Chapter Text
Instead of going to the Northern Water Tribe, the Gaang decided to stop at the Earth Kingdom first. To get an eartbending teacher.
And they did, they found Toph.
But, they found someone else too.
Unexpectedly, a firebender, whom was interested in teaching Aang firebending. He lived in the Earth Kingdom, but said he was born and raised in the Fire Nation.
Luckily, he was against the Firelord’s actions.
“Li? Can we pleeeaaase start with firebending?” Aang begged, Zuko just smiled softly.
“I’m sorry, Aang, but it can’t. We both know you first have to master water- and earthbending.”
“But I’m so curious about firebending!”
“You will learn patience, young monk.” The Prince said teasingly.
“Ugh, you are barely older than me.” Aang folded his arms over each other.
“Whatever you say, oh so great Avatar.” He had spend way too much time with Toph, Zuko realised. He was taking over her humor. Well, her insults at least.
“Twinkletoes! You haven’t mastered even the beginnings of earthbending! You can’t just skip it and go to Sparky for firebending!” Toph came closer, clearly irritated. Zuko decided to leave the two alone, and he went to Katara, who was preparing dinner. And Sokka, who was drooling over the food, trying to steal something. What gave him a splash of water in his face.
The Prince couldn’t help but smile a little at the sibling’s hustle. He had quickly dried Sokka with his bending after he had looked at the non-bender who looked like a wet ottercat.
“Thanks Li. Finally someone nice around me.” Sokka placed his arm onto the shoulders of his friend. Zuko couldn’t help but flinch a little involuntarily.
“You’re welcome.” He mumbled.
Zuko and Sokka sat down on Appa’s soft fur, sinking a bit into the many hairs.
“How’d you actually get that scar?” Sokka asked curiously, Zuko froze, but decided to answer.
He wanted to answer; the Fire Lord. But he decided that was too dangerous for his carefully crafted persona of Li.
“My Father did it.” He mumbled.
“Oh, that sucks.” Sokka said awkwardly, mentally stabbing himself because why did he ask that!? Idiot!
“Guys, food is ready!” Katara yelled to them. And so they got up and walked awkwardly towards the group.
“Aw, no meat again?” Sokka sighed.
“Aang’s a vegetarian, respect that Sokka.” Katara snapped at her little brother.
Zuko decided to stay out of the fight and silently took a bowl with food. It was nothing like the food he’d eaten at the palace, nor when he was travelling with Uncle.
Nothing was like before. This group, the travel with them, etcetera. But mostly constantly having to lie to them.
He had hunted them, hurt them, tried to kill them.
He had to keep lying, to keep the peace and to keep him alive.
And for the selfish part in him that didn’t wanted to leave them.