#atla jee

Zuko,

⚔︎ Who hadn't even realized it was his birthday the next day, being too busy with trying to find the Avatar, until his Uncle invited him to have dinner together

⚔︎ Can feel his heart racing as his uncle practically backs him a corner with plans of over the top grand gestures and interrupting the crews schedule

⚔︎ Is yelling objections at the top of his lungs because he's panicking, and he doesn't understand how to get others to hear his words without being the loudest in the room

⚔︎ Begins getting louder when his Lieutenant comes knocking and now Zuko is feeling flushed, and embarrassed, and frustrated, and way too vulnerable

⚔︎ Feels woozy at the changes of what was meant to be another day, just another day being ripped from beneath his feet

⚔︎ Who hasn't celebrated since his mom disappeared in years and feels sick to his stomach even thinking about it

⚔︎ Prays to Agni that he can convince his uncle that the theatrics are unnecessary and can they please tone it down to just a dinner between the two if uncle continues to insists on them doing something special

⚔︎ Also prays that his Lieutenant forgets the whole embarrassing ordeal

Lieutenant Jee,

𓁼 Who can already feel the incoming migraine as the screeching of Prince Zuko bounces off metal walls

𓁼 Is running as slow as he can towards the sound because he is the unofficial Captain and third highest rank on the ship and has responsibilities

𓁼 Can barely contain the roll of eyes and the scoff in his throat because apparently the spoiled brat is complaining about his birthday

𓁼 Feels anger and disgust feed his inner flame because the General has done nothing but the most for his nephew, even offered to host a party that apparently isn't good enough, and the little shit is yelling and yelling and yelling

𓁼 Is letting the tantrum enter one ear and out the next because that is the only thing keeping his mouth shut (besides the General's ire) and letting the Prince know exactly how the Lieutenant feels about his lack of respect towards his esteemed uncle

𓁼 Who finally hears words like "unnecessary", and "pathetic", through his own temper and maybe if he squints he can see that something isn't quite lining up

𓁼 Starts putting pieces together when the Prince tints green and grows a shade paler at every push his Uncle makes towards celebrating his 14th winter

𓁼 Watches the Prince fight tooth and nail, his singular eye growing shinier in the low lighting of the General's room, and wonders what kind of boy doesn't like his birthday