DISCLAIMER: I do not own Zuko, Lu Ten, Ba Sing Se, or anything else to do with Avatar. Unfortunately.
So, my first (published) fanfic, a short fluffy oneshot between Zuko and Lu Ten before the latter leaves for war; to test the waters of fanficdom, so to speak. Please review, this is my first foray into both fanfiction and having other people actually read what I've written, so I'd appreciate feedback. But be nice ;)
Lu Ten's Promise
"I don't want you to go."
Zuko's voice was small as he clung to his older cousin's robes. He knew that, being seven, he was too old to cry... but he wanted to.
Lu Ten put an arm around Zuko's shoulders. As excited as he was to finally be going into battle, and as much as he wouldn't admit it to his friends, he was going to miss his little cousin. "Don't be like that, Zuko," he said, trying to be firm and reassuring at the same time. "As crown prince, it's my duty to serve my country. What better way is there to do that than by finally taking Ba Sing Se? Imagine, Zuko, we're going to win this war once and for all, and I'm going to be there, mark my words!"
Zuko looked up at Lu Ten, visibly upset. "But I want you to stay here! They can beat the Earth King without you. What if you get hurt or something? What if… what if you don't come back?"
Lu Ten laughed with all the bravado and certainty of young men going to war. "Oh, please, Zuko, you think my dad'd let that happen? You think I would let that happen? Come on, kiddo, stop worrying. If you don't," he teased, "when I get back your hair will be as gray as my father's!"
Zuko giggled despite himself. He'd just look silly with gray hair. He relaxed a little, still keeping a firm grip on his cousin. If Lu Ten said he was going to come back, then he would. Lu Ten never lied to him. There was just one more thing, just to make sure…
"Lu Ten?"
"Yeah?"
"Do you promise? You promise you'll come back soon, right?"
Lu Ten smiled and pulled Zuko onto his lap for a moment. They both knew he was much too old for it, but secretly they wanted that last little bit of closeness before Lu Ten left in the morning. Lu Ten was silent for a minute, hugging the boy who used to follow him around like a puppy, the boy who he regarded as a little brother.
"Of course, Zuko. I promise."