Author's Note: It's not official or anything, I just got it off the art website and I'm doing (hopefully) a hundred drabbles. Mostly for myself, and to practice. Although I should probably practice writing for longer pieces, I think this is good too. This takes place Post-War, and Mai and Zuko have broken up. Now that I reread this, after I finished it, I realized that Zuko doesn't speak at all. Except for a grunt. Lol. This amuses me.
Enjoy
81. Pen and Paper
"What is that nephew?" Iroh peered over the Fire Lord's shoulder.
Zuko jumped in his seat and then flung his body to cover up the sheet of paper. Unfortunately, said sheet of paper was still wet with ink and it proceeded to soak into his robes.
"Ugh!" he pulled away, he looked at the front of his clothes and frowned. The words were clearly imprinted, albeit backwards, on the cloth. He would have to burn them so that no one would see them.
While he was distracted, his Uncle snatched the now smeared and crumpled paper off of his desk and looked over at him slyly.
"Oh ho, what is this? A love poem to a special lady?" he teased, his heavy brow waggling.
Lunging for the paper, Zuko tried to grab it away from the old man, only to be stopped by Iroh's quick hand to his face. Zuko flailed his arms, moving them blindly, but still struggling. Calmly Iroh held the paper as far as he could from his nephew with one hand and cleared his throat,
"The pros and cons of running away to the South Pole."
With an incredulous look, Iroh turned back to Zuko, who was now sitting on the floor, arms crossed and glaring at the wall. Now what was in the South Pole that would compel him to leave his duties as Fire Lord?
South Pole.
Water Nation.
Water Benders.
As realization dawned upon him, a wide toothy grinned spread upon the general's face. Zuko shot a threatening look to his uncle, warning him mentally not to say it.
"Nephew, your list seems to be at a standoff," he observed. Zuko looked sullenly at the paper, knowing it to be true.
Iroh continued, "But you of all people should know, that if you agonize too much over a decision, the opportunity may just pass you by."
The younger man's face became blank, considering this piece of wisdom. After a moment, he stood up swiftly and rushed out of the room, scaring several servants who were listening outside. Iroh watched him leave and chuckled.
Master Katara would be in for a surprise.