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Chapter Text

Author's Note: Been rewatching ATLA with my sister and got the urge to write this, I've always wanted to see Zuko talk to the people he met in the Earth Kingdom who didn't know who he was. So... this is it. Let me know what you think!

Cross-posted on AO3, FFN, WattPad, and Quotev.

Cover Art: My sister

Chapter 1: Zuko Alone Again

The camp rested in the southern Earth Kingdom, hundreds of miles away from the capital of Ba Sing Se. It was a large amalgamation of tents separated by hastily constructed metal walls and watchtowers. The tents themselves could be easily divided between nice fire nation tents and ramshackle clumps of cloth and wood where the POWs slept.

It was no boiling rock but it was still high security. It had to be, it was a prison meant for earth kingdom soldiers. Only non-benders though, all the benders were sent to distant metal rigs or prisons suspended high in the air. More unique and high risk than the one Fire Lord Zuko was visiting today.

The war was long and brutal, many died but many were also taken as prisoners rather than killed. Put to work in forced labor camps. It was a big but relatively simple problem for the new and inexperienced Fire Lord to solve. His nation was no longer at war and had no reason to keep these men hostage.

He didn't need to be here, his missive had been sent out by messenger hawk all across the Fire Nation proper, all over the colonies, and to every distant military outpost. "Free your prisoners of war, send them home." Along with more complicated and detailed orders for the release of others. It was difficult to weed out who was a criminal under Fire Lord Ozai that Zuko would still consider a criminal under his rule. Was the murder of a guard justified? What about theft? It was a nightmare and likely many unjust sentences would continue to be carried out right under his nose.

But he wasn't dealing with that particular issue today though he was sure he'd hear about it when he came back from his mission. Again he didn't need to be here, in this nondescript labor camp/prison.

He wanted to be here, he was looking for a specific POW. His royal entourage of guards followed closely behind him, they were far more dressed up than he was. It felt both vindicating and embarrassing to have them dog his every step through the dirty camp. Broken shackles littered the ground, angry prison guards shot glares at their new monarch but Zuko weathered them. Just as he weathered the glares the dirty and hungry prisoners gave him. It seemed gratitude was in short supply, Zuko couldn't blame them. He was still Fire Nation, these men were hungry, beaten, and broken. A lot didn't have homes to return to.

Hopefully who he was looking for was both alive and still had his home to go to. Turning to the captain of the camp beside him Zuko grimaced. "You say he is in this camp?"

"If he was with the 41st he would be in this camp. We captured them all to a man. Except for those we burned." The repulsive man chuckled. "The men here are cowards who knew when to submit."

Zuko scowled, "I would appreciate it if you did not speak that way about these men. The war is over and these men are no longer yours to torment."

The captain rolled his eyes, Zuko caught it but ignored it for the moment. "Thank you captain. Wait here."

The captain scoffed as Zuko gestured for his personal guards to do the same, waiting with the cruel man to make sure he followed his orders. Zuko could sense his guards' apprehension at leaving him to weave through the crowds of prisoners but they knew he could handle himself. The men had been Azula's royal guard before him. They knew he defeated her in an Agni Kai… he had Katara's help but they still revered his strength. And appreciated him taking them out of exile.

He received more wary looks and glares but he was undeterred. He had eyes for one prisoner, a gentle looking man. The last time he'd seen him he had more weight and more hair. Stress and encounters with fire seemed to have removed a good portion of the man's beard and all of the hair atop his head. Gansu was almost unrecognizable, but he didn't seem to be injured. And the shocked look he gave Zuko was all he needed to see to know that he found the right man

The crowd of prisoners around Gansu quickly moved away from him as if he was sick. Not wanting to catch any stray fire so to speak if Zuko wanted to harm him.

"It can't be- you? How?" The man gasped.

His shock was warranted, the last time he saw Zuko he'd been starved, weak, and dirty. Traveling alone in the earth kingdom had left him broke. He'd worked to repay the man for his food and roof. He even helped build some of said roof. When Gansu left to find his first son, Zuko had saved his second from Earth Kingdom thugs who were going to get him killed.

"Let's talk somewhere more private." Zuko gave him a weary smile.

Seemingly left without a choice he followed, the Fire Lord led him to a makeshift alleyway between two tents. Once they were alone Zuko felt the awkwardness of their situation.

Gansu spoke up first to break the silence, "So, you're Fire Nation."

Heat crept up Zuko's neck, he nodded. "Yeah."

"And not only are you Fire Nation, you're Fire Nation royalty."

