Within Shadows (Zuko x Reader)

Chapter 2

"You're seriously going to take HIS side? After he disrespected his own father as well as the fire nation as a whole?" Azula spoke from behind you. Causing you to stop in your tracks. You pat Zuko's back, signalling him to go on ahead before sharply turning to Azula.

"Is all you people care about is respect? Honor? Ha, hate to break it to you, but none of you seem to know what the hell respect or honor is. So I suggest that for once and your privileged life to shut the fuck up and keep it to yourself." You seithed and sent a sharp jab of your finger to your chest. You straighted up, gave her one last glare before turning and going ahead to catch up to Zuko. Leaving Azula to stand there a little dumbfounded but also plotting her revenge or anyway to kill you. For now, you brushed it off and entered the infirmary to see nurses carefully taking care of the burn. "Will he be okay?" You asked one of the nurses.

"He should be fine but, it's going to leave a scar. His eye is fine, however, with the bandage over it, once that's taken off for good, it will take him a while to adjust to everything." She informed you.

"Alright, thank you." You replied with a weak smile. "Zuko, I'll go pack your things." You added, looking to the boy. Noticing that his once bright and sparkling gold eyes were now dull and lacked any sort of emotion.

~~~

You stood on the deck, watching as the fire nation grew further and further away from your vision. The life you had now being left behind you finally. You let out a sigh and turned on your heel to try and find both Zuko and Iroh to discuss what the plan was now that the three of you were exiled. Well you had exiled yourself. Not wanting to be around Ozai or Azula. Especially not at the cost of waiting to somehow be punished for something small. "Good. You're just on time." Zuko spoke lowly.

"Figured out what we should do now?" You asked as you took a seat with them.

"The plan was set as soon as I was burnt." Zuko began. His brow furrowing and his gaze harsh. "We're going to find the Avatar. Get my honor back and return home." You wanted desperately to question it and to tell him he doesn't need his father's approval all the time. That he was his own person and that it wasn't worth trying to go back after his own father burned him. However you sighed and said something else.

"Okay... Where should we start?" You asked carefully. Your voice wavering slightly.

"Should start at the air temples. Hes bound to be hiding in one of them..."

"But I thought the fire nation destroyed them all in the Great Genocide years ago. Are you sure there might be some survivers?"

"Even if he isn't there, I will look in every nook and cranny of this world just to find him." The room fell silent after that. You and Iroh both hesitant to speak.

"Zuko. Shouldn't you give your eye some time to heal before we do anything like that?" Iroh finally spoke for you.

"How many times do I have to say it? I. Want. My. Honor. Back." Zuko hissed. His once joyful eyes now held nothing but rage, anger, hurt and betrayal. But deep down you couldn't blame him. His cousin died, mother disappeared and now his own father hurt and abandoned him. There was something brewing within Zuko. You could feel it but chose not to speak of it. Instead you stood up from your spot and made way towards the door only to pause and look over your shoulder at Zuko and Iroh.

"I'll get us some food... After we eat, I'll change your bandage, Zuko." You spoke softly before leaving and making way to the kitchen. Iroh looked to Zuko.