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

Neither Will I.

You glanced over at Zuko, your grip tightening on the sheet of paper. There was a strange look in his eyes. One that was confoundingly similar to the way he appeared on the ship.

"H-Hey, Zuko? You're not planning on what I think you are, right?" You chuckled, a bead of sweat rolling down your face.

He looked up at the sky, as if he were trying to locate the person who dropped all the flyers. There was only one person who could've.

When he saw no one in sight, his gaze shifted to the ground. "If I find him, I'd be able to-"

"Zuko, no." You took a step towards him, hands trembling, "You- You remember what I told you about your father, right? He planned to kill you. He's hurt you. And now, he's labeled you a fugitive."

"If I capture him, I'd be able to change that!" Zuko whispered, glaring at you.

The poster slipped from your grasp.
Why... Was he looking at you like that?

As he saw your hurt expression, his facial features softened. "Y/N-..."

He approached you, a serious look in his eyes. "If I do this, I'll be able to make things go back to normal. I might even be able to find my mom-"

"She wouldn't go." You stated, a fierce look in your eyes. "Why would she ever go back to the man who tortured her? Why... Why do you want to go back to something so horrible?"

"...Because... I wouldn't be so confused by all this! I'd be able to make everything right again!" Zuko grunted.

"Zuko, you haven't done anything wron-"

"THEN WHY WOULD MY OWN FATHER DO THIS TO ME!?" Zuko cried, raising a hand to his scar. His body shook with anger and confusion, but those emotions melted away and revealed the sorrow kindling underneath them.

Your surprised face quickly dissipated and was replaced with a forlorn stare.

You set your hand upon his shoulder, concern and worry in your eyes. "Zuko..." You mumbled,

"...Do you truly believe your father loves you? If so, what do you think love really is?"

Zuko opened his mouth to answer your question, but found himself at a loss for words. He averted his eyes from you, clenching his teeth in frustration.

Why can't I answer her?
How come I can't think of a thing to say?
He pondered, wave upon of waves of thoughts were crashing around in the cup of his mind. And then—He met your gentle eyes—Everything paused.

Everything except for one, tiny droplet of a thought.
How come he didn't notice the glint of fear and pain in your eyes?

With that single droplet, it all shattered.

He felt the water in his eyes, but refused to let it fall. How could he, when he was the one hurting you?

You pulled him into a hug, biting your lip. "I understand. I-I really do, s-so..."

You held him tighter, "I-If you seriously think this will get rid of all your pain, then try it."

With shaky movements, he wrapped his arms around you as well. "I don't-...
Y/N, I don't want to hurt you."

"It's okay. I won't let myself feel hurt. Not again." You muttered, "Even if you do something extremely-super-duper-
dumb, I..."

"I won't give up on you!" You exclaimed, placing a hand on his heart.

"W-When I was lost and away from home, away from my family, away from everything that made sense to me... You were there! You gave me hope."

"So... I have to repay you. Even when it's dark and seems like there's no way out for us, I will never give up on you! B-Because..."

You met his golden irises. There was something different within them.

You could sense... An old flame being rekindled.

You beamed, "Because I love you, Zuko.
So go ahead and do what you think you have to do. We can get through this."

In your eyes, there was a enticing glow. A ravishing inferno was ignited inside of them. Something about that radiant light and your words of love made Zuko's heart race.

And your smile—That breathtaking smile—It filled that same heart with warmth.

Windchimes sung a soothing melody and the rain accompanied it with a familiar pitter-patter.

"What's got you standing around, you dummy? Your uncle's probably busy in there, and you know we can't leave him alone!" You giggled, stepping towards your old working place.

"Just a second." Zuko grabbed your wrist and brought you close.

You blushed, readying your karate chop. "Don't disrespect a girl's personal bubbl—!"

He shut his eyes and planted a soft kiss on your cheek. As he pulled away from you, he caressed it, chuckling as he saw your flustered face.

You raised a hand to your cheek, mainly surprised that he managed to counter your almighty chop.

"What's got you standing around, you dummy?" Zuko smirked, crossing his arms.

"Using my own words against me is an act of psychological warfare!" You huffed.