A/N: I don't own these characters and claim no rights to them. Of which they are eternally grateful.

I think my brain exploded when I wrote this.

Discomfort


"Aang, I have a problem." Zuko eyed the rest of the camp, and even though there wasn't anyone else around, he still spoke in a whisper.

The Avatar's grin could've split his face in half. He slapped his firebending teacher on the back, "I'm so glad that you feel like we're friends now! I'm honored that you'd seek my council. So, what's the situation? Do you have a heart-wrenching family issue you'd like to discuss? Bad dreams? Lingering internal conflicts about switching sides?"

Zuko blinked as Aang rambled on.

"...Self esteem problems stemming from your scar? Do you need girlfriend advice?"

"Aang!" Zuko shocked his friend into silence. Zuko shut his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose. "That's not the type of thing I need help with." He sighed and glanced around again. "I need help, with bending. And I'd appreciate it if we kept this between the two of us." he lowered his voice.

Aang matched his volume and leaned closer. "I see, and you don't want the others to know your getting bending tips from your student? I got it."

Zuko sighed. This was a bad idea and he knew it. But he'd been putting it off and the problem was getting out of hand. "No. I don't need you to give me instruction, I need you to do some bending. On me."

Aang gave him a confused look. "You want me to bend at you? Is this part of my training?"

"No. Well, yes. I guess you could call it that." he shifted nervously, as he thought of how to begin. "You're a waterbender, right? Of course you are. Well, can you do that healing thing that Katara can do?" He looked at the younger boy with hopefulness.

Aang scratched his head. "I don't know if I can heal. I've never tried." he paused for a second. "If you're injured though, I think you should be talking to Katara."

Zuko vehemently shook his head. "I can't talk to her about this."

"What is it?" Aang's curiosity was getting the better of him. Zuko was acting very strange.

The former prince glanced around again. "Since I've been here, I've used the small fountain in the furthest alcove of the temple for bathing. Like any good firebender, I heated the water myself. I guess there was something in the water that liked the added heat and uh... started blooming."

Aang was not used to seeing the stoic prince blush. He nodded for Zuko to continue.

"I wouldn't ask, except that it's driving me crazy and I don't think I'll be able to firebend much longer. My concentration is gone. Gah! The itching!" Zuko grabbed at his pants in a desperate attempt to alleviate his discomfort.

A picture started to form in the young Avatar's mind. As soon as it was there, he desperately wished he'd never, EVER thought it. He also wished there was some way to un-think something.

Aang jumped back several feet, and he eyed Zuko like he was a White Jade flower. "So..." That was about as far as his twelve year old brain could manage to go.

Zuko nodded. "I think it's a fungus of some kind. You know I'd never ask unless I was desperate." his eyes pleaded.

A/N: Alternate title: Gus Is Not A Fun Guy XD

Here's the thing... This story could go in SO many directions. I already have two (three?) ideas. I don't want to say what they are (it would ruin the surprise), but I want to know where YOU think it could go. I'm willing to write ALL ideas, no matter how far fetched. I'll keep this going indefinitely if I have to.

Give me your ideas please! You could leave them in a review or send me a message. Any way you convey your idea(s) is fine with me.