He nodded, "I never told you my name despite the hospitality you showed me." Bowing with fist below palm he took a deep breath. "I am sorry, my name is Zuko. When you met me I was just a banished prince. Now I have taken my rightful place on the throne."

"I heard rumors of a banished prince from some back home. I never put stock in it." Gansu crossed his arms. "It seems I was wrong to ignore them. I never cared much for politics."

Zuko nodded, not knowing what to say.

"Well? What do you want me for? Am I here to pay for some insolence? Some crime of mine? Not recognizing you?"

Zuko's eyes widened, "No! No not at all. You helped me, you-"

Gansu held up a hand and sighed, "I apologize. That wasn't right of me. Forgive me- your majesty, these past few months have been hard."

"Just Zuko, you don't need to offer deference." Zuko blushed.

Gansu nodded, "Zuko then.. I never would have imagined the lost child my son found would end up being the Fire Lord."

"Destiny is a funny thing… My uncle says that a lot." Zuko explained.

"He sounds like a wise man." Gansu hummed, "Well Zuko, why are you here?"

"For you. I wanted to repay you for your hospitality. When I came to you I was lost, I had been stealing to eat and had no destination in mind. You and your family's kindness helped me on my path. I'm here to ensure you make it home. I also wanted to help you find your other son."

The pained look on the father's face told Zuko he already knew. Zuko shook his head, "I'm sorry."

Gansu took a deep breath. "Sensu was already dead by the time I made it to the front. It was too late to leave and if I deserted, my family would have faced the consequences."

Zuko had assumed that would be the case. "I'm sorry Gansu. My nation has taken more from you than we can ever repay. The least I can do is get you home to your other son."

At that Gansu's eyes watered, he took another deep breath and nodded. "I would like that."

With that the two made their way to the center of camp where Zuko's men had finished arranging all of the former prisoners together.

The crowd before him still had their marks from their shackles. The war had ended two weeks ago but news only reached the camp last week. And orders to release the prisoners only got to the camp yesterday. They stared at Zuko warily, not knowing what to expect. Steeling himself, he opened his mouth.

"I am Fire Lord Zuko." He announced, "As you know the war is over. I cannot take back my nation's treatment of you and your peoples. But I will do what I can to get you home safely to your families. Unfortunately not all of you have homes to return to. I cannot bring your homes back, but Earth King Kuei of Ba Sing Se and King Bumi of Omashu are offering aid to any and all refugees." He gestured to the fire nation soldiers around him. "These soldiers are ordered to answer any questions you have. Use them as a resource."

The crowd scoffed at that.

"I understand that might be hard, as prisoners of war you should have been treated with the dignity and honor befitting soldiers. But as is the case with many, you were not. Now, not all Fire Nation soldiers here are to blame. I've talked to many of you here today, and I got a clear understanding of how this camp was run before I arrived. With that in mind. Captain Zee."

Captain Zee stepped forward with a frown. Zuko stared at the man. "You are hereby stripped of your ranks. If you wish to remain a soldier of the Fire Nation you may do so only as a private."

Before the man could protest Zuko continued.

"Private Lee." Zuko announced.

A nondescript guard stepped forward nervously.

"Many of the prisoners here have stated that you treated them with honor. For this you are promoted to captain. Your first task is to help get these brave men home."

Captain Lee bowed, full of shock. "T- thank you Fire Lord."

Former Captain Zee seemed to finally find his words. "You can't do this! I've served my nation faithfully for years I won't just stand by while a traitor like you-"

Hands clamped over the private's mouth, Zuko gave a nod to his royal guard. They dragged the fighting man away, his shouts muffled. Everyone watched as the pathetic man dragged his feet. Everyone was silent until someone in the crowd of prisoners started to clap, soon others joined. A minute later they were cheering.

Behind Zuko, Gansu smiled.

/-/

Zuko and Gansu walked alone past the squealing and clucking of farm animals. With a frown both noted that there were about half as many animals as last time.

"Still can't sneak up on this place at least." Zuko commented.

Gansu nodded at the animals, "It's good to hear their racket again… you were telling me about Gow and his men."

He nodded, "After you left they harassed Sela and Lee." He pulled out an all too familiar knife. "I'd given this to Lee the night before and he tried scaring them off."

Gansu shook his head, "Brave boy."

"They conscripted him and tied him up in the center of town. They were going to get him hurt. Sela asked me for my help. I was able to scare off everyone but Gow.. things were going well but I wasn't strong enough without my bending."

Gansu's eyes widened a little, "You had to reveal yourself?"

Nodding Zuko continued, "Anyone in town that had been cheering for me stopped. But I was able to defeat Gow. Sela freed your son, then protected him from me. She- I can't blame her."

