 

Even with the joy Zuko received from watching his father being overtaken by a twelve year old, it was short lived when Ozai grabbed the Avatar and forced him to strip. Zuko expected the boy to take off his shirt, but instead he took off his pants, revealing horribly scarred flesh. 

Ozai knelt next to the boy, and ran his hands up and down his thighs. 

“Did you forget the rules, boy? How many times must I burn it into you? That disgraceful thing you call bending has no place here. Future avatars will need not rely on something so debased,”

***

Zuko’s stomach was cramped despite the huge bowl of noodle he consumed a couple hours prior. Aang’s place remained empty and the crew took notice, asking if Zuko would deliver his companion’s portion to his room. Needless to say, Zuko declined. 

The memories from the early days of Aang’s training to become a fully-fledged Avatar haunted the young prince. Luckily those were the only memories that surfaced so prominently in his mind. If their spat on the deck had elicited such unwanted reminders of the past in himself, Zuko was wary of what Aang was remembering. 

Zuko knew Aang didn’t intend on insulting his fire-bending; they had sparred together regularly, learning from each other. Zuko recalled Aang’s warmth when he grabbed the prince’ arm. Innocent, of course, but Zuko couldn’t help but imagine that warmth on his cock. Stroking him slowly until he came on the Avatar’s face or beautiful, bare chest. 

Absentmindedly, Zuko reached under his sheet and palmed his cock, running his thumb over the tip. He wasn’t surprised that it was already hard. Shutting his eyes, he slowly stroked his cock, heat spreading to his face as images of Aang’s mouth wrapped around it flashed in his mind. Those grey eyes looking up at him almost seeking approval as he took the cock deeper into his throat. 

The Aang his mind constructed knelt between his legs on the bed, letting his hands wander up and down the prince’s bare chest. 

“ Please ,” Zuko breathed, his stroking becoming frantic. 

Fingers tweaked and pinched his nipples as the suction around his cook broke. Aang kissed up his thighs and chest, pausing to capture a nipple in his mouth. He sucked slightly and grazed his teeth on it, sending a shiver up Zuko’s spine. Zuko bucked his hips up to meet Aang’s, but was only met with more frustration. 

Fake Aang’s lips finally reached Zuko’s neck, gently sucking and lapping at the skin. “You’ll be a good boy for Daddy?”

Zuko moaned, only barely holding on, eyes rolling to the back of his head. He nodded frantically, desperate to come. 

“Say it, baby. Say you’ll be a good boy for Daddy,” Aang continued his assault on Zuko’s neck and pushed Zuko onto his side, wrapping his arm around to grip the prince’s ass. 

Zuko opened his mouth to speak. “I-I’ll b-be a g—“ Aang nibbled on Zuko’s neck and spread Zuko’s ass to rest his finger on his asshole. “I’m c-com—“

A knock came from outside Zuko’ door, and Zuko was doused with cold water, his cock instantly softening up. Desperation clawed at his insides when Aang entered shirtless. 

“Is there an emergency?” Zuko asked, hoping Aang hadn’t heard his moans from the hall. How long had he been outside the door?

Aang didn’t answer. He climbed into the bed and faced away from Zuko. His feet hung off the end of the bed, and the blanket didn’t cover him completely, but there was no complaint. Zuko sighed and extinguished the flames around the room.

Chapter Text

Zuko scanned the letter again and glanced at the dilapidated port. There was no indication that a colonial town existed past the dense forest that lay behind a crooked sign reading “Daotai”. 

The prince tucked the letter into his nap sack and joined Aang at the entrance to the forest. There was barely a path to follow; the only indication of it being crushed twigs and flowers. 

The two walked in silence, Aang slicing away any troublesome branches with a slice of water. Usually Zuko took comfort in Aang’s rhythmic breathing and bending, but Aang’s presence in his bed every night for two weeks had him on edge. They shared very few words and yet now spent the most time together since their trip began. 

The letter Zuko received from Ozai was succinct as expected, but the Fire Lord’s updated list of towns to visit for the tour was anything but ordinary. Instead of visiting towns well known for their progress or work with the native population, they were instructed to go to towns only present on very few maps. Of course Ozai supplied no help on that front. Zuko spent days in marketplaces searching for a usable map.

The map Aang seized immediately upon buying it. Zuko offered to navigate, but Aang insisted that he could handle everything. 

About three hours into their hike, Zuko decided they needed to replenish their energy for the next few hours ahead. It was already peculiar that a town would decide to establish themselves so far removed from running water, so Zuko was on edge. The list of towns he curated before beginning his tour had been studied under scrutiny. Each plucked from dozens of towns that had constant threats or unexplained disappearances. 

“Water?” Zuko asked.

“No, thank you,” Aang said, pulling some dried pork from his bag, gnawing on it as he kept a vigilant eye on their surroundings. 

Zuko knew better than to take his friend’s silence as anything more than concentrating on keeping the crown prince safe; nevertheless, Zuko’s hand holding the sack of water dropped helplessly into his lap. 

“How much longer do you think until we arrive?” 

Aang shrugged. “An hour,” 

Zuko sipped his now heated water, settling his stomach a bit. He also had some pork somewhere in his bag, but he elected for some carrots and celery. 

“Would you like some?” As before, Aang declined, barely giving the prince a second glance. Zuko chuckled to himself, briefly remembering when the small vegetables were the only things his companion deigned to eat at the palace. 

“Get up,”

The urgency in Aang’s voice had Zuko on his feet instantly, fire tickling his fingertips. Although Zuko knew the Sun was directly overhead, the dense thicket blocked a majority of the light and energy he could garner from the Sun. Zuko and Aang’s flames became the main forms of illumination. 

Shadows shifted behind the bushes five yards away as the faint sound of moving water grew louder. 

“Show yourself,” Zuko shouted, watching Aang approach the shadows. 

Within seconds, a water tendril shot out and grabbed Aang’s arms, extinguishing his flames. Aang braced himself, stone collecting at his feet and turned the tendril to ice, breaking it with his opposite hand. He stalked forward, forcing the attackers to retreat somewhat. 

Zuko joined him, trying to avoid the brush with his flames. Surely Aang could extinguish any unruly fires after they managed the assailants, but damage was damage. 

The ground began to break into enormous pieces as Aang launched rock after rock at the retreating attackers. The groups screamed in a strange mix of words native to the Southern water tribe. Much too quickly for Zuko to translate on the spot.

Just as the earth settled, Aang sprinted forward, drawing water from the surrounding trees and corralled the assailants. Zuko could see where someone attempted to redirect Aang’s water, but Aang tightened his hold. He stalked the ragtag group, making his rounds as he brought a flame up to each of their faces. 

“Your leader. Where is she?” Aang stopped at a boy around their age, his hand wrapped firmly around a boomerang. 

Instead of stumbling through the Fire Nation words, the boy spoke with a perfect accent rivaling Aang’s when he first arrived in the palace. “I’m the leader,” the boy jutted out his chin, his back straightening in an obvious attempt to gain some height on the Avatar.

Aang cracked a smile and released one of the attackers, keeping him encircled by two foot high flames with earth binding his arms and feet. He let the boomerang boy loose and gestured to the boy panicking behind the flames.

“You agree a leader should be able to save their teammates?” The boy nodded and Zuko’s stomach dropped. “Care to test that theory?”

Aang stood behind the shaking entrapped boy, water collecting on his fingertips and hardening to a sharp, icy point. He buried his face in the crook of the boy’s neck, looking up to make eye contact with Zuko. 

“Aang—“ the boomerang boy raised his arm and launched his boomerang at the Avatar, but Aang’s fingers were already buried in the boy’s flesh, blood tainting the icy nails. The boomerang was easily diverted with a rock wall emerging between the horrified boy and his dying friend. 

