Chapter Text
After getting hard core rejected by the ticket lady, Aang decided to help sneak the pregnant lady and her entourage onto the boat. Stick it to the bureaucracy.
“Aang, I don't know if we should stay on this boat, it looks a little crowded,” said Katara.
“Well it's not like we have any other option. Besides, as the avatar, it's my responsibility to see these people safely to Ba SIng Se. If they get in trouble for not having passports, they will need my help.”
Aang was tired of everyone looking at him with concern.
"I need to show that I am in control of my emotions. By helping others, maybe I’ll be able to think about something besides losing Appa. What would Gyatso say?" thought Aang.
“I'm going to take a walk around the boat” said Aang.
“Um uhhh...ok. But don't fly away like you did in the desert.” Katara said.
“I will not.” Aang said to Katara.
When Aang had been walking around for a minute, he saw someone sneak past the corner.
“Is that...is that Zuko?!?!"
Zuko looked surprised and horrified for a fraction of a second, then changed his expression to one of indignation.
“The Avat-- I mean, Shush, you'll get us caught!” said Zuko
“But, ZUko--” exclaimed Aang, only to be interrupted.
“My name is Li you buffoon. Who is this Zuko character???” said Zuko
"I can't believe I'm being seen like this. A common refugee! It seems there's always more for me to lose, more shame to experience," thought Zuko.
Aang could not believe that Zuko had managed to find them on a random refugee boat. However, his response did not seem like he was about to attack. This was strange. Alright, he could entertain Zuko's new behavior. Maybe things could change between them.
“Ok, I will call you Li. Mind telling me why you are here, if not to capture me? Why go by a false name?” Aang said.
“Look Avatar, I am just trying to survive in this cruel world. I can't let Azula catch me. I don't even know if Father will restore my honor, even if I capture you. Azula made it clear that my prolonged failure to capture you makes me a national embarrassment.”
“Well there's a lot to unpack there… You know that's not how a prince should live?” Aang was pretty sure princes are not usually painted as national embarrassments.
“Whatever, you don't understand. A prince has to be loyal to his father and accomplish things that reflect glory onto the fire nation. But I haven't, even though I've tried for so many years,” said Zuko.
“Well nobody’s perfect.”
“My father is. He's the most powerful ruler in the world and in his eyes I am weak. The Firelord is never wrong, look it up, ask anyone!”
“You're not weak! No matter what, you always show up and fight with me. If you really don't think you're strong, why don't you come with us and we can practice bending together?” said Aang
"Perhaps we could work something out"
"Flameo Hotm- I mean Li man"
Aang and Zuko walk back to where the others were.
"Flameo? Was he channeling a past life?" Zuko muttered as they got closer.
"Hi guys! I made a friend! This is Li! Theres a million Li's but this one is special," Aang said loudly as they drew close.
“When did you team up with zUko”. Katara said.
"SHhhhee, his name is Li" Aang shushed.
Sokka was so not having this. “I don't want to put you down Aang. But I will. This seems really terrible. We already know he's the bad guyyy.” Sokka protested.
“Please deal with him being in our group. We are friends now, we made friends! If we give him a chance we can help each other out.”
“Well I think a new guy could spice things up a bit. I for one, approve of this...Li” Toph debated.
“Well, do you all approve?” Aang asked.
“Zuko, I've never heard you be so quiet. Where's all the yelling, hm?” said Katara.
“Yes, hello. Uh, I’m still getting used to the idea. I haven't even spoken with uncle yet…But, yes. It could be mutually beneficial if we joined forces”
"I don't know if I should leave Uncle. He'd be a disaster on his own," thought zuko.
"Hate to interrupt your grand plans, but we were about to eat," said Sokka. "Mutually beneficial plans can be discussed over food."
Zuko was enjoying the fire when the others were eating. There were oil lamps along the sides of the ship, and Zuko could sense their steady glow. He almost bended in front of the people sitting next to them.
“You know Zuko, you don't need to hold it in, that bathroom is that away,” said Toph.
“I'm not constipated! I just miss bending. Its so instinctual that I in fact, do need to hold it in, or the fire in the oil lamps will pulse with my breath” said Zuko
“Well if you want, we could block everyone's view and you could bend for a little while. I’d love to see some fire bending” said Aang.
Aang got up.
“Come on guys, stand in a circle so no one can see.”
‘What no! People think we look weird doing that,” said Katara.
“Nah, he's the avatar, he's weird all the time,” said Toph.
“Yeah, everyone thinks were an Aang cult any way,” said Sokka.
“No, they definitely don't,” said Katara.
Aang took out his lantern and lit it.
They circled up around Zuko and the fire.
"I cant believe I'm saying this... It feels like we should hold hands" said Sokka.