|•|W I T 卄 E R||•| Zuko X Reader ⚠SLOWBURN⚠

Butter-flies

"Hearing you say that makes me very happy, Y/N. But I must admit, back then, I wasn't the person I am now. I'm glad to know you believe in me." Iroh replied, returning a smile.

He walked out your room and waved goodbye as he closed the door.

It... Wasn't all because of you. And it's not all because of Zuko, either. But, how he treated you was wrong.

Hopefully... He could learn to change for the better.

Your eyes shifted towards the tray of half-eaten food on your bed. A smile made it's way on your face.

Maybe he's already starting to change, even if it's by a little.

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It was raining, but there was no crazy storm. It was rather soothing. You could hear the faint melodies coming from the main deck. Music night. You shut your eyes, at peace. There was a slight breeze blowing through your hair, and a soft glow shined upon the ship and sea.

You could hear a door opening behind you. "..." Aside from the music and rain, you didn't hear a sound. You turned your head the slightest bit. "...Prince Zuko?" You hummed, raising an eyebrow. He looked rather stressed, staring deep into your eyes. You turned away, letting out a huff of air.

Was he going to be rude? Would he just leave? You didn't know how to act around him. You... Didn't know what to say. So you didn't say anything. You figured he might just act distant, so-

"I'm sorry."

You whirled around. Your eyes shot open and your body stiffened. What?

He took a step towards you and into the moonlight, his figure illuminated by a blue-ish purple light.

"I-I... I've been an idiot. I-I treated you horribly, I hurt you, I-" You held out your hand, telling him to stop. "...Calm down. Breathe." You muttered. He followed your advice and let out a shaky breath. "Talk." You said, turning away from him.

"I treated you like a horrible person. I made you believe you were a horrible person. I... I've hurt you with what I've said and what I've done." He whispered, hair flowing in the wind. "I said you abandoned me. Believing that? Believing a few words over the way you treated me and our friendship in the past...? Was wrong. It was stupid of me." He admitted. Your gaze softened.

"I thought you might've died that night. It was either that, or you... That you never cared. But that was wrong. I  felt hurt when you left, but... That's no excuse for what I've done to you."  You  heard his voice cracking. Was he...? You faced him to see tears running down his cheeks. You stared at him in surprise. A strange feeling was in your chest. You could feel a lump forming in your throat.

"I claimed that you abandoned me. That you were a traitor. But in reality, I abandoned you. And I betrayed you. You never wanted to leave me, but you had no choice, did you? I said so many awful things to you." You didn't know what to say. You were sad... But you were relieved at the same time.

"I disregarded your feelings. I ignored you, pretended like you never existed,  I... I'm the one who abandoned you,
Y/N... And I'm sorry... I'm sorry for what I've done. I understand if you hate me for all this, because I deserve it. I deserve it for hurting you." He cried.

You felt tears streaming down your face. "You never abandoned me, you just needed your family. You just needed the people you love." Zuko said. "I needed you, too." You whispered, stepping towards him. He stared at you in shock.

"Every time I felt alone, I would always go back to the one thing I had to remember you. I missed you, Zuko." You gave him a somber smile, "The real you. And I'm glad to see it again."

"Y-Y/N, I-" You wrapped your arms around him, crying. "I forgive you."
He shook his head, "What if I hurt you again? I'm confused with myself, Y/N! I don't- I don't know why everything is so... So confusing. I'm scared... Scared I might harm you again."

"Then we'll solve things together. But first... Can I ask you three questions?" You pulled away from the hug. Zuko gave you a nod. "One, since your father was the one who brought the idea of abandonment whatsoever, what do you think that means?" You asked.

"I... I'm sure he was just saying what he believed was true." Zuko replied, looking at the ground, unsure of his own words. You took notice of his expression and squeezed his hands. "Alright. Two, do you really mean that apology?" You asked. He opened his mouth wide, so you immediately knew he had a ton to say. "It's okay. Talk to me." You smiled.

"Yes. I regret everything I've said and done that hurt you." He stated, staring into your eyes. "Three... This is serious, okay?" He nodded, urging you to continue.

"Can... Can I call you Pricko and or douche-ko!?" You exclaimed. Zuko gazed at you in shock for a moment, before chuckling at your words. "Hey! I SAID it was serious!" You huffed, crossing your arms. "You can call me whatever you like." He gave you a smile. Your eyes lit up.

"E-Even... Gremlin?"
"Anything but that."

The two of you leaned against the railing, enjoying each other's company. You shut your eyes and let a huff of air escape your lips. Then, something unexpected happened.

"Last time, it was you who asked me this question." Zuko said. You let out a hum on confusion. "Y/N... Would you..." He graced you with a gentle smile, "Would you like to dance with me?" He extended his hand towards you.

You felt your cheeks heating up.
No, no. You just fixed your friendship with him. Feelings like that are totally weird. "Hello? Earth to Y/N?"

"Ah, sorry. I... Zoned out." You placed your hand in his. "I would love to dance with you, Pricko!" You beamed. "I'm starting to regret letting you call me that." He said, glancing to the side. "Well too bad, cuz' I'm never going to stop." You grinned. "And you call me the gremlin..." He chuckled.

"Hey, I know I said I prefer to go with the flow, but I just a super cool idea." You grinned. "And what would that be?" He quizzed, a bit nervous since you were smiling so much.

"Well, it's a crazy idea, but your uncle showed me that people and things from the Fire Nation may not be so bad. So did the chef." You began.

"What if you taught me some Fire Nation dances, and I taught you a few from my tribe!" You exclaimed. "Oh, thank goodness." Zuko let out a sigh of relief. "Thank goodness? Why'd you say that?" Zuko rubbed the back of his neck.

"I... Thought you were gonna make me wear a dress and makeup then force me to do stupid dances." He admitted. You stared him dead in the eyes. "What's... wrong?" He asked. "Nothing... Nothing. Just follow me." You had a devious look on your face.

"Y/N, please don't-"
"You have to suffer the consequences of your actions!"
"Y/N NO-"
"PUT ON THE GOWN, NERD!"

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