Aang pushed the boy away from him and secured him with an earth spike through his torso. “A leader you are not.” 

Zuko remained silent, but helped secure them as their prisoners until they reached the town. While he knew speaking to Aang wouldn’t sway his position on sparing the lives of political prisoners, having mini conversations with the Aang in his head made his heart ache less. Perhaps it was the Aang he grew to know before Ozai’s last and most brutal punishment. 

The prince took up the rear as Aang herded the attackers within the town limits. The avatar’s hair was parted perfectly in cornrows, the braids reaching just below his shoulders. Peeking out on his scalp were minute patches of blue against the rest of the red ink. Zuko had noticed it before as he helped his companion manage his hair years prior, but his lips were sealed; He was sure Aang would’ve immediately gone to the closest tattooist to rid himself of that blue entirely.

“What is the meaning of this?” The mayor stood before the rebels, cognizant of how close he dared get to them. 

“Mayor Yi Qian, these rebels attacked the Avatar and I on our journey here. Unfortunately one died before we could question him, and we failed to capture their leader,” Zuko said solemnly. 

“I am the leader!” The boomerang boy yelled, but desperation and insecurity seeped from the poor boy’s pores. 

“The leader is a woman. They called her Katara. Southern water tribe if you can believe it. She’s a waterbender. Competent at that,” One of the rebels chortled at Aang’s last comment, but Aang didn’t react. “They seem to operate more as a family than a random team. She has two distinct connections. This boy,” he gestured lazily at the boomerang boy. “Is most likely a family member or from the same tribe. Name, Sokka. And this one,”  The boy chewing on a blade of grass glared at Aang. “Her lover and confidant, Jet. She will undoubtedly retaliate and attempt to rescue them.”

Zuko hid his surprise from how much Aang managed to glean from such a small encounter. He knew his friend was fluent in all the nations’ languages from his time with the air nomads, but he too studied the Southern Water Tribe dialect. He heard no names or solid proof of a female leader. 

The mayor bowed deeply in appreciation and guided them through the town that Zuko could more aptly describe as two shacks and a mansion. 

With no sewer system fecal matter stood in mounds in front of each shack. For the life of him, Zuko could not determine why his father would include such an unstrategic stop to his tour and derail months of planning. 

The prisoners were sent to a stable to be chained up to await trial as Zuko prepared for his address to the town’s inhabitants. 

“Mayor,” he said as they say cross legged from each other. “Considering the attack, it may be best that my energies are spent on finding this leader and stopping her before she causes too much damage to your town. Do you know why she’s targeting you?” Perhaps it’s all the homeless earth natives and dismal living conditions?

The mayor frowned slightly. “Perhaps you’re right, my prince. She should be our priority. But we contacted Fire Lord Ozai a week ago regarding attacks to our Fire Nation citizens’ property. Horses and cows have gone missing. But it hasn’t just been us. All the colonies we’ve contacted have had an increase in rebellious activity.”

Zuko stifled his urge to glance at Aang to gauge his reaction. “Do you have sufficient manpower to manage a sweep of the woods?”

They stopped in front of a significantly larger shelter with one unusually small soldier posted at the entrance. “Many of our men perished after last season’s fruitless harvest. We were forced to enlist the help of women and children.”

“How did your Earth kingdom residents fare?” Zuko inquired. “I can imagine they bore the brunt of the food shortage.”

“Nothing their kind can’t handle, my prince,” the mayor gestured to follow him inside. “Unfortunately the fire lord did not alert us that assistance was imminent, so the Avatar and yourself will have to share a room.”

“You have a separate room, do you not?” Aang said once inside. 

“Well, yes Avatar Aang, but–“

“Your Crown Prince is here to solve your problem, and you expect him to share a room.” He took a step toward the mayor, his shoulders almost expanding to the wingspan of a platypus bear. 

Zuko bit his lip and stepped in front of Aang. “I apologize for the Avatar’s attitude. I understand this was not an expected visit. I am honored to rest in any of your fine rooms,” Zuko paused and glanced at Aang’s pinched face. “with the accompaniment of the Avatar.”

The mayor thanked Zuko and left the two companions with the tiny soldier that joined them. 

“Please follow me, Avatar Aang and Your Highness.” The soldier’s voice was sickly sweet and adolescent. 

“What is your age, soldier?” Zuko asked. Aang trailed behind. 

“Just turned eleven, my prince!” He gave a toothy grin at the prince before pulling aside a moth eaten cloth to reveal a room with two straw beds. 

Zuko couldn’t distinguish whether the panic he felt stemmed from sharing a room with Aang or the soldier’s young age. 

“Your parents permit this?” Zuko ran his fingers along the damp, cold stones lining the room. 

“They died last season,” the boy removed his helmet, tucking it haphazardly beneath his arm. “It was difficult, but thankfully Mayor Yi Qian offered orphan Earth Kingdom children a home in his house in exchange for their service.”

“Surely you all could help around the house,” Zuko pressed. The child was so much smaller than Zuko was at that age. Surely he would simply be cannon fodder for any enemy. 

“We do the Mayor’s bidding, my prince. It’s an honor.”

Zuko sank onto the bed as Aang lurked in the furthest corner. “Your name?”

“Jiaohua, Your Highness. Please excuse me. My Master needs me,” he bowed deeply and left Zuko stunned by the boy’s abrupt exit. He hadn’t heard anyone calling for the boy. 

Zuko peeled off his outer layers and let his hair fall in spirals down his back. They never retained curls like Aang’s despite Zuko and various stylists’ greatest efforts. His hair was limp and lifeless. 

Aang remained in the corner watching Zuko get comfortable in silence. His shoulders were no longer bunched up to his ears, but his arms remained crossed. 

“I’m sure we can get a couple hours of sleep, Aang. We’ll need it.” The man didn’t budge. “You don’t need to guard me in my sleep. Any commotion will undoubtedly be loud enough to alert us.”

“If you’re tired, you should sleep.”

“I won’t sleep unless I know you’ll rest with me.” Zuko started to slip back on his clothes when he received no response. “Shall we take a walk?”

In the process of dressing quickly Zuko’s tunic slipped off his shoulder, his hair cascading down onto his chest and framing his petite face. He pushed a bit behind his ear as he reached for his shoes, Aang in the prime position to see the gentle slopes of the prince’s neck, back, and chest. 

“Fine.” Within seconds Aang’s shoes were off and he was laying with his back to the prince. 

Zuko chuckled and relaxed despite the straws digging into his back. He knew he didn’t imagine the slight pink tint to the Avatar’s cheeks before the man flung himself on the bed. 

***

“Did you sleep?”

“Yes,” Aang’s prominent dark circles said otherwise. 

The two stood in the bathroom adjusting their clothes in relative silence. To Zuko the silence was a blaring fog horn, threatening to burst his ear drums. He chanced a glance at his companion, amused to find him struggling to fix one of his frayed braids. 

“Help?” Zuko offered, but Aang looked like the prince kicked his favorite turtle duck. 

“You don’t think I can manage my own hair?” He grumbled, undoing the braid for the third time. 

“Needing help doesn’t automatically mean you’re incapable,” Zuko secured his bun with basic hair sticks and stood behind Aang. “On your knees. Now.” 

Aang’s hands dropped uselessly to his side and he begrudgingly fell to his knees, giving Zuko the leverage to braid the unruly piece. 

In the past, Zuko would’ve braided the thick hair with ease, quickly turning the strands over one another. But time had taken his toll and Zuko wasn’t complaining. He carefully parted in three, retaining a firm grasp on each one as he slowly began to braid. He still marveled at the softness of his friend’s hair, transporting him back to when he first touched it. Zuko often overheard servants complaining of its coarseness and how it tangled itself with tight coils. If not for his father’s goal of integrating the Avatar into Fire Nation society, they surely would have shaved his hair. 

