Pinkie.Papya

When the morning rush finally dies down, you find an empty table and begin taking your break. Small amounts of whatever tea Uncle brewed earlier occasionally spills onto whatever paper you're scribbling on as you mindlessly take sips.

You're lost in your own world of anger and tea leaves until a group of two people in minor body armor walks in. You recognize them from the ferry: Longshot and Smellerbee. Two of Jet’s friends.

Fuck, you think. They are most definitely here for you.

You rest your hand on your temple and look down, hoping that they don’t notice you and pass by without questioning. But, as most things do, it does not go your way.

Smellerbee approaches you, slamming her hand on your table to gain your attention. You begrudgingly look up at her, a present scowl making you look less innocent than you wanted.

“Jet has been missing for a week,” she concedes, barely attempting to remain civil and earning a long, irritated glare from your brother for disturbing the customers. “And you happen to be the last person he said he was with.”

The seat behind you would have toppled over if your uncle had not caught it. You double down, slamming your hands down onto the table as well, shaking it enough that large droplets of your tea escape, only to land on a sad piece of paper.

“Who comes into someone's job to interrogate them?!” You are exasperated and want to not worry about Jet. “If you really think I did something to Jet, you’re out of your mind.”

You could feel Uncle looming just behind you, him and his all-knowing-ness was overbearing (even more so after coming home with a bloody cheek) and incredibly hard to ignore.

“I apologize for interrupting,” Iroh says after placing a hand on your shoulder with the intensity of a man who couldn’t protect his niece once and refuses to let that happen again, “But I believe coming into our employer's shop to threaten my niece is a bit far.”

Longshot shakes his head before Smellerbee starts again, “I’m sorry, I came off more aggressive than I meant,” Her voice is softer now, “Jet went missing and—”

“Talk to me outside,” you interrupt her, untying your apron after telling your uncle you’d be back soon despite his protests, it being the middle of your shift, and having exactly three minutes left of your break.

You push away and usher the two Freedom Fighters outside, lifting the apron over your head and tossing it lazily over a table. Once outside, you finally contemplate everything that you’ve been carrying—- since you never actually told Iroh what had happened—- and whether or not you should disclose everything. Obviously not everything, since saying ‘Hey, my family and I are from the Fire Nation,’ would get you into either another fight or an early grave (thanks to the dirt-eating savages).

“What do you know about Jet?” Smellerbee doesn’t give you a chance to speak first. Rude, but whatever. You’re getting better at mentally saying ‘whatever’ and moving on, even though. You secretly wish a certain older sister were here to threaten those who were rude to you.

“I don’t owe you anything.”

You really don’t. Kinda?

It’s none of these people’s business what you and Jet last did, but they did have a genuine right to know what happened to their friend.

If you were vicious enough with your answers, you thought, they’d most likely just leave you alone.

When were you vicious?

You weren't the vicious one. No, no that was Azula. You were—

No. You don't have time to dwell on the past.

Smellerbee gives Longshot a look before opening her mouth, but you interrupt. Again.

“But I will tell you about Jet.” A beat passes. “If you tell me all you know about the war.”

.

You didn’t go back to work that day.

Instead, you’ve found yourself huddled in the even more run-down apartment complex next to your own. You think Jet once lived here with Smellerbee and Longshot. It wasn’t very furnished nor was it the cleanest, but it worked. Like your own apartment, though Zuko happened to be a clean freak and Iroh hated a room full of nothing, so not really.

You fell into the habit— without telling either of your family members, but you’re sure Iroh was smart enough to know—- of 'borrowing' extra money from the register (that was really just a coin jar).

Feeling a little guilty of the whole Jet situation, you bought everyone a small fish cake from the bakery Jin worked at. It was just down the street from the tea shop, so it’s not like you went completely out of your way.

“I know the Avatar is traveling to Ba Sing Se,” you say, like it was the most boring thing in the world. “But I haven’t the slightest clue if they’re in the city or not. Being cooped up in that stuffy tea house all day doesn’t help.”

Smellerbee sits next to you at the small table while Longshot—- you’ve noticed he’s a bit of a busybody—- washes and puts dishes away, much like Iroh. Who, ironically, wouldn’t let you or Zuko wash dishes because both of you failed to replicate exactly how he did them despite him complaining about how he always does the housework. Like sorry you chose to do that dude.

“I don’t know if this is true or not, but I heard a few things while I was in the middle ring market,” She takes a bite of her fish cake and hums with satisfaction before continuing, “They say the Avatar and his friends currently live somewhere in the upper ring.”

You ponder for a moment as you chew on your fish cake.