Gansu sighed, "I can't either.. I'm sorry.. and my boy?"

"He said he hated me."

The two walked in awkward silence for a bit, the only noise coming from the animals around them and their own boots on the ground.

"Your past is your past son, you aren't the man you used to be."

Zuko nodded, "I know." Pausing, he let Gansu walk ahead. When Gansu noticed he stopped as well. "This is where I leave you Gansu."

"Leave me?" Gansu shook his head, "What about dinner?"

"Dinner?" Zuko's eyes widened.

"You don't expect me not to show you the least bit of gratitude for freeing me." Gansu gave him a warm smile. "There's a lot to celebrate, the war is over, I'm back home, Gow and his men are gone. We can finally rebuild our lives. From what you've told me about your travels with the Avatar and his friends, I have you to thank for a lot of it."

Zuko met the man's eyes and saw the truth in them. Just then the door to the farmstead slammed open, a familiar sight graced their eyes. A little thinner, cheeks sunken in, but still Sela. Gansu's wife and Lee's mother. Her eyes didn't even trace Zuko's form, they were locked on Gansu's. Disbelieving.

The normally stoic man spread his arms wide, his smile was even wider. Zuko watched as Sela raced forwards, tears falling from her face to wet the dry ground. No words were exchanged, just a fierce hug, both needing to prove to the other that it was real. They were real, Zuko politely turned away when they kissed. A soft smile creasing his features.

"Fire nation- what are they-" Zuko turned to face Sela. "What is he doing here?" Sela hissed.

"It's okay honey- he brought me here." Gansu explained.

"He did?" Sela's eyes narrowed.

"I suppose news hasn't reached here yet?" Gansu raised an eyebrow. "The war is over."

"We heard last week." Sela shook her head. "But he's a Firebender- he said he was the fire prince!"

Gansu nodded to Zuko, "We have him to thank for stopping the fire nation. He and the avatar stopped the war."

Zuko blushed at the praise, "It wasn't just us."

Sela broke away from her husband, getting in Zuko's face. "Is what my husband saying true? Why would you want to end the war?"

Zuko paled under the gaunt woman's glare. "Because it was the right thing to do."

Sela frowned, indecision flashing across her face.

"Sela my wife." Gansu interrupted her thoughts, "Where is Lee? I haven't seen him in months."

"He's playing with sticks in the field. What about our other boy? Did you find Sensu?" She asked, daring to hope.

The look Gansu gave her was all the answer she needed.

/-/

Making dinner was an awkward affair, Gansu and Sela elected to wait for Lee to return. Wanting to surprise him, and prepare to tell him the bad news. Sela didn't have any more tears to shed about it, Zuko could see the conflict of emotions at war on her face as she chopped various vegetables into a stew. Great sadness at the loss of her son, she'd already known he was likely dead. But having it confirmed was a blow. Yet she was also elated and relieved to finally have her husband back.

She was also conflicted about the Fire Lord who stood off to the side brewing tea, heating it up himself. Gansu was out back preparing a Pig-chicken to cook.

The two brewed and chopped in silence, any attempt at starting a conversation was dashed by Sela. She either hummed in dismissal or blatantly remained silent. The awkward air was only broken whenever the caws and squeals of the animals signaled Lee's return. Sela immediately stopped what she was doing and turned to leave, shooting a stern glance at Zuko before making it out the door.

Once again Zuko felt nervous, almost as nervous as he felt when he was confronting his uncle after betraying him. Swallowing his fear however Zuko looked out a window of the small home. Smiling at the tearful reunion. He watched as they spoke, unable to hear, yet he saw when the light in Lee's eyes died showing that he'd asked about Sensu. More tears. Gansu gestured to the house, Lee's eyes shot to the door with a confused look that hardened into a glare.

Making their way into the home Zuko finally got a good look at Lee for the first time in months. The boy had grown a little taller and that showed no signs of stopping. He had more teeth in his mouth too. When he saw Zuko all of them were bared fiercely as Lee glared at him with murderous intent.

/-/

If making dinner was an awkward affair, dinner itself was an explosive one.

"I don't care! He's the reason Sensu isn't here!" Lee shouted.

"The sins of the father do not fall to his son." Gansu chided, "Would you want to repay all the mistakes I've made?"

"You aren't a firebender!"

"You can't fault the man's birth."

"He lied to us!"

"His past was none of our business. He was a traveler, lost and in need of help. He stood up to Gow and his thugs." Gansu pointed. "I stand by what I said. Any man who stood up to them is welcome at my table."

Lee scowled, shooting another glare at Zuko who sat awkwardly. "Thank you, Gansu."