“Please hurry up, Zuko,” Aang whispered, and if Zuko didn’t know better he thought he heard a sniffle. 

“Almost done,” He said. 

Once he finished the cornrow, Zuko poured some coconut oil Aang always carried with him onto his hands, and ran each finger between the cornrows. “Perfect,” Zuko whispered this time. He didn’t have much time to appreciate his masterpiece; Aang bolted out the room without a word. 

Aang never reappeared for breakfast with the mayor and the child soldiers. Zuko had to endure the wild feasting hall alone and engage in mind numbing conversation with the incredibly prejudiced mayor. 

Zuko quickly took his leave, determined to get to the bottom of the rebellion situation so they could leave the town. 

For a summer day, the wind was uncharacteristically brutal while the sun hid from view. The moment he stepped outside, the wind whipped his hair loose, stealing his last two hair sticks. But Zuko was just grateful the wind didn’t splatter him with the mountains of feces in the street. 

He made rounds of the town, shivering both at the eerie abandoned shacks and bitter cold. Clouds of flies crowded the street and the stench was worse than the day before on account of the morning dew. Suddenly the thought of being back at the imperial palace with his father sounded delightful. 

Tentatively, Zuko exited the town gates, eager to find someone to tell him more about the town. According to the mayor, a vast majority of the town died of starvation, but even on the western side of the town, Zuko could not find a single grave. Cemeteries were always built in the west in the Fire Nation. 

“ Agni , is that you? Taizhong?” Zuko froze as an elderly woman grabbed him and pulled him into a hug. “You’ve gotten so small . Have you been eating?”

Zuko gently pulled away from the frail woman, peeling her fingers off him. “Ma’am, I’m Prince Zuko. Are you looking for someone?”

The woman smiled with her gums, a single incisor remaining. “How many times has your baba told you not to go outside the gate?”

Zuko frowned. The woman was obviously out of her mind, but he had only heard about those people in school. Fire Lord Sozin cured illnesses like that in the Fire Nation. Afflicted people volunteered to live a life of abstinence so that children would not bear the burden of a dishonorable illness. 

Poor woman , he thought as he helped her onto a nearby rock. 

“Can you tell me what happened here? I’d like to know this town’s story,” Zuko pushed, hesitantly hopeful. 

The woman paused. “A story?” Her hand wandered to the hem of her shirt, rolling and unrolling it slowly. “He was jealous of the gods. Their immortality and wealth taunted him.”

“I don’t think–“ 

“Had a palace built, he did! Filled it with servants, children, exotic animals. Nothing satisfied him,” Her eyes flitted to the forest for a brief moment before shuddering. “Folks had the good sense to exile him to the forest. But those poor children seeking shelter from the storm.”

Zuko desperately wanted to press her for more information. See if she had any information on the mayor or the children working for him. But the story brought upon a violent attack of some kind. She rocked forward and back forward and back, hands clasped tightly together as she beat her forehead with them. Tears poured down the deep creases of her cheeks and seemed to choke her when she tried to catch her breath. 

A memory of Zuko’s mother threatened to resurface. When he caught her tucked in a corner near Father’s chambers late at night, robes singed and tufts of hair caught in a vicious battle of tug-of-war with her fingers.

“Laolao, there you are!” The voice startled Zuko, especially when he recognized the uniformed boy belonged to the mayor.

The boy was no older than eleven years old, the uniform hanging off his boney frame and cap two sizes larger than his head. He held onto his grandmother’s arms firmly, preventing her from doing further harm to herself. The action seemed to help center the woman, her wails quieting to a fearful sob. 

Zuko felt absolutely useless next to the boy, baffled by the woman’s speedy recovery just from physical contact. Questions that would never be answered floated helplessly in his mind. 

“Can I,” Zuko cleared his throat, rubbing this forearm slowly. “Help you take her home?” 

The boy grimaced but nodded, and both he and Zuko stood on either side of the woman, guiding back within the town’s walls. The walk was strenuous, the small boy not able to offset any weight from Zuko’s side. 

“The forest is dangerous,” the boy grunted when his grandmother began to dig her heels into the sticky mud. “Why were you out there?”

“Mayor told me about the famine that ravaged the town. I wanted to pay my respects to the victims from the Earth Kingdom.” Zuko answered, his hope that they’d walk in silence destroyed. 

“Don’t you mean the savages .”

“If I meant that, I would’ve said it.”

“Diplomacy does nothing for us when we’re starved, beaten, and killed.” The boy snapped, a feral edge to the words. 

It’s the only thing I can do , Zuko thought.

Minutes later they approached a small hut, a small stone path cleared of excrement and mud for them to pass through. The hut was well built and somehow cooler inside than outside with the breeze. 

The boy sat his grandmother in the corner with a couple baskets that seemed to keep her busy while he collected some water from a bucket underneath a small hole in the roof. He removed his shoes and dutifully took her’s, gently washing her feet. With every action the boy kept his eyes trained on Zuko who stood near the door, careful not to touch anything. 

The hut had no clear distinction between bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom except for a thick, inconsistent line in the dirt delineating each section. Each “room” had a lantern, and in one of the corners was a blanket covering some sort of mound, a strong, distinctive scent emanating from it. 

“What’s your name?” Zuko inquired. “I’m Zuko.”

The boy’s eyes narrowed. “I know who you are, prince ,” he sat beside his grandmother, who was slowly mending the baskets. “I’m Ling.”

Zuko smiled and tentatively sat across from Ling and his grandmother. 

“How long have you been taking care of your grandmother?”

“Since I became an orphan. She needed more help after my Ma was gone.”

“I’m sorry your parents passed away from the famine. I hope they didn’t suffer too much.” 

“They were murdered,” Ling spat. “It wasn’t a famine, stupid.”

Zuko froze, suddenly terrified to make eye contact with the boy. Surely, Ling was mistaken. The mayor couldn’t take on a whole town of earthbenders himself. Firebenders were capable of a world of damage, but a single fire bender decimating an entire town was unheard of. 

“How? Perhaps the mayor didn’t do enough when the famine destroyed the crops?” 

Ling shook his head ‘no’. “Either the children died or the parents,” he glanced at the mound in the corner. “They died and we had to work or starve. Laolao only survived because Ma hid her under the house. It took me weeks to reach her. I can’t bend.”

Zuko took note of the part of the floor haphazardly filled with rocks of different shapes and sizes. “What does the mayor have you do?”

“Bad things. Sometimes he-“ Ling’s mouth snapped shut, his eyes focused behind Zuko. 

“Prince Zuko, funny finding you here,” Jiaohua entered the hut. Ling’s grandmother’s sons immediately grew louder while Ling tried to comfort her. “I’ve been looking for you everywhere, Ling. Master requested your presence before dinner.”

“It's my night off, Jiaohua,” Ling’s typically smooth voice shook terribly as he addressed the other boy. “I worked last night.” 

“Do you really want to upset him?”

Zuko shot up and stood between the boys. “I’m sure there can be some sort of resolution here. Ling deserves a day off.”

A beat of silence. 

“If that’s what you want, Ling. I’ll be sure to let Master know your laolao is doing well.” He moved to exit, and Ling quickly pulled out of his grandmother’s grasp and followed Jiaohua. 

Chapter Text

The tension between Aang and Zuko in their shared quarters was palpable when Zuko returned to the mayor’s home. When Aang saw Zuko covered head to toe in mud and caught a whiff of Zuko’s clothes the questions were endless. But Zuko had questions of his own. Most of which he knew Aang would blatantly dismiss or excuse – a royal family trait Zuko himself never quite developed. 

“We missed you for breakfast. The gruel was delicious,” Zuko said, sitting beside their shared cot, back against the wall. “I hope you weren’t starving while you did…whatever.”