Why would the Avatar be in Ba Sing Se, anyway? It’s not like there’s a huge Fire Nation threat looming over the city. Unless…

Oh shit.

Azula is here.

For you? The thought leaves just as quickly as it arrives. Not for you. For Ba Sing Se. You would just happen to be a bonus.

You have the chance to go home and you'd be damned if you didn't take it.

“Why would the Avatar be in Ba Sing Se of all places?” you ask. “It doesn't seem reasonable.”

Longshot finally sits down after placing the last dish away and washing his hands. He shrugs at you and Smellerbee nods in response. “They might be tryin’ to talk to the Earth King. Y’know since then he could help take down the Fire Nation.”

“Right,” you reply, muscle memory from when Jet would go on tangents about how evil your home country was. It didn’t bother you much anymore. Not really. You were smart enough to play along.

Longshot blinks at Smellerbee, causing her face to contort before she focuses back on you. “Oh yeah,” she says. “What happened to Jet?”

You silently curse yourself for not having a story to tell them.

“Well,” you begin, blending the real world and a crafted narrative together, “Jet and I were walking around when someone brought up the Avatar, which led to him bringing up the Fire Nation… And, uh, he got into a fight. Before I knew it, the Dai Li came and arrested him.”

Smellerbee runs a hand down his face with a quiet groan. “I told him that we were going straight, but he never listens.”

You nod your head. Jet definitely did have a listening problem.

“I'm not one for investigating,” you comment, “But we should at least see if we could find something. I bet somewhere in the markets there must be someone who knows something.”

.

“No, I apologize,” an old woman sitting behind her fruit stand says, “I know very little of the Dai Li. I hope you dears find your friend.”

This has been the first person to be kind towards the three of you. Usually, they'd shut down or kick you out of their shop at the mere thought of the Dai Li.

You nod and adjust the hat you stole from the tea shop earlier, y’know, just in case someone you don't need to know who you are shows up. It was Lee’s— Zuko. Lee isn’t your brother's name and you're not really Tako, despite how much you like to think you are— but he had a habit of hanging it up in the quietest corner of the tea shop. In all honesty, he’s lucky you're the one who stole it and not an unruly customer.

“Maybe there’s something over here?” Smellerbee suggests, though she doesn’t sound very positive.

Longshot nods and says something to Smellerbee that you don’t understand. She scratches her chin like she’s contemplating something and you choose to ignore it.

The three of you turn a corner, only to find a large mob of people dressed in foreign clothing speaking over each other. They didn’t seem to be refugees, you could tell by the way their clothes weren’t borderline rags. Which was odd, since you never thought Water Tribe savages could have nice clothes.

You tilt your head at a familiar-looking brunette before perking up, “Isn't that—?” but Smellerbee beats you to it.

“Jet!” She exclaims, a small smile finding itself present on her lips.

“I thought you said you didn't have your gang anymore,” a water tribe girl around your age says, her brows furrowed and her hands on her hips.

“I don't,” Jet, he turns around and you can't help but feel guilty for being excited to see him. His gaze lingers on you while Smellerbee tackles him into a hug. You step forward, waiting for your hug next (which probably won't come).

“We were so worried!” She exclaims, Longshot standing just behind her. “How did you get away from the Dai Li?”

“The Dai Li?!” The same girl exclaims.

“I don't know what she's talking about,” Jet says, pulling away.

“You were arrested by the Dai Li weeks ago, Jet,” you push forward, careful to keep your hat low and covering most of your face. “You went missing!”

“Why would I be arrested?” Jet scoffs at you, but there's no real bite behind it. “I've been living peacefully in the city!”

“Because we got into a fight,” you place a hand on his armored chest and push him back, almost to knock some sense into him. “And you couldn't keep your mouth shut about the war!”

“Doesn't surprise me,” the water tribe girl remarks sarcastically, crossing her arms over her chest.

“This doesn't make sense,” You say, examining his face. “You think he would know he's talking to his friends and girlfriend… It's almost like he's been brainwashed.”

You turn and look at Smellerbee before biting your lip and looking back at Jet, while a girl dressed in green squats down to feel the earth.

“They're all telling the truth,” she says before standing up.

“That's impossible,” the water tribe girl says, much calmer now.

“No, it's not,” the same water tribe boy you fought from before you were held hostage starts speaking and you make sure he doesn't catch too good a glimpse of your face by hiding behind Longshot, “Toph can't tell who’s lying because they both think they're telling the truth.”

“He's been brainwashed!” Smellerbee exclaims.

"That's literally what I said," you mutter.