"Why are you here? I hate you." Lee grumbled.

Zuko twiddled his thumbs, "I- uhh. I made you all tea." He gestured to the tea that sat cooling next to Lee and Sela. Only Gansu elected to drink it.

Gansu sighed, "Fire Lord Zuko has done us and our nation a great service. He does not deserve your disrespe-"

"Please Gansu, I understand." Zuko stood up. "I wanted to personally make sure you made it home to repay your kindness. I'm not here to be forgiven." He smiled weakly, turning to leave an arm caught his.

"Wait." Sela looked down, "I- I apologize. You brought my husband back when I never expected to see him again.. and you helped us before." She gestured to Lee.

"I didn't ask for his help." Lee scowled.

"Please, I appreciate dinner but I can go." Zuko reiterated.

"Please stay. Lee! Fire Lord Zuko is our guest tonight." Gansu shot his son a stern look. "He is a good man."

Lee looked like he was ready to leave, perhaps he would have if it was any other night, or just Zuko and not his father at the table too. He decided to cross his arms and avoid eating.

Sela sighed, "I made the soup and your father made the meat. Fire Lord Zuko only made the tea."

"…Did he start the fire that cooked the meat?"

Zuko's face fell, "Uhh.. no I didn't. Your father used spark rocks."

Lee shot Zuko a glare then angrily dug into the food, clearly he was very hungry. Zuko did the same, "This is.. very good." He smiled. And he was telling the truth.

"Thank you." Sela nodded.

"…"

"…"

They ate in silence for a while, surprisingly it was Gansu who broke it. "How long can we keep you?"

"I have a lot of duties to attend to, I'll be leaving before dark." Zuko explained, it was bright out. Around four hours past midday, meaning it would be another four before he was leaving.

"Duties?" Gansu questioned politely.

Zuko nodded, "Yes. My nation is… well we've been at war for a hundred years. My first step is getting our armies out of the Earth Kingdom. Giving back what isn't ours. It's.. difficult."

"What's hard about leaving?" Lee glared.

Zuko ignored his anger as best he could. "Well uhh.. prisoners are one issue. Prisoners of War are easier to deal with. We can free them all, but others are harder to deal with. We can't let bandits and murderers um.." he looked at everyone. "I don't think this conversation is meant for the dinner table."

"You're probably right." Sela coughed.

"…"

"…"

"Did you really help the avatar?" Lee asked.

Zuko had to force back the smile that threatened to wrap around his face. "Yes! Yes I did. Well- not at first. I met him a long time ago back uhh. Back when I was hunting him."

"A man's past is his own business. You do not need to talk about it if you don't want to." Gansu explained.

Zuko waved him off, "It's fine it's fine. My past is a part of me and I am no longer ashamed of it… well I am ashamed of it and I do regret it but I've learned that I had to experience it. I had to go through everything I did to become who I am today."

Gansu smiled, "Wise words." Sela nodded next to him.

Lee scowled, "You hunted the avatar?"

Zuko nodded, "Do you remember what that man shouted after I defeated Gow?- wait." He held up a hand. "What happened with Gow and his men?"

Lee played with his food, ignoring the question. Sela looked from Zuko, to him, then back to Zuko. "They left. Probably to terrorize some other town, or become bandits. But they've not come back since you.. you defeated them."

"Good work." Gansu nodded.

Lee grumbled a begrudging agreement, and something about "cheating" with firebending before looking Zuko in the eyes. "I remember. He said you were disowned and.. he said your dad gave you that scar."

Zuko felt the taut skin, "What he said was true. It's why I hunted the avatar. My father banished me for speaking out of turn and for refusing a fire duel with him. He said I'd lost my honor and the only way I could regain it was to capture the avatar."

"An impossible task." Gansu grimaced, "No one believed the avatar would come back. Unless- did the fire nation know he was still around?"

Zuko shook his head, "No. We were just in the dark as everyone else. The Avatar- his name is Aang, he was frozen in ice for 100 years. I found him in the south pole, he'd been freed from the ice the day before. It was luck- or destiny that I found him. I hunted him all over the world until eventually my father decreed I was a traitor for failing to capture him. I met all of you while I was hiding from the Fire Nation. I was lost and confused, I didn't know what to do or where I was going."

Lee huffed, "If you were banished and a traitor why didn't you tell us."

"It's not so simple." Gansu answered for Zuko. "You were worried about being captured yourself?"

"I'm not sure what I was worried about. I was- I was lost in a lot of ways." He explained. "I mostly thought about my past and regaining my honor, going home."

