Music Night

The flames danced in the grate, and Zuko closed his eyes, focusing his mind on their gentle warmth. He began to slip into a trance, feeling his mind and body relax, feeling his chi align, when—

"Prince Zuko! Are you going to join music night?"

Zuko scowled. Trust Uncle to ruin everything. Without turning away from the flames, he answered brusquely, "No."

"Ah, but the crew is asking for you, Prince Zuko!" Zuko could hear Uncle entering the room and shutting the door behind him. "You must come!"

"I said no, Uncle." Zuko returned to contemplating the flickering fire, hoping to fall back into his mediations. "I'm busy."

"Too busy to interact with your own crew? Prince Zuko, you must show them more respect!"

Zuko sighed. Uncle had destroyed his mediation, and now it seemed he was determined to ruin his entire evening. With Uncle nagging him, he'd be unable to accomplish anything; through gritting teeth, Zuko said, "Fine. I'll join music night."

Iroh broke into a huge grin. "Fabulous!" he said as he all but dragged Zuko to the deck. "You play the tsungi horn."

An old, decrepit horn was thrust into his hands, and Zuko looked down at the instrument in disgust. Iroh began singing horribly out of tune, and the other crew members began playing their respective instruments, all while staring at Zuko, so finally, after heaving a sigh, Zuko began to slowly play along.

As the night wore on, the music didn't improve. Iroh's singing reminded Zuko more of a dying creature's last cry than actual music, and the tsungi horn preferred to shower its listeners with spit than actually produce sound, but everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves so much that even Zuko's scowl disappeared.

Before he knew it, the fire was mere embers and the crew was heading off to bed. Uncle stayed behind to put away the instruments, and Zuko waited for him; when everything was in its proper place and the two royals walked back to their rooms, Uncle asked, "Did you enjoy yourself, Prince Zuko?"

"I—" Zuko began, thinking of how to answer. He didn't want to say 'It was a waste of time', not when Uncle seemed so pleased. Finally, he settled on, "That wasn't how I pictured I'd be spending my Saturday night."

o0O0o

For the Pro-Bending Circuit, Toza's Gym. Earth Discs. Prompt - "This is not how I pictured I'd be spending my Saturday night." [dialogue]

Word Count: 386

Position/Team: Earthbender, Fire Ferrets