“That's crazy! It can't be!” Jet says, reaching for his swords, but you manage to grab hold of his arm and pull his hand away from the weapon.

Before you could say anything of major use, Jet shoves you off him and you stumble to the ground with a soft thud, knocking your hat off your head. “Get away from me!”

The water tribe boy looks as if he’s going to say something about your true identity (because, well, you’d be suspicious of someone who looks just like one of your enemies just kinda showed up), his mouth open and his right brow perked, but you give him a look that screams ‘say anything and I will skin you.’ So he says nothing. Thank the spirits.

While the Avatar and his friends close in on Jet, the same water tribe boy offers his hand to pick you up and you take it without hesitation.

Smellerbee and Longshot come back over to you with an unconscious Jet strung around her shoulders while the Avatar and his companions quietly offer to take him to return his memories.

.

The water tribe boy and girl, you've learned their names are Sokka and Katara, tie Jet to a chair in some abandoned home.

It's kinda funny seeing him in such a stupid situation like this. Since your last fight, you've been fighting between being petty and laughing at his dumbass for being arrested, or being concerned about him being arrested. Petty was currently winning.

“The Dai Li must have sent Jet to mislead us, and that janitor was part of their scheme too,” Katara concludes, earning a shared glance between you and Smellerbee. “Plus,” she then turns to you, “You were the girl with Azu—”

“Who I am isn't important,” you cut her off, “We need to focus on Jet. Something is wrong with my boyfriend.”

Katara gives you a weird look. One thing you’re very sure of is a mix between confusion and prejudice.

It was pretty obvious you were Fire Nation: appearance, your Fire Nation accent, and— weirdly enough— your perfectly straight posture. Jet was obviously very much not Fire Nation.

Dating people from other nations was almost unheard of. Especially between Fire Nation and literally everyone else. In your case, you were pretending not to be Fire Nation so it didn’t count anyway.



“I bet they have Appa somewhere here in the city,” the young Avatar says. “Maybe he's in the same place they took Jet.” As your boyfriend (kinda? you should probably dump him) opens his eyes, he asks, “Where did they take you?”

“Nowhere,” Jet pleads. Not like he's asking for your forgiveness after doing something, but it's as if he's scared for his life. “I-I don't know what you're talking about.”

“We need to find a way to jog his real memories,” Aang comes up with the most obvious solution.

“Like what?” Smellerbee scratches her head while you’re busy watching a very confused and very afraid Jet.

“Maybe Katara could kiss him,” Sokka teases, “That should bring something back.”

You clear your throat and mumble, “Did no one hear me say that I was Jet’s girlfriend?”

“Maybe you should kiss him, Sokka,” Katara retorts.

“Hey, just an idea,” He then turns to you, “Maybe we could get you to do it?”

“I’m kinda mad at him right now,” you roll your eyes, “Plus, he always has a piece of grass in his mouth. Ew.”

“That's really helpful.” He gives you a look.

You roll your eyes. “Yep.”

“Oh, wait, I got it!” Sokka exclaims, moving to take a stray piece of hay from seemingly thin air before stuffing it into Jet’s mouth.

“I don’t think it’s working,” Jet replies before spitting it out.

The earthbender, who you've learned was named Toph and who you found out was blind after she ran into you, tries another tactic. “Try to think of something from your past that triggers your memories.”

Smellerbee glances at you with an apologetic look on her face before speaking up, “The Fire Nation, remember what they did to your family?”

You clench your fists but keep quiet, unable to say anything. The Fire Nation did hurt a lot of people. Jet, Smellerbee, Longshot, Jin, and even Zuko.

Jet struggles before giving up, the memories too painful to relive. Katara then bends some water near his head and the Jet you know comes back fully. Kinda, since he doesn’t seem to remember being arrested or that you’re actually Fire Nation. Thank the spirits ‘cause it made your life easier.

“They took me to a headquarters under the water, like a lake,” he says finally.

“Wait, do you guys remember what Joo Dee said?” Sokka turns to his group, obviously not to you and the Freedom Fighters because you have no idea what a Joo Dee even is, “She said she went on vacation to Lake Laogai.”

“That’s it!” Jet stands suddenly. “Lake Laogi.”

You push through others to make it to Jet, who stares at you for a quiet moment before walking over and taking your hand. His callused finger pads trace over the back of your hand before they thread between your fingers.

You snap your hand back and step back into place between Smellerbee and Longshot.

“Oh come on,” Jet groans like he was just denied something trivial, “I haven’t seen you in weeks.”

“I’m still mad at you,” you huff. “Don’t pretend to be all worried now. You had no problem shoving a sword in my face last time I saw you.”