"Besides, Lee would you still have accepted him into our home?" Gansu asked. "The world isn't as black and white as you would like to believe. Not all firebenders are evil. Just as not all earthbenders are good as you've seen."

Lee still frowned, crossing his arms. Only uncrossing them to take the occasional bite of food. "Thank you.. thank you for bringing dad back."

Sela nodded, "Yes. Thank you.. Fire Lord Zuko."

"Just Zuko please." Zuko smiled.

"How did you become Fire Lord? I would like to hear more about your time with the avatar. I only heard rumors in the camp." Gansu explained.

The rest of dinner went well, Sela and Lee slowly opening up. When they were finished Sela and Gansu went off on their own to talk, Lee left for the fields leaving Zuko alone. With a deep breath Zuko left to meet Lee, he guessed where he'd be heading.

He found him in the field of sunflowers with two large sticks, he was wielding them as if they were dual swords and to Zuko's amusement and delight he had good form.

"You've gotten better." He complimented.

Unlike last time, Lee wasn't surprised to see him. "I've practiced every night since you left."

Zuko smirked, "Don't want a firebender to have to save you again?"

Lee nodded, still a little unsure of Zuko. "Did you really come back just to make sure dad made it back safe?"

Zuko nodded, then paused. "Well.. not entirely. I think a part of me wanted to prove to you and your mother that I'm not evil. I wanted to make amends."

"You didn't do anything wrong." Lee sighed.

"What?"

"I only hated you because you're a Fire bender." Lee explained. "You didn't get my brother killed."

"I know what it's like." Zuko nodded.

"You had a brother?" Lee asked.

Zuko shook his head, "No. But I had an older cousin. Lu Ten, he was like Sensu. He taught me how to use dual swords. He died in the war too."

Lee sniffled, "I- I really miss my brother." He turned away, letting the sticks fall loosely at his sides.

Zuko stooped down to pick up two similar sized sticks. "Come on, let's see what you've taught yourself."

Lee looked up at Zuko, nodded and readied himself.

The two trained long into the night, Zuko forgetting his duties for a while as he had fun teaching the kid how to fight. They walked back to the farm laughing together. When they made it to the front porch Zuko knelt down to his level.

"I still have the knife, do you want it? It belongs to a member of the Earth Kingdom. I want you to have it." He brought out the familiar knife. Parting with it felt both right and a little wrong because his Uncle had given it to him. But a large part of Zuko knew his Uncle would approve.

Lee took the knife, reading the inscription aloud once again. "Never give up without a fight… thank you Zuko."

The next day Zuko left the village. He still received some glares from the wary townsfolk. Just like last time some even brandished pitchforks. But not everyone, Gansu, Sela, and Lee waved heartfelt goodbyes. That was all he needed.

AN: If any of you have read my other stories let me know! As always give me feedback, do the characters feel in character? Was the story nice to read? Anywhere I can improve?

I have several big projects in the works, can't wait to start posting them.

Next Chapter: 7/28/2024

Chapter Text

Refugee daze

"You!" The large woman with a big mole on her face pointed. "I recognize you!"

Zuko blushed, scratching the back of his neck. "Hello.. uhh Zuko here."

He winced at how awkward he sounded, he was a Fire Lord! He shouldn't cringe under this ticket keeper's gaze. But he did, he wasn't expecting to see her. His solo trip through the Earth Kingdom took him on a roundabout way to the big city and he'd had to get in the same way he did the first time he went to Ba Sing Se.

Unfortunately that also meant encountering a familiar woman his Uncle had flirted with.

"You said your name was Lee! Was your uncle Mushi lying about his name too?"

"His real name is Iroh."

The woman gasped, "I let the Fire Lord AND the Dragon of the West into Ba Sing Se!?"

"Actually um- I was only a banished prince when you let me in." Zuko winced.

"Doesn't matter!" The woman wailed. "I- I caused Ba Sing Se to fall! You and your handsome Uncle brought it down!"

"That wasn't us ma'am, that was my sister. She was disguised as a Kyoshi Warrior." Zuko explained. "She's scary, you would know if you let her in."

"Did she travel with a gloomy girl and an acrobat?" The woman asked.

Zuko nodded.

The poor lady threw her hands in the air. "I caused the fall of Ba Sing Se!"

/-/

At long last Zuko was granted travel into the city. The war hadn't stopped the influx of refugees, actually it had increased with the release of so many prisoners of war.

He'd long since ditched his royal guard. It had actually been a year since he visited the Lee Family Farm. Duty called, along with finding his mother and dealing with Azula. Zuko's mission to visit people he'd wronged in the past had taken the backseat. But with free time on his hands Zuko was finally able to visit the big city to make things right.

