Author's Note: This began as a brainstorm for another short fic I wanted to write involving this concept I came across, but by the time I'd reached the end of the second page, I thought, 'Why not?'
Hence, my first ever drabble piece. If it can be called that. I'm not really sure--what would you call it?
Standard disclaimer--I disclaim everything.
Zuko wakes up every morning with but a single objective—to capture the Avatar.
Lee wakes up ready to greet whatever the day may bring, for it is a new day full of new opportunity.
Zuko is willing to sacrifice anything for the sake of his own honor and his place as the Prince of the Fire Nation.
Lee values only the companionship of the one person who has stuck by him his entire life, and has the freedom to act on it.
Zuko feels that he is trapped by his scar. It is a mark that will haunt him for the rest of his life. But its presence is his own fault.
Lee feels the same way.
Zuko's family is the most important thing in the world to him. Their acceptance of him is what drives him in all that he does, though he may not know it himself.
Lee's family consists of only one, and that one not only accepts him, but loves and supports him in all that he does.
Zuko has lived all of his life a prince of great honor. When that honor was stolen from him, all his energy went into getting it back.
Lee's life has only just begun, and his energy goes into making his own honor; his own life.
Zuko wears a ponytail.
Lee does not.
Zuko will forever be burdened by his own expectations.
Lee has no expectations to live up to, but lives his life to its fullest.
When Azula comes, Zuko is threatened. They must compete for the possession of the Avatar, and the position of heir apparent.
When Azula comes, Lee is threatened. His peaceful life with Iroh is but newly formed, and fragile. Were she but to touch it, the peace would be shattered beyond repair.
When Zuko is captured, he is silent, plotting his revenge.
When Lee is captured, he is silent, wondering what he is charged with.
When Zuko finds the identity of his prison mate, he curses his misfortune.
When Lee finds the identity of his prison mate, he laments his karma.
Zuko lets the waterbender's curses slide off his armor, wondering when she'll shut up.
Lee silently takes them, wishing that their truth did not sting so.
Zuko is relieved when the waterbender turns from him, but is pulled in by what she says next.
So is Lee.
'The Fire Nation took my mother away from me.'
Zuko is surprised, and yet not.
Lee is sad, and yet not.
'That's something we have in common.'
Zuko doubts the waterbender's abilities are powerful enough to remove his mark.
Lee dares to hope.
Zuko flinches at the touch of an enemy.
Lee suppresses it.
Zuko expects the worst when the tunnel explodes, and is angry to see that it is the Avatar who has come to save them.
Lee expects the worst when the tunnel explodes, and is happy to see that it is his Uncle who has come to save them.
Zuko watches as his last chance for redemption escapes his grasp.
So does Lee.
When Azula comes, Zuko is wary.
When Iroh is captured, Lee is scared.
When Azula speaks, Zuko listens.
When Iroh speaks, Lee listens.
Zuko desires his honor and the love of his father.
Lee desires his freedom and the love of his uncle.
He knows he cannot have both.
Zuko awakens. The battle begins.
Lee recedes. The battle begins.
AN: Was any of that confusing? Did anyone catch my double-meanings? Did any of it sound ooc or just downright strange? I'd love to improve this if I could, and all suggestions are taken seriously!