Any average person would’ve evaporated under Aang’s glower, but thankfully a lifetime of fatherly disapproval prepared Zuko. “Eating isn’t my priority right now.”

Zuko frowned at the comment. “You can’t possibly–“ He stopped and took a deep breath. “If you don’t eat, what will fuel your bending?”

Aang sighed. “This isn’t like before, Zuko. You don’t need to baby me,”

“So then you’d have no problem eating this, right?” Zuko tossed him a small piece of bread he snagged earlier. 

Rolling his eyes, Aang ate the entire piece, never breaking his eye contact with Zuko. “You never trust me,” He said and left. 

Zuko groaned and fell back on the bed, dragging his hands down his face until the skin pulled. 

I’m an idiot , he thought. I’m just projecting on him. 

Zuko forced himself from the floor, and cringed at the huge mud stain he left behind him. He was of half the mind to just change into Aang’s spare clothes to avoid trekking to the other side of the mayor’s home for a semi-public bath, but he could feel the filth slowly seeping into his pores, seeking permanent residence. He could also imagine if his Father caught him in his condition. He’d be branded a disgrace as per usual. 

He grabbed a rag and container of soap, and walked the winding corridors, hoping he wouldn’t have to share the bath with anyone. Not that anyone would want to share the bath with him with all of his filth. 

The bath couldn’t hold a flame to the bath back in the Royal palace with its glass ceiling, marble floors heated by firebending servants just below, and Zuko’s favorite, the constant stream of heated water into the marble pool. His Father chided him for it, deeming extravagant baths as ridiculously feminine. But until he grew old enough to understand modesty or privacy, his mother had personally bathed him. She would massage his scalp as he nearly fell asleep from the room’s comforting warmth, and sing to him when he was fussy and didn’t quite want her to clean beneath his nails. 

But both she and the bath were gone. Her permanently. The bath temporarily. Agni , the way he wished the two were switched. 

The far less opulent bath had all the necessary features. A bathing pool…naturally, and a clay pot, that has seen better days, for rinsing before soaking. The room it was situated in had a small window in the farthest corner Zuko assumed for ventilation, and a few plain partitions to add some privacy. 

Zuko sighed and filled the pot one quarter of the way, and slowly began to heat it with his hand. He brought it to a simmer, and dunked his rag in, eager to finish washing off so he could enjoy the warmth of the pool. Zuko allowed the rag to drag across his skin, easing the mud off, careful not to excessively tug or scrub at the skin. Each time the rag got too dirty, he washed it in the pot and refilled it with warm water again. He cleaned everywhere, paying special attention to his ass, feeling ridiculous rigorously cleaning for someone who would never appreciate it. 

But after five minutes of struggling to scrub his feet, he finished, and stepped into the frigid, cold pool, a shock going up his spine. 

What kind of barbarity? Zuko thought. 

He finished heating the pool to his desired temperature, ignoring his mother’s warning of hot water drying out skin, and heard a shriek from the side of the pool blocked off for privacy. 

“Hello?” Zuko called out. Jiaohua peeked his head from behind the partition and scowled. “Are you okay?”

“You made the water scalding !” 

Zuko sat submerged in the water, his skin only barely pink from the heat. “I apologize. I wasn’t aware anyone was here,” Zuko paused. “I thought the mayor summoned you.”

Ling smiled brightly. “He did! But before anything happened, the Avatar asked for his assistance.” Jiaohua emerged from behind the partition, and joined Zuko in the main pool. “Your girlfriend must really enjoy your company, Prince Zuko!”

Zuko was slightly taken aback by the boy’s ambivalence to modesty and nudity; although he was just from the colonies, Fire Nation ideals, even modesty, were supposed to be taught. One never comments on another man’s body in a public bath. Perhaps Earth Kingdom citizens were more open about things like that. That would confirm the information that his tutors taught him about the colonies. 

“I don’t have a girlfriend,” Zuko furrowed his brow. “What business did Aang have with your mayor?” Ling raised his brow. “ The Avatar .”

Ling shrugged, and let the water trickle through his fingers. “Said something about the prisoners, and finding the girl. But the mayor told me to leave before they said much more.”

The girl? The waterbender?

“If you don’t have a girlfriend who’s going to be the Fire Lady?”

Zuko groaned, wishing that he had made the water uninhabitable to non-firebender standards. “Ling,” After taking a good look at the boy, he didn’t know how to broach the topic. “What did you mean when you said ‘Thankfully before anything happened’? Does the mayor hurt you and the other kids?”

Ling shook his head stiffly, his fidgeting hands stilling upon hearing the question. But Zuko couldn’t ignore the blatant hand shaped bruises blossoming on his neck. They certainly weren’t there earlier when they first met helping his grandmother home. 

“I can help you get away from here.” 

Ling stood immediately covering himself, suddenly concerned about modesty as he exited the room silently. But Zuko didn’t miss the scars only obtained after burning the same spot over and over, in rapid succession. The scars on his thighs identical to those on Aang so many years ago. 

***

The scars on Ling’s thighs soured the rest of Zuko’s day, and prevented him from having any thought besides: how can I help these children? He also couldn’t help but go down the dangerous rabbit hole of wondering whether the colonies only bred suffering for the Natives. But that was a thought he couldn’t linger on. 

He returned to his room after bathing, changing into  his far less stained trousers and one of Aang’s oversized tunics. The fabric smelled heavily of him, sandalwood with a hint of sweat. Even after weeks of Zuko’s Father refusing to let the Avatar bathe, the boy still somehow always smelled delicious to Zuko. 

Gathering his swords, Zuko ventured to where the prisoners were being held. The mayor assured him that they would be treated with the utmost respect, and yet, Zuko descended into what could only be described as a hellscape conceived by evil spirits. Light was minimal and became nonexistent, forcing Zuko to use his own fire. But as he descended further, the walls threatening to collapse and suffocate him, his flame flickered from his nervousness and distance from the warmth of the sun. 

He finally emerged from the winding staircase, and complex construction of the structure confirming his suspicion of it being an earth bender creation. Elementary, but obviously too difficult for non benders to create. 

Following the narrow hall, an uneasy silence fell over Zuko. That far down there were no critters or insects to bother him. As Zuko grew closer to the end, a boy’s bone-chilling scream pierced the veil of silence he grew accustomed to.

He resisted the urge to charge into the room at the end of the hall. He stayed by the door, peeking in through its iron slots. 

Clear as day, Zuko saw Aang at the center of the room with the mayor and one of the prisoners. The rest lined the walls, gags muffling their cries. The southern water tribe boy looked especially distressed at the scene unfolding before him. His nose was twisted in an unsightly direction, and his bare torso was laden with cuts of varying length and depth. 

“I grow tired of your dreams of heroism, Jet .” Aang spat the boy’s name whose hands were bound to the ceiling, toes only barely keeping him upright. “Where are you getting your resources?”

Zuko sucked in his breath when the water dancing around Aang’s fingers solidified on his fingertips. The Avatar traced the sharp tips along Jet’s neck and down his chest. 

“There are no–“ Aang dug his fingers into the boy’s gut, twisting slowly. 

“Perhaps all the years I’ve spent learning your disgusting language have not made me clear. Prince Zuko ,” Aang’s sharp gaze met Zuko’s. “You’re far more adept at their tongue. Would you like to translate?”

Maintaining a calm demeanor after being caught was nearly impossible, but Zuko managed. He happily greeted the mayor and Aang, and stood beside the prisoner, Jet. Zuko didn’t know what game Aang was playing; Aang was worlds better than Zuko in foreign languages. 

“I’ll only translate if he’s no longer bound,” Zuko said. “And I want the other prisoners’ gags removed” 

The mayor did as told as Zuko and Aang stared at each other silently. Zuko was sure both the prisoners and the mayor thought he had lost his mind. 

