Within Shadows (Zuko x Reader)

Chapter 15

"I am begging you Zuko! It is time for you to look inward and begin asking yourself the big questions. Who are you and what do you want?" Zuko yelled out in frustration and threw both his swords and mask down on the ground. You drew your swords away and watched in silence. You let out a sigh.

"I'll allow you to free Appa yourself. This is a big choice for you. You let go of Appa and not chase the Avatar, I won't chase after you and try and stop you. However, if you let go of Appa and try to use him to get to Aang. I won't be so forgiving." You spoke your peace. "This moment will be a destiny changer for you and one you may need. All you have to do is to chose wisely." You added. Silence filled the air again and Zuko then stood up with his swords in hands.

"... I won't go after the Avatar..." He muttered in defeat. You smiled and moved out of the way to allow him to break the chains.

~~~

"You did the right thing. Letting the Avatars bison to free." Iroh spoke as he closed the door to their apartment behind him. You smiled proudly at the boy but he didn't seem right. Your smiled soon faded and your expression twisted to one of concern.

"I don't feel right..." Zuko replied. His body swayed and you caught him before he fell.

"Zuko!" You and Iroh called out at the same time. You were kneeled down with him cradled in your arms.

"What the hell?!" You exclaimed.

"He's going through a metamorphosis. The choice he made had conflicted with so much with him that made his body shut down." Iroh explained. Your heart twisted as you looked down at the unconcious boy in your arms.

"That bad? I-I knew Zuko has struggled for a long time but for it to be the point of this? I... I know you don't exactly want me to but I think it's of best interest that I stay with the two of you. I hate coming back and seeing him so... So... Troubled each time." You replied as you absentmindedly stroked his hair softly. You now noticed the beads of sweat forming on his forehead. You carefully helped him up. "Where's his room? I'll lay him down and you can tuck him in while I prepare stuff to help him."

"Right this way." Iroh showed you to his room. You laid Zuko down carefully and rushed to the kitchen to get a cold wet rag and a bucket of cold water while Iroh was responsible for stripping Zuko of his upper clothing. You returned to his room and placed the wet towel across his forehead and the bucket beside Iroh. "You don't have to stay with us if you feel your destiny is with the Avatar." Iroh suddenly spoke.

"I do wish to help Aang on his journey and his destiny. But destiny has pulled me to Zuko since the start. It wants me to stay and watch over him." You spoke as you looked at Zuko.

"May I ask how you feel about my nephew?" Iroh asked. Your cheeks flushed and looked up at Iroh. You moved next to him and whispered in case Zuko could hear you.

"I... I love Zuko... And I think because I do, I don't want to see anything bad happen to him." You spoke truthfully. This made the man oddly joyful.

"I was waiting for you to eventually say that. I'd say the two of you are just right for each other." Iroh whispered back. You blushed a bit more and turned your attention to Zuko stirring in his sleep and grunting out in discomfort. You grabbed the cloth and dipped it in the bucket of water.

"Geez... You're really burning up." You muttered as you gently pat his forehead with the cloth. "I hope this helps..." You added he opened his eyes and those golden orbs you loved to look at met up with your own (e/c) orbs.