“Tako—" the vowels ring hollow, "—I’m sorry, okay?” Jet offers but there’s not much sincerity behind his eyes, “I was way too in over—”

“Save it for another day, Jet,” you interrupt, “We’ll figure this out later.”

“Tako,” he doubles down and grips on your scared wrist, “We have plenty of time to get to Lake Loagi, which means we have plenty of time to talk.”

“I said no.” You step away from him, though he follows shortly behind and invades your personal space. “I’m done with you and your apologies, Jet.”

“Tako—”

“I said no!” Your words come out before you can stop them. The room goes silent and your cheeks instantly heat up from embarrassment. Jet pushes past you as he barks something at Smellerbee to ‘get going.’

.

The building under the lake reminds you of the palace back home with its imposing walls and dimly lit corridors. Though, after spending months in your shabby apartment with the ridiculous amount of candles Uncle bought, it didn’t feel very comforting.

“It’s all starting to come back to me,” Jet says with his swords drawn. You walk just behind him with your weapon out as well, still refusing to talk to him since your earlier arguement. That was all you seemed to be doing, not talking to him after an argument, that is.

You continue with the group, even sneaking past a room filled with girls in fancy clothes and glazed-over eyes. Without thinking, you leave Jet’s side and hurry over to Smellerbee and Longshot. “Jet’s still acting weird,” you whisper. “Something's definitely up.”

Longshot nods before the three of you continue on your journey through the labyrinth until Jet leads you all into yet another hallway. “I think there might be a cell big enough to hold Appa up ahead.”

“I thought we were looking for the rest of Jet’s memories,” you comment to Smellerbee, who then shrugs.

“The Avatar needs his bison,” Sokka slides next to you and you don’t move to look at him, careful keeping your eyes on Jet in case he tries something. “Besides, Jet already has his memories back.”

You blow him off and walk fast to be back at Jet’s side, where he opens a door into an empty room. Everyone walks in before the door slams itself shut and light casts down on you, revealing a tall, brooding man standing with guards breathing down his neck.

“You have made yourselves enemies of the state,” he says to you and the others before turning to his guards, “Take them into custody.”

A battle quickly breaks out, leaving you, Smellerbee, and Longshot to join together into a defensive position. You decided to stick with them.

Each of your shoulder blades touches one of the others’ as a way to leave no backs unmatched before you break off onto the offensive after Smellerbee is almost cuffed with rock hands. You manage to take down two soldiers before you watch Jet and Avatar Aang running after the leader of the Dai Li.

In an act of carelessness, you don’t watch your back and before you know it, you’re cuffed by the rock hands and tossed to the ground. You let out a scream at the impact, before using the momentum and rolling yourself back onto your feet.

The man who cuffed you now charges at you with his fists ready, but you time one of Toph’s attacks rocks attacks, use it to launch yourself into the air, and manage to hit the man’s shoulder blades with your heels with a satisfying crunch. By the time you’re back on the ground, the cuffs have collapsed.

“Tako, Jet went this way!” Smellerbee calls you over as she and the others begin hurrying down the hallway. You don’t manage to catch up until you spot everyone, besides Jet, circling something.

Your heart drops to your stomach.

Jet blinks up at you before his signature smirk finds his lips. You don’t say anything as tears threaten to fall.

Katara bends water out from the pouch strapped to her belt and begins healing Jet’s chest. “This isn’t good,” she says.

“You guys go and find Appa, we’ll take care of Jet,” Smellerbee offers as she squats next to you.

“What are you saying?” Your shoulders tense, “Katara could be our only—”

“There’s no time,” Longshot suddenly speaks, throwing you off guard. “Just go. We’ll take care of him. He’s our leader.”

“Don’t worry, Tako,” Jet tilts his head to look at you, even lifting his arm with what little strength he had remaining to place a hand on your cheek. “I’ll be fine.”

You press your hand over his and attempt to hide your tears, but they drip just past Jet’s head and onto the cold ground next to him. Smellerbee leans on you and begins sobbing into your shoulder as the Avatar and his team slowly trickle out.

Longshot then pulls out an arrow and shoots off into seemingly nowhere, but when a Dai Li soldier falls from the ceiling, you know exactly what he’s done. You shake Smellerbee and point to Longshot before the two of you haul Jet’s limp body over your shoulders.

The three of you move as quickly as you can while Longshot shoots at the Dai Li, giving you a chance to escape.

With the enemy hot on your heels, you push Smellerbee and an unconscious Jet into a darkened corridor while you pull out your sword and begin helping to take out the rest of the soldiers.

