Title

Title Chapter 3

"Prince Zuko." He felt a shiver run up his spine. "Did you hear me?" He jumped when Indyira embraced him from behind. He sighed and tilted his head back when Indyira kissed his neck.

"No... what did you say?" He sighed.

"I said we've docked. I'm going ashore with Iroh while you brood."

"I'm not brooding. I'm planning." Zuko said as he turned to Indyira.

"Mm hmm. I'll bring you back something to make you smile." He promised before he kissed Zuko. They fell into it and neither one heard the squeak of the door until it was too late to pull away. They stared at Iroh as he stood there in the doorway. Zuko backed away first and looked everywhere but at Iroh.

"You, let's go." He said simply before he walked off. Indyira glanced at Zuko before he ran after the older man. Zuko hid his face in his hands once they were gone.

-----

Indyira walked behind Iroh as they shopped. The man hadn't said anything yet but Indyira knew a blow out was coming. Even Iroh had his tolerance limit. "What exactly do you think you're doing?" He asked. Indyira was caught off guard by his calm tone.

"I—"

"Because I know the servitude of a valet does not include molestation."

"I am not molesting Zuko—"

"Prince Zuko..." Iroh corrected him. "... Is not old enough for you."

"Three years of difference is a trivial thing. Look I know you just want to protect him but I promise I'm not trying to hurt him or take advantage. I just want to be with him and that's not a crime."

"Actually it is where we come from." Iroh quipped as he finally turned to face Indyira. "And I'm not entirely sure you understand what you feel for him."

"Excuse me?" Indyira crossed his arms. Iroh had never spoken to him like that – he had never been so condescending.

"Zuko freed you from slavery. He treats you nicely, gives you things and doesn't hit you. I get how you think you might have feelings for him." Iroh said as he put his hand on Indyira's shoulder. "I'm not telling you to stop, just to think. Just to slow down and realize what you're doing. If he hadn't done all those things for you, if he was just someone you met, would you feel the same?"

"..." Indyira stared at him – he was afraid to answer. He wasn't sure and Iroh must've seen it on his face.

"It's okay." Iroh assured him. "Take some time and search your heart. I'm not going to split you two up I just want you to realize the gravity of your decisions."

"I understand." Indyira whispered. Iroh patted his back and bought him a moon peach to cheer him up.

"I'm starting to care for you Indyira. You're a sweet boy... you deserve happiness." They were almost back to the ship when someone called to Iroh.

"Admiral Zhao." Iroh greeted him.

"And who is this?" Zhao asked, as he looked Indyira up and down.

"Zuko's valet: Indyira." Iroh introduced him and Indyira bowed politely. Zhao lifted an eyebrow at the improper form. It was almost a dead give away that he grew up in the colonies. "Indyira this Admiral Zhao."

"A pleasure to meet you." Indyira recited what Iroh had taught him to say when meeting new people. He smiled and Zhao returned it.

"Such a polite young man." Zhao said. "Maybe you could teach your master some manners." His eyebrows went up when Indyira suddenly glared at him.