Jet massaged his wrists and glanced warily at Zuko. “What’s your game? Get us to trust your pompous ass?” He rolled his eyes. “She told us you’d try this.”

Jet’s dialect was choppier than the official Earth Kingdom language, words held in the back of the throat. There were also far more tones than Zuko was accustomed to. 

“Who is she ?” Zuko stumbled through the words, but was confident of his construction. 

“She’s more than you’ll ever be!” A prisoner screamed, but was instantly silenced by an earth pillar to the gut. Bloody spit collected at his lips and ran down his chin as his body lurched forward upon impact. 

Zuko set his mouth in a line. “Water. Now.” He ordered Aang who hesitantly drew water from the air and soaked the rag Zuko held. Gently, he pressed the fabric to the man…no, boy’s lips, wiping away the bloody accumulation. 

“Are we going to pamper these murderers and thieves, or get them to give up their leader?” The mayor snapped, pushing Zuko out of the way, and grabbing the Earth Kingdom boy’s throat. 

Within an instant Aang had the mayor pinned against the opposite wall, rock formations holding the man at least five feet off the ground. The boy held a white flame under the man’s neck, the kind of precision with fire Zuko had only seen with Azula. The fire didn’t even flicker. 

“Lay your hands on my Zuko, and your little playthings will find your ashes in your luxurious bed with your obscene cock atop it as a candle,” The Avatar said seething, a gravelly undertone to his voice that made Zuko’s toes curl. 

Even more than that. ‘My Zuko ’?

By the time Aang released the mayor and the sniveling man escaped, Zuko was back on his feet and the prisoners had averted their eyes from the Avatar. After his little show of power, even Zuko wasn’t sure if he wanted to interfere in his companion’s interrogation. Despite the lack of biology shared between the two, Zuko could’ve sworn he saw a hint of his father in Aang. Of course, the mayor would have been burned to a crisp and most of the prisoners set afire if proven useless if the Fire Lord had been in Aang’s place. 

How much time had Aang practiced with Azula and Father when Zuko was playing with his Dao swords? the young fire bender questioned. How much had he missed?

“You’re hurt,” Aang gripped Zuko’s chin roughly, turning his head to the side to get a better look. Aang wet his thump and wiped away the very little blood on Zuko’s forehead. 

“It’s nothing.” Zuko insisted. 

The boys caught each other’s eyes, Zuko’s chest heaving from the sudden excitement. Or at least he wanted to believe that was the reason. He ignored the minute glances Aang made to his lips. Or how he felt his stomach flip incessantly as his friend looked him over. 

A laugh cut through the silence, tearing the two apart, and in the worst fire nation accent Zuko had ever heard, Jet pointed to them and said, “Faggots.”

“ Jet, ” the water tribe boy gasped. He turned to Zuko and Aang. “ Please . He’s an idiot. Don’t kill him! He doesn’t mean it.”

Zuko half expected Jet to be incinerated, but Aang was stunned, his eyes wide and jaw slack. He took a couple steps away from Zuko and shook his head. 

“I’m not that ,” it came out barely as a whisper. 

“I’m no fool. I’ve seen the whorehouses in Ba Sing Se. I’ve seen these pathetic men seek each other out like rat possums searching for trash. You two have that same look.” Jet continued. “What would your sweet Agni think?”

The water tribe boy shook his head and lowered his gaze. Usually Zuko would defer to the Avatar, but Aang was no help as he collapsed in on himself, his mind surely going to a place Zuko did not wish to follow. 

“You know Agni?” Jet nodded as Zuko came to stand before him. “Then you must know Fire Lord Ozai, my Father.” Again the boy nodded, and Zuko took his hand in his own, studying it intently. 

“What does–“

“Shhh,” Zuko smiled brightly. “You most likely look at my companion and see the most powerful being. The Avatar . I know I’m just a Prince. I’m sure you’d rather fight me than him.” A flame sprouted from his hand, far less controlled than Aang’s earlier. It flickered and was a deep orange. 

He set his flame loose on Jet’s hand, watching the boy’s palm turn pink to red to a blistering white and then to brown. Zuko supposed the screams were loud, but he watched his companion slowly come back to life. 

“Zuko, what are you doing?” 

Chapter Text

The sizzling of the boy’s flesh under Zuko’s flame reminded the young Prince of the food stands just outside the palace gates with grills specially designated for preparing the thin meat skins. Flayed Flesh , everyone called it. The cooks would shimmy it onto a skewer so that the meat folded and twisted, dripping it’s fat all over their hand as their customer (usually Zuko) would wait with bated breath. There was nothing Zuko loved more than devouring the meat in one bite while Aang watched on disgusted. 

Perhaps this is the power his father experienced whenever he shoved Zuko’s face in the dirt, or when he’d force Zuko to watch prisoners scream for mercy as their limbs were torn from their sockets. His mouth watered and soured simultaneously at the thought.

“Zuko, what are you doing ?” 

Zuko couldn’t interpret Aang’s tone when he extinguished his flame and let the boy’s burnt hand go. But Jet didn’t avoid his gaze. “Your leader is lucky to have someone so loyal,” Zuko said softly. “I’ll debride your burn once we’re on our ship.”

Jet bristled at Zuko’s mention of help, but the prince’s attention was back on Sokka. At Zuko’s demonstration on cruelty, the boy maintained a semblance of stoicism that was admirable. Not knowing if he was next…if he would get the shorter end of the stick and end up dead. 

“Where’s Katara?” 

“Or what? You’ll burn me like you did him? I can take it.”

“Your courage is certainly…existent,” Zuko began, his lips upturned. “But I think you’re more valuable. I think…I know that your little leader, Katara, is somewhere nearby waiting for her moment to retrieve her dear brother.”

The boy’s eyes narrowed at Zuko’s assumption. “Katara wouldn’t sacrifice the rebellion for us. We’re expendable. Nothing . Kill us. Don’t kill us. Won’t make a difference.”

“Why are we prolonging this? We kill them, display their bodies as a trap, and we get her.” Aang snarled, charging at Jet. 

The Prince launched an easily dissolvable fireball at the avatar, blocking his path for a moment. “No one is dying today. Tie them up and bring them to the mayor’s house.”

Aang paused and cocked his brow. “And if I don’t?” 

Zuko stilled. “I’m not in the business of repeating myself to my crew .” 

He retreated up the stairs before Aang could showcase more of his insolence. The avatar didn’t take long to do what he was told, and only nodded affirmatively when Zuko asked for the prisoners to be secured to an earth pillar. All the mayor’s boys stood behind the older man while Zuko paced before the prisoners. 

There was expansive silence save for the twittering of some birds, but even that ceased after a couple minutes. Soon a dense fog fell over them, forcing them to strain their eyes to even see two feet in front of them. Aang created a dome around them, giving them a clear view of the prisoners and a couple yards around them in each direction. But even then, they were at a clear disadvantage with one water bender. 

“Boys,” the mayor grunted. “Go out there and see if they’re coming.”

“ No one moves.” Zuko snapped, eying Aang specifically who was hovering suspiciously near the edge of the dome. 

“No one needs to get hurt today.”

“Seems like we’re past that, little Prince.” A voice cut through the fog, its rough timbre slightly unnerving. Zuko recognized the dialect immediately as southern water tribe. 

A flame burst from Aang’s hand, but Zuko smiled at the girl’s words. “I apologize. I got away from myself earlier. I have more than enough experience tending to burns. Once we come to an agreement I’d be more than willing to assist in his healing.”

A girl not much younger than himself stepped forward, tentacles of water encapsulating her arms. The water moved with her seamlessly as she grew closer. Stopping a mere seven feet away she stared at Zuko, her lips pressed in a thin line. Zuko felt Aang’s presence grow closer behind him as she drew nearer. 