He'd also be lying if he said Mai breaking up with him wasn't a factor in this.

The Fire Lord sighed as he made his way through the streets. His vaguely Fire Nation clothes got him odd looks and glares. A part of Zuko wished he hadn't dressed the way he did, but another part of him knew he should be proud to be Fire Nation.

The war was over and the world would have to get used to his people not being warmongers. He needed to promote intermingling between the three nations.

He'd visited his uncle first before setting off on his mission in the streets. Hoping he'd be able to find her at the Jasmine Dragon. Unfortunately she wasn't there, which meant the only other place he'd find her would be at the other tea shop. Zuko had forgotten the name, he hated working there. It wasn't a bad job all things considered, it just wasn't what he wanted to do at the time.

He'd known her only for a day. Just a girl that asked him out on a date, she was pretty. She was sweet, and she didn't deserve the awful night he gave her. He embarrassed her at dinner, he was awkward and rude all throughout, and to top it all off he gave her a FLIER! And ran off after she kissed him.

Ever since that night she floated into his thoughts every now and then. She never occupied his mind for too long, when he was with Mai he forgot about her entirely. A month or two after his breakup she popped in during a boring meeting, it made him cringe on his throne. It made for an awkward situation when his generals thought they messed up due to the strangled look on his face.

Uncle Iroh would say something wise like "Embarrassment leads unto embarrassment, you must embrace yourself to stop the cycle." Or something like that, Zuko shrugged to no one as he walked through the busy streets. When he finally made his way to the familiar tea shop he immediately saw a familiar sight.

There she was, she was sitting alone and smiling to herself, sipping some tea. She was just as pretty as before, her hair was a little longer and her clothes a little finer but it was still Jin. Zuko stood outside looking in through the open door. Glancing up he saw that the shop was called the Pao Family Tea shop. Taking a breath he wandered in. Immediately other patrons saw his fire nation clothes and shot him glares, he winced when one of them happened to be his old boss.

"L- Lee!? Is that you!" Pao gasped.

This caused all eyes including Jin's to stare at him. To her credit Jin only spat out half of her tea, managing to keep the rest in.

"Hey boss." Zuko waved.

"Oh my it's so good to see you! Are you here to take your old job back!" Pao almost pleaded. Only when the man stepped closer did he see Zuko's clothes. "What are you wearing?"

Zuko looked down and back up, "These are my clothes.. uh I think I should tell you that my real name isn't Lee."

A nearby guard gasped and pointed. "That kid wasn't lying! You are a firebender!"

This time Jin spat out the rest of her drink.

The patrons reaction was both expected and unexpected. Zuko had hoped they might already know who he was or at the very least know he was a firebender because of his uncle. But it made sense everyone here might not have gone to the Jasmine dragon yet, it was in an upper ring while Pao's tea shop was in the lower. Even after a year the news might not have reached them.

Zuko scratched the back of his neck, "Uhh can I order?"

Pao stared at him in shock, "U- um.. I- yes! Yes um all customers are welcome!"

The guard from before eyed Zuko warily as he awkwardly made his order. He purposely kept his back to Jin, he could feel her eyes staring into the back of his head. What he got was truly hot leaf juice; without his uncle, Pao's shop had dwindled in quality once again. Zuko sat as far from Jin as possible.

I'm such an idiot! Why did I come here? For some girl who asked me out once! Ugh this is a stupid reason to travel halfway across the world! She doesn't even-

The chair in front of Zuko scraped back, his head snapped up to see a blushing Jin sitting down. "Hey.. is this seat taken?"

"Um yes- I mean no- I mean yes you can taken- uh take the seat." He stammered.

Jin nodded as she set her cup down, it had cooled since Zuko walked in. "Here.. let me get that for you." Grabbing her cup he heated it up with his hands, handing it back to her with a small smile.

The two sat in silence for a moment as she stared down at her cup. She then facepalmed, "I should have known you were a firebender. It's so obvious looking back! How else could you have did that thing with the lanterns?"

Zuko laughed, "Yeah.. probably not the best move when trying to keep my cover."

Jin laughed too, "I thought you did some acrobatics with spark rocks or something you learned at the circus."

All tension was gone, somehow, insanely, they were just talking like normal people.

"Sorry about that, I lied to you about the circus too."

And just like that the tension reappeared.

Jin frowned, "So… I uhh.. you're fire nation."

Zuko nodded, "Yeah.. when you met me I was a fugitive of the fire nation. That's why we came here and changed our names.. me and my uncle."

"Why?.. did you two desert the army?"

"…kind of? Not really. It wasn't my choice." Zuko winced. "You haven't heard?"