You'd think it be a longer battle, but you guess that all the good Dai Li soldiers were chasing after the Avatar.

When the threat is finally gone and the man lies unconscious, the three of you make it close to the entrance before you and Smellerbee are cuffed by the same rock hands that had imprisoned you earlier. Longshot follows shortly after while you’re dragged back up by one of the Dai Li men.

“Princess (...)?” You hear the surprise in his voice before you see it on his face, I mean it’s not every day you find a royal with a shabby guerrilla gang. “Shouldn’t you be in the Fire Nation?”

Before you could answer, the man holding you collapses and you begin to feel the world blur together. Smellerbee shouts something at you but the world quickly fades to black.

You don’t remember anything that’s happened, your mind was pumping with so much adrenaline that you could barely open your eyes after the majority of the threat was gone.

When you do, you find yourself in a somewhat unfamiliar location. You sit up quickly, causing the damp towel resting on your forehead to land on your lap.

“I keep telling you to come home at a reasonable hour,” you hear the familiar voice of your uncle before you see him, “Neither of you ever listens.”

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“How does that make me sound like a princess?” You ask, head tilted as you cheekily smile at him. “I’m simply making an observation, Jet.”

“Respectable sounds like a princess thing to say,” he shrugs, “Besides, the lower ring is the most respectable. Since we have to fight for everything we have.” Jet pulls you towards a stand with swords displayed. “These folks are too comfortable.”

The word ‘comfortable’ doesn’t land like it used to. Not really.

Comfortable was when you were home or with Azula. Uncomfortable was living in shit and being with the two people who dragged you into it. The middle ground was something you couldn’t name, like now. You couldn’t say whether you were comfortable or uncomfortable right now.

You didn’t trust Jet fully, but you didn't resent him. For your brother and uncle, it was the opposite.

“I would rather be comfortable,” you mutter while Jet picks up a thinner sword from its stand.

“What kinda sword do you fight with?” He asks, twirling the metal around despite the protests of the merchant. “Or is that just a prop?”

Your brow furrows at the assumption. “I hand-crafted this sword so it would fit me perfectly. It’s the only one of its kind.”

“Now I’m really starting to think you’re a princess,” Jet teases. “Tell me, which refugee ferry is your domain?”

You roll your eyes at the joke and force a smile in an attempt to cover your offense. “How did you know?” you reply curtly.

“Does your brother train?” Jet asks suddenly, putting the sword he borrowed back in its place. “He looked like he knew how to use his.”

“He was one of the best in our village,” you lie, knowing damn well the ranking was only between you and your older siblings. “Though, he could never beat our sister.”

“That implies that he can beat you,” he smirks, but you roll your eyes and ignore him.

Jet takes your hand and pulls you away from the stand back into the crowd, you chalk up his lack of questions on your sister to him assuming that she died which saves you from having to lie some more.

He brings you to a jewelry stand filled with rings and bracelets and a large selection of carved betrothal necklaces. Jet takes one of the bracelets off the display and twirls it around his finger. “You seem like the kind of girl who likes this kinda stuff,” he says, tossing it to you.

You catch the bracelet and inspect it, immediately clocking that it’s a type of common metal covered in a thick layer of mineral paste to resemble gold. You throw a small smile Jet’s way, “I do like jewelry, but not this kind.”

“Yeah, okay princess,” he jokes, but he lands more as an indirect way of calling you a brat.

Your gaze travels to the supposedly betrothal necklaces as Jet begins talking about something Smellerbee said earlier (that you don't really care about).

A round face pops into your mind. Ejo, your arranged fiancé, was ordered to make you one of these once he turned thirteen and he honestly did a good job. You just never wore it and no one ever scorned you over it.

Ejo wasn’t important to you or your family, it was just a quick ploy to make you seem like a prize despite having little worth as a non-bender.

Being with Jet didn’t make you feel guilty because Ejo did similar things. During your time with Azula’s troops, you caught him talking about a little girlfriend from his academy. Besides, you were already plotting to cut the engagement off after Azula successfully recruited you to hunt down the Avatar.

You understand that Ejo would never have chosen you willingly. You wouldn’t have chosen him either.

With Jet, it was different. You would have never chosen him, but his smooth ways and consistency keep pulling you back in. Almost like you found yourself enjoying being liked.

You follow Jet through the market once more, talking about aimless things before you both hitch a ride on the back of a fruit wagon to take you both home.

The night has finally settled as you both walk down the streets with your hand intertwined with his. It was nice to have a boy like you so much.

“Thanks for taking me out,” you say, brushing a strand of hair behind your ear as you look up at him. “It’s been nice to get out.”

