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

Estranged Encounters

⚠️This chapter has potentialally triggering content! When you see the this emoji ⚠️ skip to the rose!

"You're burning up. You have an intense fever," Iroh placed a wet cloth on Zuko's forehead, "This will help you cool down."
Iroh left the room to get Zuko some fresh water.

"So... Thirsty." Zuko tried standing up, but you immediately made him lie down again.

"Don't get up, okay? Iroh's getting you something to drink." You warped a layer of cold void onto Zuko's skin when Iroh set a basin of water at Zuko's bedside.

"Here's some clean water to drink. Stay under the blankets and sweat this out." Iroh turned to you, "Could you please make some echinderberry tea for him?"

You nodded and entered the kitchen as Iroh began to explain what was wrong with Zuko.

"You should know that this is not a natural sickness, but that should prevent you from enjoying some tea." Iroh hummed.

"...What's happening?" Zuko coughed.

You put an echinderberry leaf inside a teacup and poured the tea into it, carrying the cup and handing it to Iroh.

"Your critical decision. What you did beneath that lake. It was in such conflict with your image of yourself that you are now at war with your own mind and body." Iroh explained.

"What's that mean?"

"You are going through a metamorphosis, my nephew," He fed Zuko the tea, "It will not be a pleasant experience, but when you come out of it... You will be the beautiful prince you were always meant to be."

You rubbed your arm, glancing at Zuko with worried eyes. "Hang in there, Zuko..."

________________///

"You think he'll wake up today?" You asked.

You were moved to the Upper Ring by Quon and his "lads." Zuko was out for most of the excitement, going in and out of consciousness.

Quon and his gang—Er, lads, had done quite the work, lifting furniture, lifting you, Iroh, and Zuko, and more furniture... Really nice guys, those lads. They reminded you of your father's close friends.

"I hope he will. I know it's a painful process, but he's been out for a concerning amount of time." Iroh muttered, cooking a pot of jook.

You sighed then shut your eyes, letting Zuko lean on your shoulder.

"...What's that smell?"

You shrieked and jumped backwards in shock, then in glee. "You're awake! He's awake! I knew food was the ultimate medicine! I should call the lads to celebrate!"

Zuko chuckled, confused, "What's up with you?"

Your grin turned into a playful glare, "What's up with me? What's up with you!? You had me freaking out for a whole two days!"

"...Don't overexert yourself, okay?" You mumbled, crossing your arms.

Zuko smiled, "I'll try."

"We were just discussing if you would come to. I'm cooking jook, although I'm sure you wouldn't like it." Iroh stated.

"Actually, it smells delicious! I'd love a bowl."

Your face went blank. "Um, actually, seriously. Wh-What's wrong? You seem... Different. Did you get out of your emo phase or—"

"It's a new day! We've got a new apartment, new furniture, and today's the grand opening of your new tea shop. Things are looking up, Uncle." Zuko drank the jook Iroh had prepared with a smile.