“You know me as Katara.” She stumbled through, her ability to speak his language sorely lacking. “You are Prince Zuko and Avatar Aang, traitors of the spirit and physics worlds alike.”

Zuko sighed. “That may be, but we have your men and we want assurances that you’ll cease your attacks on our colonies.” He reverted to her tongue for her ease, but her brows furrowed. 

“ Stolen land, little Prince. I cannot take back the hope I’ve supplied the people you’ve trampled.” She replies back in the broken Fire Nation language. How she learned it so far south he can’t fathom. She was so slight even with the mass of water around her, but her eyes burnt with a fire he had only witnessed in Azula. 

His sister would be so pleased that a water savage held the same spark from the spirits. 

“But you can . Tell them their efforts are futile. They will die, and their blood will be on your hands. Is that really something you want?”

“Is it so futile that the Fire Lord sent his son and greatest asset, the bastard Avatar, to hunt me down?”

“ Bastard ?” Aang said, confused. 

“Aang-“ Zuko tried. 

Katara’s eyes cut to Aang, a smile creeping up on her lips. “Surely you know you have a target on your head. The spirits chose you as a mistake, and it’s due time to reset.”

She launched at Aang, water tendrils stretching to grasp his neck. Almost immediately non-bender and benders alike appeared, the fog disappearing. 

Zuko was surrounded by at least four non-benders with swords, their faces covered with cloth and mud. With very little effort he disarmed and knocked two unconscious, ‘borrowing’ their swords. The swords weren’t dual broadswords but they worked just the same. 

The mayor’s boys joined him in blocking Katara’s backup from Jet and her brother. Her benders were inexperienced and easy to send running in the opposite direction. 

Her other followers that stood beside her charged Aang with their swords and clubs, but he grounded himself sending dozens of sharpened stones into the chests and abdomens of them all. 

With a strangled cry, she leapt over their bodies, drawing water from a nearby pot and shooting razor sharp ice pellets at his companion. 

“ Zuko ,” Aang grunted as he narrowly avoided lethal pieces of Katara’s ice. But blood began to blossom from his shoulder and thigh. Katara had him backed into a corner. 

Instead of coming directly to Aang’s aid, Zuko found himself with his arms around Jet’s neck. “ Katara !” Zuko bellowed, before she could launch more ice at Aang. 

“A friend for a friend.” Katara took a step forward, but Zuko tightened his grip. “A friend…for a friend .”

“And my brother?” 

“Stays with us until I get news that the colonies are safe from your people.”

She shook her head sharply. “I’m not leaving my brother.”

“Care to add to the mass grave you’ve dug for your people?” He jutted his chin out to gesture to the dead rebels at her feet. “Collect your dead and your friend, and leave. Sokka will be safe with me. He will be a brother to me unless you attack more colonies.”

“ Kill him , Katara!” Jet wheezed, scratching at Zuko’s forearms. 

Katara glared at the Prince but dropped her arms, and Zuko could feel Jet deflate. 

He shoved the boy to her as she retreated. Sokka remained silent as she left, his lip only barely trembling. 

“How could you let her go?” The mayor emerged from behind his door shouting. “She was in our grasp! She’ll be back, you fool!” 

Zuko glanced at the boys helping support Aang on his feet. He approached the mayor, squeezing his shoulder firmly. “You don’t have to worry about her anymore.” 

“What-“ 

Zuko plunged his personal dagger into the man’s belly, drawing him close until his actions were obscured from the boys’ view. He slowly twisted the dagger until his hands were drenched in blood and fluids Zuko refused to acknowledge. 

“You need not wonder ‘why’, dear mayor. Agni will roast you for your perversions after birds feast on your flesh.”

Chapter Text

Zuko and Aang waited several hours before trekking to their ship with Sokka. The water tribe boy tried escaping a couple times, but was stopped with little effort from Zuko. By that time they reached their ship where their small crew had been clueless of their misadventures. But thankfully they were well stocked with the clay pots of food the mayor had hid from his Earth kingdom constituents. 

Zuko stuck Sokka in the room across from his own, promising the boy that he’d be allowed to roam the ship once he earned their trust. 

Once they were several hours out at sea, Zuko collected Sokka for dinner. The boy refused to even look at the Prince, but the prospect of food enticed him every time. Zuko was glad the boy wasn’t picky. 

They sat together, Aang beside Zuko with Sokka across the table. Sokka was nearly through with his steaming bowl of rice and boiled platypus-bear meat, the speed at which he consumed food making Zuko nauseous. But Aang sat silently, almost the polar opposite of their newfound ‘companion’. With his arm wrapped tightly to his chest, he struggled to grasp enough rice and meat in his chopsticks. Zuko watched the avatar quietly, taking small bites of his food. After a couple moments, Aang’s chopsticks clattered to the ground.  

Aang bent to the side, groaning painfully as he jostled his arm which Zuko suspected had been fractured or bruised with Katara’s ice somehow. Even Aang couldn’t produce such strong ice. 

“Aang-“

“ No.” 

Zuko could feel both Sokka and Aang’s gazes on him as he collected the chopsticks from the deck floor. He swiftly grabbed some of Aang’s rice and a sliver of meat, eventually presenting it to Aang’s mouth. 

“I said ‘no’.” Aang snapped, straining his neck to get away from Zuko and the chopsticks. 

“Does it seem like I care?” He pressed on with the food, gently tapping it to the Avatar’s bottom lip, coaxing it open. After what felt like an eternity, Aang separated his lips enough for the food to pass. Zuko’s eyes never left Aang’s pink lips. He guided a stray rice grain back into the boy’s mouth, his breath catching in his throat when Aang licked his lips after swallowing. 

“ Good boy ,” A blush spread across Zuko’s face at Sokka’s comment. “What are you a baby needing to be breastfed? Just use your hands, idiot .”

Zuko chuckled and placed the chopsticks beside Aang’s bowl. “Yeah, idiot .”

Aang squinted and without a word he grasped some rice in his other fist and launched it at Zuko’s face, earning a snicker from Sokka. The grains of rice tumbled into every crevice of Zuko’s tunic, leaving grease stains in its wake. 

“You fucking-“ Zuko cried, holding back the urge to shove Aang to the ground. 

“Avatar Aang,” Zuko’s eyes darted to one of his crewmen. “A hawk from the capital has arrived for you.” He handed the small slip of paper to Aang and excused himself. 

Aang pushed his bowl to Sokka, who was more than willing to finish it off, and mumbled his goodbyes. He retreated to his chambers while Zuko stared into his empty bowl, a cold sweat starting. 

Who would send Aang a message from the capital? Zuko grimaced at the thought of Azula, or even worse, Father, sending Aang a private message. 

Before Sokka could take his last bite, Zuko dragged him away from the table and back to his chambers. Hours after the sun had set and the crew had called it for the night no one had seen the avatar for the remainder of the day. 

Zuko emerged from the bathroom, his jet black hair cascading down his back and shoulders in wet tendrils. His towel hung loosely around his waist, his chest still fairly damp from the shower. But when he arrived at his own room, Aang was waiting on his bed, his head between his knees and fingers harshly scratching at his scalp. 

“Aang?” His voice was barely a whisper. 

Aang’s fingers stopped immediately, hovering a couple centimeters above his head. 

He’d definitely need to rebraid his cornrows after this , Zuko thought. 

The avatar didn’t turn his head to look at the prince. “I’ll need to stay here for the night, if that’s okay.”

Zuko frowned. “I’d prefer if we addressed your behavior back there,” Zuko busied himself with his dresser, hoping he could pick out some clothes before Aang noticed his nakedness. Half-nakedness? 