"Heard what?"

"My name is Zuko."

"Yeah like the new firelord I've heard of him." Jin nodded. "Did the fire nation try to arrest you for that?"

It wasn't all that surprising that she would think the Fire Nation would imprison someone for something so stupid. Still though, Zuko gave her a blank stare.

"No." Jin crossed her arms. "No way. Now you're just messing with me."

"I'm really not, I have the scar." Zuko pointed.

Jin winced, "You do." Then her eyes widened. "You do! You are a prince! I- I- asked out a prince!"

Zuko winced, "Yeah- about that I'm sorry about that."

"You're sorry?"

"It was a bad date?"

"It was? I had a great night.. did you not?" Jin raised an eyebrow.

"What? No, I had a great time too.. It was nice." Zuko blushed. "But I was rude, awkward, I shouted at that waiter."

Jin giggled, "I admit I looked past it. I was giving you a chance.. just because you were pretty."

Zuko blushed again, "Ahah- really?"

Jin nodded, "Yeah.. but a prince? Really?"

Zuko nodded, "Yeah.. again sorry about lying to you I had to. It's funny- when you kept showing up to the store I thought you knew I was fire nation.

"No I just thought you were cute."

"I was very awkward and on edge I'm sorry."

"You're still awkward and on edge."

"Yeah." He winced.

"Why did you come here?" Jin asked.

"Like I said we were on the run from the fire nation."

"No I mean today." Jin pressed her finger into the table.

Once again Zuko blushed, "Well- you. I wanted to.. make up for our bad night."

"But it wasn't a bad night."

"Yeah.. well I still ran off and.. I never explained things to you."

"You said it was complicated, that's all I needed to know." Jin smiled. "You didn't owe me an explanation. We went on one date.. now if we were seeing each other for a while and you left out of nowhere then yeah I'd deserve to hear more but. No hard feelings."

"You're not upset?"

"I mean I was at the time." Jin shrugged, looking away. "But.. I kinda knew I was getting into someone broody with baggage."

Zuko stared wide eyed, "I can't believe you've forgiven me so easily. Story of my life."

"Did you come all the way from the fire nation just to apologize?" She quipped.

His blank stare was an answer.

"You came all the way from the fire nation just to apologize." She gasped.

"My schedule cleared up."

"I'm honored.. so what now?" Jin asked.

"I didn't really plan this out. Want to.. do an activity together?" Zuko shrugged.

Jin laughed, "Okay."

—

Short little one-shot! Again I've always wanted to see Zuko go back and talk to some of the people he met. I hope you enjoyed it! Let me know what you think.

Chapter Text

AN: Welcome to the last chapter in this short story! I have bigger stories in the works but it’s been forever since I’ve posted so I decided “screw it” and wrote these. I’m also starting college again tomorrow. It’s the end of my gap year, I’m nervous and excited. Hopefully I have time to write fanfics in between work and classes.

Chapter 3: It’s So Simple

“Lee?” Song gasped, just as shocked as Jin was to see the poor destitute vagrant now decked in fire nation attire.

The woman who stood before Zuko looked no different than she had over a year and a half ago. She was dressed in her work clothes. Just basic hospital attire, though saying hospital was a little bit of a stretch.

It’d been a couple months since Zuko’s second Date with Jin. It was nice, much better than the first. It went nowhere obviously, their lives were too different and while they did click.. it was clear it was there mutual attraction but nothing more. And if Zuko was honest with himself, he still missed Mai. Either way, Zuko was happy he saw her again. He had a friend in Ba Sing Se he could see, someone to remind him of perspective too. His only other friends were well traveled fighters and benders who helped save the world.

He wasn’t hoping for another friend here, just to repay a poor family for his theft. Before the war ended Zuko and his Uncle accepted Song and her mother’s hospitality. They were lost and unfamiliar surviving on their own. Iroh especially, he made tea from a poisonous plant and had to get help from them as they were the village healers.

“Hello.” Zuko winced, “I uh… do you remember me?”

Despite doing this twice before, Zuko was still just as awkward as ever.

“I do.” Song frowned, unsure of what to do. Zuko hadn’t exactly left her with a good last impression.

“They’re about to show us a little more kindness.” 

Or he’d said something like that, all while stealing their ostrich horse. He knew she’d heard him, he remembered the way the light from their home cut off as she shut the door behind them. He remembered turning back to see Song’s silhouette against the frame, staring at him on her stolen beast of burden.

The two stared at each other for an uncomfortably long moment. Behind Song an old voice shouted, “Who’s at the door? Tell them they can have a bite of roast duck!”

