Burning Bright

Part I

The day after their disastrous date, Zuko had managed to set Iroh's Bonsai tree on fire, break three teacups and yell even louder than he normally did. He was a bundle of nerves. He was nervous at what would happen later in the day. He knew that Jin would not be fazed by the awkward way their date ended. She was much too determined.

Zuko cursed himself mentally nearly crushing the handle of the teapot. Of course she would be persistent, stubborn even. She was from the Earth Kingdom. His mind momentarily wafted to all those times his father would complain about how annoying the Earth Kingdom Resistance was because despite losing they still continued to hold their grounds.

"Prince Zuko, I bought these lovely Moon Flowers," Iroh called. Zuko flinched at how Iroh freely used his name and in an annoyed whisper he said, "Uncle! Not so loud!"

Iroh ignored him and set the bundle in the counter. It was early in the morning and Iroh and Zuko were opening the shop. Outside, the rain was pouring down heavily. Dark clouds encased the sky. Iroh didn't bother him with any more questions about their date although he kept on shooting meaningful glances and comments to Zuko.

"This is a fine replacement for the Bonsai tree you burned," Iroh said gathering the flowers and putting them in a vase. Zuko didn't answer. He was too busy planning ways to start a conversation without it resulting in more awkwardness.

"This will also add a decorative air to this drabby shop," Iroh continued as he arranged the flowers carefully. Then smirking he elbowed Zuko and playfully added, "Just what we need in case someone brings home a lady friend."

"Jin is not my lady friend!" Zuko retorted loudly causing some of the customers to look in their direction. When Zuko realized this, he flushed embarrassed. Muttering to himself he turned around and stormed to the back.

Zuko retreated to the back of the shop where he grumpily washed all the teacups. He was in a foul mood today although he could not understand the reason why. A part of him reasoned that it was because he was just nervous of what would happen if Jin came back again. He wasn't sure what he was supposed to say. Sorry, I ditched you in the middle of a fountain after I kissed you? Or, I am a total loser when it comes to socializing with people so that was probably why things ended so…awkwardly?

Zuko contemplated on not just talking to her but he almost slapped himself after considering that option. He was never one to back down from a challenge and this challenge was probably the most difficult one he had ever encountered. Zuko groaned. Why didn't the Fire Nation include socializing with other people in their curriculum? It never actually occurred to him to learn how to make with other people before since he was the Prince of the Fire Nation. People just naturally wanted to be associated with him. And as for girls….marriages were usually arranged so he didn't really feel the need to worry about that particular area.

As he washed the plates he started to rehearse what he planned to say. Repeating and saying it again and again, always revising it and changing it when he felt that it sounded stupid. Actually, he never managed to complete what he planned to say because everything either sound too dumb or too dorky and he really didn't want the two options.

"The flowers look so pretty!"

Zuko froze as he heard the loud and cheerful voice waft into the air.

"Why, thank you Jin! I was lucky to get it at such a wonderful price," he heard Iroh say happily.

"They make the shop look less dingy," Jin commented. Zuko knew the inevitable was about to happen. Unable to think of anything to say, he panicked and stole out of the teashop through the backdoor, calling at Pao that he was out to buy some oolong for black tea. As the cold wind hit him and rainwater splashed his face he cursed at himself but decided that the fate that sat awaiting him inside was way worse.

Quietly, he ran towards the marketplace as heard his uncle calling out his name.

…

Iroh had decided that Zuko was now completely inept at social affairs. It was very obvious by the fact that the boy had left the tea shop after seeing a trace of Jin. Iroh almost laughed out loud in spite of himself. That boy was not afraid to brave the icy tundra of the North Pole but he could not do something as simple as talk to a girl.

Giggling quietly to himself he went outside to where Jin was calmly sipping her cup of tea.

"I am afraid that my nephew has made an escape," he said nearly choking in laughter.

"Hmmmm…normally I am much more nimble when it comes to trapping boys," Jin said jokingly. Then in a mock worried look she leaned towards Iroh and whispered, "You don't think that….I am losing my touch are you?"

That sent Iroh laughing. Jin snickered quietly.

"Not at all! In fact you are quite talented," Iroh said smiling. Then leaning forward he said conspirationally, "You're the first one to actually come into direct contact with him—aside from his mother and sister."