“I wish you’d keep your hair down,” Zuko froze as Aang’s fingers released his hair from its tie, slowly tracing down his neck and spine. 

“You can’t avoid this conversation. It’s going to happen whether you like it or not,” the Prince pressed. He wanted to spin around, give Aang a piece of his mind. To push him away and tell him to get out and stay out. 

But…he knew what he’d find — what he’d see — if he looked at him then. Zuko didn’t need to close his eyes to envision the boy he’d known in his spirit for centuries. 

The softness of his cheeks that he couldn’t seem to escape from childhood. A jagged scar on his palm from a gliding incident with his mentor, Monk Gyatso, from when he was much too young to use the contraption. The scar on his thigh from—The less than subtle smirk he’d don when Zuko was being ridiculous and refused to admit it. 

Maybe he was being ridiculous now. Aang was touching him. Him ! 

Zuko gazed down at Aang’s hands, the deep red arrows unsettling. The spirit of Ozai always presiding over their friendship. Relationship?

“Sit down at the foot of the bed,” Zuko said firmly. The avatar hesitated, untangling himself from Zuko’s frozen form, but soon obliged. “Wet your hair too.”

With a tub of coconut oil and flaxseed gel, Zuko lowered himself on the bed behind Aang. He had thankfully followed the prince’s instructions, drawing water from the air into his hair, and Zuko made easy work of heating the oil into a liquid. 

“I don’t need you to do this, you know?” Zuko noted the trepidation in the avatar’s voice. “I can take care of myself.”

Zuko rolled his eyes and squeezed Aang’s shoulder, earning a hiss. “That’s what I thought. Leave all that bravado at the door,” He massaged the boy’s scalp after undoing the braids. “Was the hawk from my father?” His fingers paused in Aang’s hair. 

“I’d prefer if we didn’t speak about the Fire Lord right now,” Aang murmured, and Zuko’s fingers continued, the lanterns flickering slightly. 

They sat in absolute silence, the rasp of the comb through Aang’s hair and the crackling of the fire melting the frost between the two. 

Zuko’s fingers moved expertly through his companion’s hair, applying gel to his edges, along the parts, and the nape of his neck. He recalled when he begged Aang to make his hair look the same, but Aang refused. 

“It’s not for you ,” he’d say with a soft smile. 

“I’m the prince ! Everything is for me!”

And then one of Father’s servants overheard them. Aang was lashed 50 times. 

Hours later Zuko looked at his handiwork, impressed by the clean parts along the avatar’s arrow. Aang had fallen asleep hours ago, his neck limp as his head rested on Zuko’s thighs. Zuko supposed he should’ve put on trousers before undertaking such a large, spontaneous project. 

He considered sitting there all night lest he wake Aang up, but almost on cue the avatar’s eyes blinked open slowly. Aang groaned, turning around and running his hand over his head slowly. Zuko leaned back on his forearms, his neck and back incredibly stiff from bending over Aang’s head for hours. 

Aang’s eyes were hooded from sleep, kneeling between Zuko’s legs. It was a familiar position for the duo. Aang would provide a treat for Aang after his hairstyling services were rendered. Typically a large bag of Hot Rocks would spawn in Aang’s hand and Zuko would feel compensated for his hard work. 

Lowering his gaze to Zuko’s haphazardly tied towel, Aang reverently loosened the knot, gently casting aside the fabric until Zuko laid bare before him. 

“Aang-“ 

Aang’s eyes cut into him, daring him. “ Quiet . No talking,” Zuko’s chest heaved, his mind racing with questions. Was this how Aang started his nights with other girls? Why me? Why tonight? “And no thinking .”

Zuko’s cock was at half-mast already, curved slightly up against his stomach. He watched Aang consider it momentarily before taking it firmly in his good hand.

It dwarfed Zuko’s cock, his thumb rubbing the prince’s tip gently and painfully slow. 

“It looks different now,” Aang whispered, studying Zuko’s cock as it twitched pathetically in his grasp. “I can’t quite put my finger on it.” He massaged the underside of the shaft with his thumb and pulled the sensitive skin back, chuckling to himself. 

The prince whined in response as droplets of cum collected at the tip of his cock. Jerkingly he attempted to thrust into Aang’s hand, sweat collecting on his brow. But Aang kept his hand in place, watching Zuko in silence. The boy was panting uncontrollably, head thrown back in ecstasy. He felt Aang’s hand tighten ever so slightly every time Zuko thrust wildly into his hand. 

Zuko knew he probably looked like a sex crazed boy, but his mind couldn’t formulate a thought larger than more and please . He hoped Aang could sense his thoughts somehow like he usually did, but then the warmth around his cock disappeared. Zuko struggled to open his eyes, strands of hair obscured his vision. 

“Aang?” He felt hot breath on his tip. Oh. With a shaky hand Zuko pulled his hair back from his face, his eyes settling on Aang just as his pink lips wrapped around Zuko’s cock. 

Oh . 

“ Agni ,” Zuko whimpered, legs wrapping instinctively around the avatar’s shoulders. 

With every swipe of Aang’s tongue along with the unrelenting suction, Zuko felt himself get more and more lightheaded. Aang’s tongue explored every inch of the prince’s cock, massaging Zuko’s slit until he moaned wantonly, acutely aware of how sound traveled on the ship and yet he became louder still. 

“Aang, please .” Zuko grasped at the sheets, desperate as his stomach tensed, pressure building behind his eyes and in his cock. Aang hummed again in disapproval, digging his nails into Zuko’s sides. He swallowed the prince’s cock even deeper until Zuko could feel his throat massaging his cock like a tight vice. “I can–“ he gasped for breath. “I can’t.” 

A guttural moan erupted from Zuko’s lips, cum bursting from his cock down Aang’s throat. His muscles contracted and eyes shut, tremors shaking his body. 

Aang quickly swallowed the last of Zuko’s cum, licking any residual drops from the tip and smirking watching Zuko grimace from the overstimulation. The towel was long gone but he draped the prince with a nearby blanket and laid down with Zuko, resting his head on Zuko’s shoulder. 

After Zuko’s breath returned to normal and a few beats of silence, Aang spoke softly. “Thank you.”

“You never need to thank me for your hair,” Zuko replied, smiling contently at his companion. 

“Not that,” Zuko wished Aang would care to elaborate, but Aang’s eyes had already shut and the crease that appeared between his brows when he was conscious dissolved.

Chapter Text

Zuko fiddled with his tunic’s collar in the mirror, the fabric not falling quite how he wanted it to. His trousers were too wrinkled no matter how much he steamed them. And of course only moments before he had woken up with his hair sticking in all different directions. The sun was barely in the sky and his skin crawled as he thought about the day ahead, and after his third time trying to smooth down the hair by his ears he let out an exasperated sigh. 

“Your Highness,” one of the crewmen entered his chambers with a glum Sokka behind him. “The prisoner requested to speak with you.”

Zuko gestured to let the water tribe boy in while he took a seat at his vanity. The crewman left, leaving Sokka standing silently at the door. The pair exchanged looks for a few moments before Sokka spoke. 

“I’ve been with you all for more than a week now. Almost three,” Sokka’s eyes stayed trained on Zuko, and if he wasn’t a prince he would’ve squirmed. “I’m a non-bender and I don’t see why you’re keeping me around. I’m sure we can come to an agreement. My sister is reasonable.”

Thank you. Aang’s soft words had been replaying in his mind since their little “rendezvous” a week prior. 

“You’re a high value prisoner. You belong to the Fire Nation now,” Zuko explained. “I’m duty bound to present you to the Fire Lord.”

“Your Father,” Sokka deadpanned. 

Zuko clenched his jaw. “The Fire Lord will find a place for you. He will not be as generous as I have been. Tell us about your sister and maybe I can convince him to spare you a terrible experience.”

