Does anyone read gen fics? Well, you could prolly put this in a slashy context if you want, but I personally love the complicated, unique friendship between the Avatar and the Fire Prince, and might write more. This takes place during The Avatar Returns and Avatar Aang. Enjoy reading!

Disclaimer: Don't own it.

"You must be glad to be finally on your way home, Prince Zuko."

Home. The word conjured up a series of bittersweet memories, and for once, he didn't try to repress them. Bright, clear skies, humid air and fire blossoms. Newborn turtleducks, and shimmering ripples in the pond. The sprawling, magnificent palace hallways lined with ancient tapestries. A quiet girl with sharp eyes giggling through his awkward conversation attempts . . .

The memory of his father was filled with trepidation, his mind automatically shying away for fear of getting burned. He tried to think of the Fire Lord's proud smile, and firm, supportive resting hand on his shoulder, because he knew, he knew he hadn't imagined it. But all that came to mind was a dark silhouette wreathed in flame. That wasn't his father. He'd meet his real father again soon.

All Zuko said was, "It's been a long time coming."

"That it has, my nephew." Uncle Iroh was silent for a moment. Then, "I suppose you were quite shocked to find the Avatar so young?"

"It doesn't matter to me."

"Hmm. The boy was willing to sacrifice his own freedom to save those villagers. Quite a brave mindset for one his age."

The prince scowled, his tender thoughts dissipating like smoke. "The boy is an immortal being who has been evading the Fire Nation for a hundred years. How many villages do you think he sacrificed to keep from being discovered before now?"

Uncle stroked his beard contemplatively, a glint of the wise man poking through his lazy exterior. "I think there is more to his story than meets the eye. It is foolish to judge the depths of one's character by the reflections on their surface, as you should know very well, Prince Zuko."

Needled by the surface comment (even though he wasn't entirely sure what it meant), Zuko shot a glare at his companion. "What are you implying? That I make try and make friends with the boy? Because we understand each other so well?" He snorted in bitter mirth and frustration. "Well I'm not interested. He's nothing but a tool to me, Uncle."

Iroh held his hands up in a placating gesture. "All I was suggesting is that you shouldn't underestimate him, Nephew. Boy or not, he is the Avatar, and you have no idea what he may be capable of. Besides, Airbenders were always known to be a mischevious, tricky lot." He gave a satisfied sort of smile. "If nothing else, I believe he will prove to be an interesting passenger."

"He's a prisoner, Uncle, not a passenger."

His only reply was a tired yawn. "Whatever you say, Prince Zuko. It has been quite an eventful day, wouldn't you agree? I think I will go take a nap."

He headed in the direction of his quarters, leaving Zuko alone on deck feeling unsettled and irritated. The prince inwardly scorned his uncle's implication that he and the Avatar had anything remotely in common, besides tarnished titles of distinction. The banished prince and the runaway savior, he thought sardonically. Yeah, we're a real pair.

Shaking his head, Zuko turned his eyes to the horizon. Finally, he was returning home.

***

Aang was right in saying the world was so different now, though Zuko suspected maybe it was their perspective that had changed. His especially.

The robes felt heavy and hot draped over his adolescent body, and he knew Sokka was going to laugh at the ridiculous pointy shoulders. But the small glow of elation that burned in his chest felt just right as he embraced the Avatar.

Home.

Please tell me what you think! I'm especially concerned about characterization, but other criticism would be good too. Thanks for reading!