“I should be the one thanking you,” Jet says with a smirk. “I had the first good night in a while.”

“Yeah, me too.”

A beat passes before Jet slowly leans down and presses his lips to yours. Your eyes widen at the action, but you don’t say anything and melt into the sentiment.

He pulls away after a moment and uses his hands to balance you. “Good night, Tako. Same time tomorrow?”

You nod your head as he begins to walk away, the heat in your cheeks rendering you speechless.

And for the first time since you got to Ba Sing Se, you’ve liked being Tako. Maybe even a little more than (...).

.

You’re in bed in the Fire Nation, where you should be so late at night, but it looks bigger than you remember it.

The blankets are too stuffy and you don’t want to go to sleep, so you get up and wander the great halls of your home. Though you would never admit it out loud to Iroh, you pat towards Azula’s room.

Rubbing your sleepy eyes, you spot your mom leaning down to kiss a sleeping Azula.

She doesn’t look how she usually does: with a big cloak, missing her favorite hairpin, and face concealed by shadow.

“Mama?” You yawn, causing your mother to snap her head towards you.

“Baby,” she replies, tiptoeing her way towards you.

“Where are you going?” You ask, reaching grabby hands towards her and resting against her shoulder when she places you on her hip.

Your mother pauses for a moment before smiling down at you and patting your back. “Remember your gentle spirit, my love,” she pauses before continuing, “Don’t be corrupted.”

You don’t take her words to heart.

You should have.

“I love you, my girl,” Your mother says as she kisses your temple before placing you next to a sleeping Azula.

“I love you too, mama.”

You didn’t see your mother ever again after that. Only in the immortal image of her in portraits did you ever glimpse at what she did look like.

The palace still seems so big even though you’ve grown over the past few years, though the walls impose like they always do.

You overheard the maids’ whispers as they echoed through the halls. They spoke before hushing each other once they noticed you but you paid them no mind. Azula came with news from the war meeting (that none of the royal children were invited to) to briefly explain that Father needed an audience without clarifying any further.

You’ve learned very quickly not to ask questions when Azula’s silent.

With a doll dangling loosely from your fingers, you're ushered to stand next to your uncle while your older brother stands proudly atop a stage with a minuscule amount of clothes.

You glance at Azula before looking up at Zuko. With your brows furrowing with confusion, you demand to know, “What’s going on?”

“Brother spoke out of turn during a meeting. Father said it was a great act of disrespect,” Azula informed, crossing her arms over her chest.

“But what does that mean?” You hold the doll closer to you tightly, “Why is Father standing there too?”

“Because it’s an Agni Kai, Dumb-Dumb,” Azula says.

“Against Father?”

“Against Father.”

Zuko turns around, his vest falling slowly to the ground, his eyes widen and his hands begin to tremble as he realizes what was happening.

“Please, Father,” your brother starts, throwing himself onto the ground, “I only had the Fire Nation’s best interests at heart. I’m sorry I spoke out of turn.”

Your father doesn’t answer right away as he slowly strides closer towards Zuko, his face hidden by the shadows cast from the illuminating fire. “You will fight for your honor,” he finally says.

“I meant you no disrespect,” Zuko pressed his forehead to the ground, as his voice wobbled with every word, “I am your loyal son.”

“Rise and fight, Prince Zuko!” Father demands boom throughout the room, earning a wince from you. Iroh gently placed an arm over your shoulder and you didn't protest.

“I won’t fight you.” Zuko’s statement is unmoving and final.

“You will learn respect,” Father stands directly in front of Zuko, “And suffering will be your teacher.”

Iroh moves quickly to use his hands to cover your eyes, scaring just enough that you crush your doll against your chest, forcing its head to snap off and bounce onto the cold, marble floors.

The sound of wood clattering on the ground mixes with the screams of your older brother and a few snickers from the generals who stood behind you.

You don’t expect to see Zuko wandering through the halls, not after what happened, but he’s there. In front of you and burnt and trembling.

The scar is the first thing you see. Loud and mean. Barking at you to look at it.

What little remains of your doll slips from your little hands to the ground as previous tears bubble back up and down your cheeks.

“What?!” Zuko screams, his pre-pubescent voice cracking. That was the first time he’s ever yelled at you. “What are you looking at?!”

You step back but trip over your own feet.

His face was branded into your memory: The angry red of the initial burn runs all the way to his ear, having burnt off chunks of his hair along the side of his head, and white blisters begin to decorate the edge.

