Not So Secret Tunnel

By Kyatto

Chapter Six

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Ursa and Tai: Age thirteen

Aiden: Age twelve

Netami: Age ten

~*~

It's funny how a simple conversation could lead to so much more.

Tai lay back in the grass, his shaggy mess of dark hair covering his gold eyes and flawless pale face. It was a warm autumn day, only needing to wear a black tank and well-worn jeans. One could clearly see his well toned body; his arms alone were very muscular. Aiden lay beside him, light red hair tucked back neatly, bright red eyes peering up at the sky. Despite it being warm he still wore an old gray hoodie over his t-shirt and jeans. They were in a park in Tokyo, talking and looking up at the sky.

"You suck at skateboarding," Aiden commented with a smirk.

"We don't have that where I'm from," Tai replied, shrugging.

"I thought your dad was trying to up the technology."

"He is, but it takes a while. They only just started building cars."

"Speaking of cars, can you drive yet?"

"Aiden, I'm thirteen," Tai frowned.

Aiden laughed softly. "Yeah, well, aren't laws different where you're from?"

"Dad and Mom both say I can't learn to drive until I'm sixteen," Tai replied. "They think I'll get hurt or something."

"And I still can't Apparate," Aiden muttered. "I feel like a baby."

"Well….At least we're out together now, yeah?"

"Mm…" Aiden nodded, looking at him. "Yeah."

"Hey Ai'…"

"What?"

"At school…Did you ever…I don't know…like someone? Someone who was your friend?"

"You're supposed to like your friends, Tai."

"No, I mean as more than just a friend…"

"Well, I had a girlfriend…for a week…Does that count?"

"Did you love her or anything?"

"Nah," Aiden shook his head. "She was boring."

"Oh…"

"Why?"

"Well, there's someone I'm friends with…and I really really like them…."

"How long have you known them?"

"For forever just about."

Aiden tapped his chin in thought. "Do I know them?"

"…Um," Tai blushed for a moment. "Yeah…You do."

"…..Tai!"

Tai sat up in surprise. "What?"

"You dog!" Aiden laughed. "You like Netami! I should beat you up!"

"No you idiot!" Tai retorted. "I like you!"

Tai then immediately flushed red and looked away.

Aiden looked taken aback for a moment and then smirked. "Really now?"

"Y-yeah…."

"That's funny, Tai," Aiden chuckled. "Because I like you too."

"You do?"

"Yeah," Aiden leaned over so he could lightly ghost his fingertips across Tai's slightly exposed taut stomach. "I do."

"…Does this mean…We're like…a couple?"

"It could."

"….Do you want to be?"

"I might."

Tai groaned, though he was smiling. "You're no help."

"How are we going to tell our parents though…" Aiden looked worried.

"We'll think of something."

~*~

It was late at night, almost three in the morning. The palace was quiet and empty with the exception of the few guards required to watch the facility at night. Ursa had been unable to sleep, despite having lain in bed for hours. So she decided to go to the dining hall to find something to drink.

She was surprised to see her father sitting at the table, wearing his robe, hair in a loose ponytail over one shoulder, hovered over a mess of scrolls.

"…Daddy?" She asked quietly.

"You're up late," he replied, not even looking up.

"What? No scolding?" Ursa teased, pulling up a chair near him.

"I'm busy, go wake your brother."

"Dad…"

"Look, I've got business to attend to…" Zuko looked up for a moment.

"Why don't you just do it in the morning?"

"It's due in the morning."

"Well…That's what you get for procrastinating."

"I was busy with other things."

"Then don't take it out on me."

"Why are you even up anyway?"

"I was just…wondering something…"

Zuko looked concerned, so he decided he could put off the rest of the work for another few minutes. "What's wrong? I know that face."

"Do people ever really stay happily together in the end?"

"Have you been reading your mother's sappy romance novels?"

"Yeah…but that's not why I'm asking…"

"Why are you, then?"

"One of my friends…Her parents split up. It's weird, because they looked so happy whenever I saw them. I don't understand."

"Sometimes….People just lose interest in each other. Or something comes up," he sighed, not sure how to explain it. "I've made some mistakes myself. You're living proof of it…No offense…It might be better, for your friend, if they're doing what they are. It's why your mother and I decided not to get back together after you two were born. We didn't want you growing up in an awkward or hostile environment. Would you really want that?"

"No…." She decided, shaking her head. "I wouldn't. I'm happy with the way things are…I kind of like moving around. Changes of scenery are good. I'd get bored with the same old thing all the time."

"Do you understand better now?"

"I do," Ursa smiled. "Thanks."

"Here," he stood up. "I'll make us some tea and then it's back to bed with you, alright?"

"Okay."

~*~