Song closed her eyes, letting out a breath from her nose. Zuko smiled, recalling the taste of her mother’s cooking. 

“It’s- it’s an old friend! One minute mom!” Song shouted back before turning to face Zuko. “What are you doing here?” She asked with no hint of excitement or anger.

“I’m here to apologize, I stole your ostrich horse.”

“Mhm, his name was Beaker.” Song nodded. 

“I stole beaker.. I’m sorry. It was wrong.”

Again the two stood there for a long moment.

“Why did you steal him?” 

Zuko sighed, “Easy transportation. Me and my uncle were running from the fire nation and I.. I was tired of walking.”

She hummed. “I’m surprised.. I never expected to see you again.” 

“I didn’t expect to ever come back. At the time I ignored any guilt I felt. But I’ve changed since then.”

Song nodded, “I didn’t blame you. I was upset but I couldn’t bring myself to be mad. Only sad that you were damaged enough to steal after we helped you. You look better.. but.” She gestured to his clothes.

“I’m fire nation, and my real name is Zuko. I was a fugitive whenever you met me and my uncle. His real name is Iroh.”

Song nodded again then her eyes widened and she facepalmed, “Where are my manners- would you like to come in?”

Zuko raised an eyebrow, “You’re inviting me in?”

Song nodded, “Yes.. you’re here to apologize and you’ve done just that. You must have come a long way.”

Zuko nodded, “I have but- I haven’t even. Sorry- here.” Digging into his pockets he brought out a pouch. “Repayment, for Beaker.”

Song reached out and looked in the bag. “It’s fire nation currency. I hope that’s okay.” He said as her hand rose to her mouth.

“It should be but- these are gold pieces! All of them!” Song gasped.

Zuko smiled, the amount he had given her could have bought her a hundred beakers. Perks of being the firelord, he’s also rich now.

“I’m no longer the poor refugee you met.”

Song’s eyes roved over his fire nation attire once again, locking onto his hair. “No.. you’re not. Lee- I mean Zuko.” She gestured for him to come inside.

Inside Song’s mother was just as surprised to see him, but no less accommodating. It was evident Song got her demeanor from her mother. Sitting at the same table he did before, Zuko marveled at how different he felt compared to his past self. 

“How has your Uncle been Firelord Zuko.. Firelord huh!” Song’s mother shook her head. “I’d have never thought.”

As before, his true identity got a lot of shock and questions. But they got over it relatively quickly.

Zuko smiled, “He’s good. He’s been staying away from poisonous plants at least. You know he almost ate some berries he claimed would counteract the White Jade.”

“Maka’ole berries!” Song’s eyes widened. “If he had eaten those, not even we would have been able to help him!”

Song’s mother laughed heartily, “Your uncle M- your uncle Iroh is certainly a character. Almost as foolish as my husband.”

Zuko chuckled, looking down at his food. “Your husband.. I have to apologize for what my nation did.”

“You would have been far too young when it happened.” The mother waved her hand. “Besides, your nation burned you just as they did us. I admit I wasn’t as forgiving as my daughter when I found out you stole my Beaker but.. you say you sold him to a nice place?”

The Firelord nodded, “Yes, a town near Ba Sing Se. They planned to use him to teach children how to ride.”

“Oh Beaker must love that!” Song’s mother smiled. “He never did get enough enrichment after my husband went away. He still had his uses and times were hard after you stole him. But it appears you needed him more than we did, and now he’s with people who can take better care of him.”

Song nodded, “What town was it if you remember? With the money you’ve given us, me and mom could take a trip to Ba Sing Se and stop to see him on the way.”

“That’s a wonderful idea!” Song’s mother smiled.

Zuko smiled as well, it felt good to make amends. 

This time when Zuko left the family’s home, it was on foot and with Song and her mother waving him goodbye.

Eventually Zuko made it back to his royal ship, with his not so royal crew. 

“So, this was the last stop?” General Jee asked, formerly just lieutenant Jee. 

Zuko nodded, “I think that’s everyone, everyone I know I can find. I don’t have time to go to Kyoshi island but I made amends with the warriors. If our nation is to atone for its actions, it’s only fitting I as Fire Lord do the same for my own.”

Words he’d spoken many times to many in the military, it was him leading by example. It served to inspire his men to do the same, already he’d heard from many of his soldiers and even some generals who took accountability and made an effort to make things right in their own way.

Jee crossed his arms and smirked, “You’ve certainly grown son. I’m honored to serve under you again.”

“It’s an honor to have you here general.” Zuko smirked back. “Now, let’s go home.”

AN: There we go! Had fun writing this in my spare time. Let me know what you think!