Zuko closes in on you, grabbing your arm to drag you towards him. The heat from his hands stings, but it isn’t enough to scar you. Not this time. You cry out, but it’s barely enough to make him stop.

His fist rises before swinging down and—

“Uncle made breakfast.”

You shoot up and press a hand to your cheek, but you feel nothing. Sweat collects on the back of your neck and you move your hand to wipe it off.

“(...),” Zuko pokes his head in through the door, not noticing your distress. “Uncle made breakfast.”

“Yeah. I’ll be there,” you reply dryly, rubbing your eyes as you try to hide the small tear that escaped.

Last night you were transformed into what the city of Ba Sing Se was looking for: a tragic, lovesick refugee rising from the rubble of what was your old life in the palace. And it was way better than you thought it would be.

Ba Sing Se was a new beginning, even though you initially hated it. Your old life was gone, or rather you chose to ignore it.

.

The tea shop remained just as plain, if not more plain, than on your first day. Not to mention that the universe kept sending the same three men to your tea shop. The only thing keeping you from going crazy was your late-night dates with Jet, which became a constant that you couldn't get enough of.

Jet was slowly becoming a lot of your firsts: first kiss, first date, first boy that you actually enjoyed being around, and the first person other than Azula that you followed.

He'd often stop by the tea shop, where he'd come to get tea but end up talking to you the whole time. Though, you've begun to notice how much he asks about Lee and how often he ignores you to talk to Lee.

Of course, you don’t say anything. It was normal for boys to want to talk to each other and, besides, Jet really wanted your brother to be one of his Freedom Fighters.

Jet was your boyfriend and he just wanted to be friends with Lee. Or so you tried to convince yourself.

But it was fine! Whenever Jet notices when he ignores you for Lee, and he always comes back with flowers or candies or jewelry delivered by your front door or to the tea shop to beg for your forgiveness.

Lee and Mushi started telling you to break up with him, but what do they know?

Iroh let the mother of his child go and Zuko hadn’t seen Mai in years.

They didn't know anything about real relationships and they didn't know anything about Jet. Ther advice was pointless.

Back in the tea shop, the only genuinely good customer (besides Jet) was a girl named Jin, a fellow refugee. You chalked her constant visits to having a crush on your brother, you’ve seen a pattern among the girls around your age, but spoke to her nonetheless. It was better than being stuck strictly talking with two meatheads all day. And she wasn’t a jerk, so brownie points!

“No jasmine, huh?” You ask, a small tray full of cups much lighter after working for a few weeks. “And you’re only having one cup today?

“Only one,” she replies with a small smile. “I'm actually here for more than just the tea.”

“Right,” you give her a knowing look, “Just know, he really is a piece of work.”

As you walk to the back, Jin gets up and makes her way towards the counter where your brother and uncle stand.

“Thank you for the tea,” Jin says, giving the money to Lee. He turns her back to him to sort the money but she suddenly asks, “What’s your name?”

“My name’s Lee,” he starts. “My uncle, sister, and I just moved here.”

You poke your head out from the back and listen to the conversation when you should be making tea.

“Hi Lee, my name’s Jin. Thank you, and I was wondering if you would like to go out sometime.”

You glance at your uncle, who then slides up next to Lee and smiles. “He’d love to!”

“Great!” Jin smiles. “I’ll meet you in front of the shop at sundown.”

You give your brother a thumbs up while Mushi smiles at him, earning both of you a glare.

“Uncle, does that mean I can go on a date with that Jet boy?” You ask, using this as an excuse to possibly cover up any mistakes you’ve left when sneaking out.

“You’ll go out with him no matter what I say,” Mushi chuckles. “You already do almost every other night.”

Lee’s face twists in confusion. “What do you mean? I would’ve heard her if she left.”

“Give your sister some credit,” Your uncle says, “The little lady snuck around without me knowing the first few times.”

You smile proudly to yourself before asking, “So can I? There’s a restaurant Jet said he’d take me to.”

“You shouldn’t hang out with someone like that,” Lee intervenes. “That guy’s already trouble.”

“Let her figure that out,” Mushi pats Lee’s back and smiles, “Of course, but be home at a reasonable time. That goes for both of you.”

.

Jet doesn’t take you to a restaurant. You totally lied about that.

That’s how you found yourself in an alleyway with your hands on his chest and his hand lying loosely on your hip. You’ve already made out twice and you both were running out of things to do.

“What did you overhear?” Jet asks. “You mentioned that you overheard something in the train station yesterday when we were out.”

“Oh.” The question catches you off guard. You didn’t want to think about the Avatar, you wanted to hang out with your boyfriend but whatever. You could just do that later. “I heard that they were coming to Ba Sing Se.”