Sokka smirked and leaned against the wall. “Will you reconsider if I gave you different information? Information that you value far more than my sister’s whereabouts.”

“And what,” Zuko chuckled and turned his back to the boy. “What could you possibly know?”

The water tribe boy shrugged. “I need reassurances that you’ll keep your little guard dog on his leash.”

“His bark is worse than his bite,” Zuko replied lazily. He grabbed the correspondence he received from the Fire Lord two days prior, authorizing his return to Caldera. “I can save you from Aang, but the Fire Lord is a different animal entirely.”

Zuko sidestepped Sokka, hoping that was the end of discussion, but the boy shadowed him as Zuko made his rounds on the ship. They were running on fumes getting back to the Fire Nation. Zuko had wished Sokka were a bender a number of times as he took note of their coal stores. 

“Zuko,” Sokka pressed. “Would listening to me be so egregious? Or is it because you still think I’m a savage?”

The Prince rolled his eyes, unsurprised by Sokka’s techniques. “Or maybe you’re just annoying.” 

Sokka’s forlorn expression quickly morphed into one of defiance. Zuko imagined that was what the boy’s father looked like. The mighty warrior Sokka spoke about at any given moment. A man larger than a platypus bear and more commanding than any vengeful spirit. Zuko supposed that’s how every son saw his father. Maybe he did at one point as well. 

Just as they reached the kitchen in the lower deck, Sokka barricaded the door closed, leaving him and Zuko alone in the cramped space. Zuko raised a brow, curious as to how Sokka intended on escaping this time around. 

“I must admit,” Zuko ignited a small flame in his hand. “You had me fooled earlier.”

Sokka sighed, pulling a torn page adorned with the royal seal from his pocket. “I may not be a leader, but neither are you.”

Zuko hummed. “What is this?” Wordlessly, Sokka shoved the paper into the prince’s fire free hand. 

Zuko ground his teeth until the pressure in his skull threatened to pop. He couldn’t even control a non-bending prisoner. If word of this got to the Fire Lord, he could kiss his old life goodbye. 

But then he saw it. He had only seen it once before on his parent’s marriage pact. The Fire Lord’s handwriting, not that of his scribes. Addressed to Zuko’s lieutenant, Akio. 

Lieutenant—

We retrieved your weekly intelligence report, and will act accordingly. My Avatar should remain your point of reference. Stand by for further instructions regarding the Prince and…

Zuko cringed at his father’s mention of him. His flame was long forgotten as he read and reread and reread the brief. 

My Avatar. 

My. 

My. 

My. 

The Prince. 

Zuko’s nostrils flared, the page quickly turning to ash in his grasp. His face burned red as he realized Sokka must have read the letter as well. The water tribe boy probably saw him as a pathetic farce. A worm pretending to be a boy pretending to be a man pretending to be a captain pretending to be the Crown Prince. 

Backing away from Zuko, Sokka raised his hands in surrender. “I can be your eyes and ears if you protect me. I need to get back to my sister. I read that you can claim me as your private servant and your father can’t hurt me.”

“It’s all about you isn’t it. No matter what this means for me.” 

“You’re delusional if you think Caldera will be safe for either of us.” Sokka spat. 

“I don’t need a non-bender, let alone a water tribe savage, involved in my relationship with the Fire Lord. You will be presented to him tomorrow, and you will give up any hopes of seeing your sister again.” Zuko steadied his breath. “Capitulation is the only chance for survival in Caldera.”

Pushing the mess from the door, Zuko retreated, hunting the Avatar. Even if Sokka escaped the ship, they were far into Fire Nation waters. Death wouldn’t be quick. 

“I saved you lunch,” Aang materialized behind him as he left the deck. He was dripping wet, his clothes clinging to every contour of his body. “I went swimming.”

“You’re in an awfully good mood,” Zuko noted grimly. 

Aang smirked before shaking himself off, splattering Zuko with the cold ocean water. “Returning home will do that to you.”

He quickly grabbed a steaming bowl of fish stew from the rickety table on the main deck, and led the way back to his chambers. Zuko stood at the door, unsure of himself. Despite his anger, Zuko had never been in Aang’s chambers before. 

“Do you know how to swim?” Aang asked with a smile. 

“No.” 

“Well I can teach you when we get home. You’ll be a little turtle duck.” Aang stepped behind his Shōji screen, tossing his clothes to the other side of the room. “Are you excited for your bed? I know I am.”

“No.”

Aang peaked his head out from the side. “Obviously you’re excited for the summer solstice festival! All the Flayed Flesh you can eat.”

“Why is Akio corresponding with the Fire Lord?”

The rustling behind the screen paused briefly before resuming. “Am I Akio’s keeper?”

“Why, then, are you his ‘point of reference’?” Zuko’s voice had more bite in it than he expected. 

Aang emerged, his smile lingering on his face. But Zuko knew better. “I’m your guard, am I not? Perhaps that’s what Father meant.”

Zuko’s eyes narrowed at Aang’s use of ‘Father’. He could never understand Aang’s allegiance to the man. Let alone him adopting a familial relationship with his primary abuser. He refused to add his attraction to his adopted brother to the mix of confusion growing in his mind. 

“Do you take me for an idiot?” Zuko snapped. “That I wouldn’t know the going ons of my ship?”

Aang stalked over to him, his eyes the same stormy grey Zuko remembered from the first days he had snuck the young, starving boy food from the dinner table. The boy had been desperate for a hint of kindness yet wary of any gentleness. 

“I’ve upset you.” Aang watched the prince carefully. “Our Father was concerned about your loyalty. He foresaw you having sympathy for the savages’ plight. My presence is an assurance that you do not and will not. It came into question with your taking Sokka prisoner. I assured him once again.”

Zuko refused to back down. “And Akio,” he paused. “Would support your story?”

Aang nodded solemnly, twirling a piece of Zuko’s hair. “With his life.”

***

Despite the short time he had been away, Caldera had changed since Zuko was last home. The architecture was the same. The people were the same. But the city had a stench to it. Acidic. Bitter on his tongue. He had asked Aang about it, but his companion was too busy grabbing treats from nearby stands as their procession went by. Zuko bristled by his presumptive attitude, supplying not a single coin to the vendors. 

The city was in full swing for the festival as fire bending troupes displayed their bending wonders. Their dragons prancing above the streets, harkening back to when dragons lived among them. Tendrils of fire meeting to create fire blossoms in the sky for children to look on in awe. 

But Zuko couldn’t help but notice a decree outlawing the marriage and subsequent sexual relationship between benders and non-benders. His stomach twisted thinking of his own non-bending mother. He figured it was the only way to ensure strong benders, but it raised questions about whether non-benders could hold noble positions. 

All questions he couldn’t possibly ask his father. 

“His majesty, the Fire Lord, welcomes his Avatar and the prince back home. He expects your attendance immediately to discuss your travels.” A servant Zuko remembered vaguely announced upon their arrival. “Please follow me.”

Zuko found the air stifling as they approached the main hall. Aang seemed unbothered by the prospect of seeing the Fire Lord again, and Sokka wore a stiff upper lip that was sure to crumble upon meeting the Fire Lord himself. 

Before the massive doors opened, Zuko exhaled billows of smoke and triple checked whether his hair piece was secure. Aang gave him a sideways glance and gave him an approving nod. Zuko supposed that was good enough as the Avatar was in the Fire Lord’s better graces. 

The ground trembled as the doors swung open and blaze from Fire Lord Ozai’s throne nearly blinded Zuko. Sokka disguised a gasp for a cough as Aang pushed him forward, causing him to stumble quite severely. Zuko held his place in the front; the prince couldn’t be seen being eclipsed by the Avatar. At least he wouldn’t let him. 

“Brought home a pet, Zuzu?”