Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar: The Last Airbender.
Pretty Bird
The early morning breeze chilled the air. Not that he minded it being slightly cold out. Turning towards his Uncle's tea shop, he walked a little slower. Today would be another boring day of serving hot leaf juice, otherwise known as tea, to their many customers.
A flurry of flapping wings distracted him from depressing thoughts. Turning he saw a couple of birds swooping straight for his face. The leader was small enough to be held in the palm of his hand, the second was much larger. Reflexes had him ducking before he completely processed the threat, however, it was not enough to avoid the first bird.
The small bird was clinging to his hair, making it even messier and pulling painfully on some strands. He blocked the larger bird with his arms. This proved enough to dissuade it as it flew off in search of easier prey.
He flicked the small bird off his head and proceeded to walk to work. Not two steps later he felt a small weight touch down on his shoulder. Frustrated, he again knocked the little bird away. This time he watched as the bird righted itself mid-fall and then proceeded to fly at him again.
A battle of angsty teenager versus pesky bird commenced, and to Zuko's consternation, he was loosing. If he could firebend then he would have no problem winning, as it was though, the little bird could not understand that Zuko was NOT a viable perch.
The bird would swoop for his shoulder or head; he would dodge and attempt to strike it down or away. The bird would then dodge the blow and again attempt to land on the frustrated firebender. Anger and frustration boiled within Zuko.
Laughter echoed in the alley and Zuko froze as he noticed two children were watching him in amusement. Be calm. Do not let the flames loose. Focusing, Zuko breathed in through his nose and out through his mouth repeatedly, dissipating the flames within to a manageable level. Realizing that he had briefly tuned out the world, he opened his eyes and evaluated his surroundings again.
The kids were closer now, standing only a few feet away. The bird, he noted in extreme annoyance, was sitting on his shoulder preening itself. He glared briefly at the children, causing them to back off to what they considered a 'safe' distance, but not far enough as far as Zuko was concerned.
Huffing, he turned away and continued walking to work once more, briefly ignoring the foul little beast. The bird was extremely persistent, a nuisance that would take careful planning to get rid of.
"You are a pre-tty bir-D"
The high pitched squawk hurt his ear, and then what the bird had just called him sunk in.
"I am NOT a pretty bird! How dare you, you pesky little monster! Leave me alone; go find someone else to bother." With that Zuko again swept the bird from his shoulder… or at least that's what he tried to do. The bird had latched onto his hand, and was now firmly holding on as Zuko waved it furiously.
Seriously, what kind of bird is this? Why won't it give up!
Stilling himself, Zuko watched in morbid fascination as the tiny monster fluffed up and started flirting with his thumbnail.
"You are a pre-tty bir-D," intermixed with strange squeaky noises. Then the little fiend uttered the most despicable phrase, "I love you."
Zuko flicked his wrist violently, throwing off the horrendous bird and ran in a mad dash the rest of the way to work.
The End.
Just a little bunny that bugged me in a moment where I could write. This was inspired by my parakeet, who can be extremely persistent and loves to talk. As well as his grandmother who felt that she NEEDED to be on my shoulder whenever I was getting ready for work. Hope you enjoyed it. Remember to SMILE!