“Is that it?” Jet’s face twists in something that sits between confusion and irritation.

“What else do you want, Jet?” You push yourself off of him. “Why are you so interested in the Avatar?”

“He and his gang could help us take down the Fire Nation,” He says, like it's obvious. Like the Fire Nation is just pure evil. You’ve learned Jet does that. You’ve learned that he’s easy to believe.

“We live in Ba Sing Se,” you cross your arms, “The Fire Nation won’t reach us here. They tried once and failed. Jet, we shouldn’t concern ourselves with the war.”

Jet’s face scrunches up with disgust, as if you had just killed a turtle-duck in front of him. “We’re refugees, Tako, the war should concern us a lot!” He grabs your hand and pushes your sleeve up, revealing the burn that’s begun to scar around your wrist. “Look at what the Fire Nation has done to you! Look at what it's done to Lee!”

You yank your arm back and step further away from him. “That’s the past, Jet! Look around, there is so much more to worry about!”

“Really?” Jet almost deflates, but his anger remains. “The Fire Nation put you here in the first place and you’re just gonna sit around and be okay with it?”

You bite your bottom lip as you think of a response, but Jet beats you to it.

“You’re not Fire Nation… are you?” You watch as he places his hand over the hilt of one of his swords. “The three of you do have Fire Nation features. But what would Fire Nation be doing in Ba Sing Se?”

You grip onto your blade and glare at Jet. “We’re still refugees, Jet.”

Your boyfriend pulls out both of his swords and you follow with yours. You didn't want to fight him, but you weren’t dumb enough not to have something to protect yourself.

Jet swings sporadically, immediately putting you on the defensive. You block and parry his attacks, like you were taught, but he keeps going.

“Jet, stop it!” You grunt, successfully parrying him as you shove him back with a kick to his stomach.

“You’re Fire Nation, Tako!” He swings away and you barely dodge. “I can't believe I trusted you!”

Your scowl softens at his words, but you remain in your trained strength.

“I’m still me, Jet.”

“No—” He lands a hit to your cheek with his right sword, causing blood to begin running down your face and onto your clothes.

Before you could attack him back, he was shoved off of you by a seemingly invisible force. You later discover that Jet was held down with cuffs made of rocks. A group of four men in fancy, practical outfits then take him away.

He yells at you over and over: “She’s Fire Nation! She’s Fire Nation!” but they ignore him.

People stuck their heads out from their windows and doors to watch the commotion, but not one person made any sign that they were going to help you.

The eyes of bystanders shift from Jet to you once he’s pulled away far enough.

With your chest heavy with shame and adrenaline still pumping through your veins, hot tears mix with the blood as you turn and run all the way back to your home.

Maybe Ba Sing Se wasn’t for you after all.

.

“I thought I said come home at a reasonable hour,” Iroh teases before looking up from the paperwork scattered on the table. His brows immediately furrow and his eyes widen as you come fully into view.

With the little energy you have left, you patter over to your uncle and sit down in front of him with your head hung low.

“What happened?” He asks much softer, his hands reaching out to soak up the blood and tears from your face, thumb tracing over your cheekbones. ‘That boy didn’t do anything, did he?”

You don’t respond, you're too tired and you can hardly think straight. Iroh understands, knowing that you couldn't have gotten hurt from a simple date, and takes your silence as a sign he shouldn’t ask questions anymore.

Uncle makes sure you’re stable before getting up to rummage through one of the few cabinets in the kitchen. He finds medical tape (used to help Zuko’s tea-burnt fingers) and a clean cloth.

Iroh sits back in front of you and gently takes your jaw into his calloused hand. The gesture is soft and inviting, different from what you’re used to.

Touch always demanded something of you and the rare occasions it didn’t, it was to help you. This was one of those rare occasions, though there hasn't been anyone besides your late mother to hold you so tenderly.

With his other hand, Iroh wipes away the blood and grime on your injured cheek. The cut wasn't very deep, not enough to scar but Iroh assumed that it wasn't the cut that had you like this. You were stronger than that.

Iroh lets go of your face to rip off a piece of the tape, using his other hand to cut off a little bit of gauze and hold it to the cut— it’s already stopped bleeding— and taping it down.

“We should get you to bed,” Iroh states, earning a small sniffle from you.

You wipe your eyes and swallow down any more tears before they get out of hand while Iroh wipes the rest off the corner of your eyes.

“I’m sure none of this is easy for you.”

“I just want to go home.” Your voice cracks on the last word.

“I know,” he whispers. “We all do and we all will. Soon enough.”

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