"Does that mean I'll get a reward? Free tea, perhaps?" Jin asked raising a brow. Iroh had not expected that one. He liked this girl. Aside from being charming and beautiful, she was very humorous and quick-witted as well. He could only guess that the date might have ended in disaster—knowing Zuko. But it was very wonderful to see that Jin was a very good sport about the whole matter.

"Of course. An occasion such as this deserves the best tea available," Iroh said giving a low nod, all while plotting to take the money out from Zuko's pay. He grabbed the pot of green tea and poured it unto a teacup.

"Li is just iffy around girls. He's not a very people person," Iroh said apologetically. He still had high hopes for this particular match. Iroh had never been wrong about couples yet. Okay so maybe Ursa and Ozai probably were not the best of matches but they managed to create two children together before completely falling apart so that had to count for something.

"Oh, I could see that. He seems so grumpy all the time. I think you should suggest some ways for him to vent out all that pent up frustration," Jin said half-teasingly, half-seriously.

"In my opinion he should spend a great deal of time drinking tea to let it all out. But unfortunately tea is not his thing," Iroh said with genuine disappointment. If only Zuko appreciated tea as much as Jin.

"I don't think that I'm his thing either," Jin frowned. And then she asked with true worry coloring her voice, "Do you think he likes me?"

"Of course he does! He won't tell me the full details of what happened during your date but I'm pretty sure he's just very embarrassed about it," Iroh said.

"Oh, well things didn't end exactly well but I had so much fun. Li is a very great person to hang out with so whether he does like me or not, I think he'll be a pretty cool friend!" Jin said.

Iroh's jaw slacked. If Jin thought that Zuko was actually fun to be with then she was too much of an opportunity to let go of. Honestly, ho w many people would think Zuko was fun? Certainly not girls! He was going to have a long talk with his nephew otherwise Zuko might forever become a hermit and a chance to have cute grand-nephews and nieces would be lost.

…

Zuko had just finished buying some oolong leaves. He was soaking wet, mud was caked all over his clothes and tea leaves he bought were not much of any use considering they were flattened and drenched with rainwater. He grumpily paid the saleslady and started the long walk back to the teashop.

He was angry at himself for acting like such a coward and hiding from Jin. He was not usually like that! He should not be like that! He was the Prince of the Fire nation. He should not be afraid of some girl. He had already face way worse things than this.

Suddenly he saw Jin. She looked slightly annoyed with the rain pouring on her head and mud slapping the hem of her dress. She brushed some mud off before making a sharp turn to a dark alleyway. Zuko rolled his shoulders and took a deep breath. He usually did that when he was about to go to a battle. Zuko slapped his forehead. Did he just compare talking with a girl with a battle?

He repeated to himself that he could do this. All he had to do was explain to her why he abruptly left last night. He sprinted towards the alleyway praying that Jin hasn't left yet. He wanted this to be over with once and for all.

"It's just like ripping a band-aid," Zuko told himself as he entered the alleyway. Zuko entered the alleyway and frowned. It was dark and very narrow, a haven for shady characters. A nice and defenseless young lady like Jin shouldn't even be in a place like this. Zuko scowled. Why did he even care?

He continued on. A few shady looking people were sitting down on the muddy ground eyeing him. Zuko sent them wary glares. He would have no trouble defending himself (or Jin) if any situation rose up. He continued on the alleyway until he saw her.

He felt a bit confused. Jin was just standing there looking forlornly at her muddied dress. Zuko was about to call her when something happened. The mud started removing themselves from her dress. He stared jaw slacked. What was this? Sorcery? Some sort of earth kingdom magic?

Wait. He was just being plain stupid. This wasn't magic. A million thoughts ran in Zuko's head as he saw Jin's hands move in strong, solid movements.

"You're a bender?" Zuko said before he could stop himself.

Jin froze, the mud she was bending still hanging in midair. Slowly she turned around, her face startled and wide with fear.

But still all Zuko could managed was, "You're a bender?"

…

I'm not to keen on any Zuko pairings. I'm actually more interested in Sokka/Suki ship but when I saw The Tales of Ba Sing Se they were just too cute!

Reviews, please.