Zuko was eager to see Indyira. Sure he enjoyed being by his fathers side during his meetings and what not but since they met they hadn't spent more than a few days apart. It was going on three weeks now that he had been swept up in learning about the current state of his future kingdom. He had left a letter for Indyira under his pillow but once again he forgot the other man couldn't read very well. Without Iroh he was probably falling behind in his studies. Sitting on a silk pillow doing calligraphy wasn't Indyira's style so Zuko headed for the dojos instead of the library. He found Indyira sparring with his shadow in a small training room. Zuko felt bad that he was out there all by himself - he still hadn't made any friends. Ty Lee seemed to be shying away from him but he knew that was Azula's doing.

Still it was nice to stand there and watch Indyira for a while. Fighting was as natural as breathing for him - his movements fluid and powerful. His jab at the air made the sweat jump off his dark skin. His arms were bare and a few button on his collar were undone. He didn't have on shoes and his pants were rolled up to his knees. Zuko started taking off his top robes - all the long fabric that would get in the way of his movements. When he was done he took off towards Indyira at top speed. He heard the rapid footsteps and dodged Zuko. "Oh you want some today, precious?" Indyira teased him as he blocked a few punches.

"Oh yeah." Zuko said. This was far more satisfying than any romantic greeting. He had been a little edgy and he hadn't figured out why until now. He missed combat. He wasn't itching to fight an Agni Kai everyday but this little bit of play fighting was enough to get his heart pumping. Make sure he could still put his money where his mouth is - so to speak. "Remember when we first met - we fought. I won." He goaded Indyira on.

"You cheated." He pointed out. "No weak spots for you to exploit this time."

"You think so?"

"I know so. Come over here so I can spank your pampered little ass." Indyira said as he grabbed for Zuko. He blocked a scorpion kick and Zuko barely missed catching a round house to his head. He doubled back, waited for Indyira to advance before he made his move. He jumped up and wrapped his legs around Indyira's waist. It caught him by surprise and he staggered as he tried to support Zuko's weight. Zuko grabbed his shirt and pulled himself in close.

"I want you inside of me." He whispered - out of breath - raspy and needy right in Indyira's ear.

"Damn!" Indyira exclaimed as he fell back. He flipped over and pinned Zuko's arms above his head.

"Wait wait." Zuko suddenly resisted and Indyira stopped an inch away from kissing him. "We can't right now."

"You're joking?"

"No, Lo and Li are taking us to their beach house. We gotta pack and get going." Zuko said. Indyira growled at him and he keened when his grip tightened. "Down boy. Behave."

"Have a nice trip." Indyira said before he relinquished his hold and got up without further protest.

"You're coming with us." Zuko informed him.

"No thank you." Indyira declined. He tried not to chuckle at the look on his face. Zuko caught on that he was messing with him and smirked.

"Be at my room in twenty minutes."

The beach wasn't private but it was still lovely. The sand was nearly white and the water was clear blue. The waves broke upon the shore making milky foam stick to the wet sand. It was so very different from the fire navy ports. The water had been murky with the oil and pollution from the ships. Indyira tentatively stepped on to the sand - testing the consistency beneath his feet before following behind the group. There were a lot of other teenagers around - he spotted the adults on the balconies and porches of their shore front homes.

"Indyira!" Zuko called for him. "You've got the umbrella." He ran over and set it up for Zuko only to have Mai take up most of the space underneath. Ty Lee took a seat out in the sun. Indyira whistled at the sight of her bathing suit and she winked at him. Azula rolled her eyes at their superficial flirting. He was starting to get too confident again. She'd have to find a way to clips his wings - preferably in front of a lot of people.

"Do you wanna swim?" He asked Zuko.

"Fire nation, remember?" Mai asked sarcastically.

"Not right now." Zuko said politely. "You go ahead."

"It looks so cold." Indyira said - he was already starting to sweat out in the sun. He took off his simple cover-up and headed for the water. For a few blissful seconds he forgot about everything as he headed for the water but then Zuko called his name almost frantically. He looked back and he knew from the look on his face that he had seen his new set of scars. He had forgotten all about them. The pain had faded after a week and he put the whole ordeal behind him. After all he and Zuko had just spent close to a month apart.

"What's wrong?" He asked. Successfully playing off the severity of it. This was not the time or the place to discuss it. Plus Mai and Azula were staring Zuko down - waiting for him to confess why he was so concerned for his valet.

"Don't go too far out… there's coral." Zuko said calmly.

"Okay." He saluted before he dove into the waves. The sounds ashore disappeared as he swam out far enough to float on his back without worrying about the waves crashing over him. It was a nice deprivation - just the water below and the sun above. The current slowly rocking him. The ocean was bliss. He was reminded of his time with Zuko out at sea. The sounds the ship made as it cut through the surf. White puffy clouds littering the sky during the day and endless trails of stars at night. He drifted until he felt his finger tips pruning. He did a few laps before returning to somewhat noisy shore. He shook out his hair before he laid out on his stomach in the sand. He jumped when a strange little creature scuttled in front of him. It froze when it noticed him - bobbing it's eyes from side to side to gauge his threat level. When Indyira reached to touch it it brandished a very sharp look claw and he pulled his hand back. It also seemed to foam at the mouth and Indyira scooted back. Satisfied that it had warded him off the little creature went on his way. A few seconds later he heard Mai complaining that something had pinched her.

Indyira sat back and watched as they spent the day competing with other teenagers. Granted those teens hadn't been away from home for more than a night or two. Let alone at sea for years - looking and hunting for the Avatar. Zuko seemed so awkward and out of place - in his mind the prince was always so confident but as Indyira watched him screw up with Mai and other boys his age he couldn't help but feel sorry for him. Zuko wasn't like them and none of them would ever understand him. Indyira saw the loneliness creep into his features when he couldn't relate to the day to day problems of the 'normal' guys. Even when they started whispering about how far they've gotten sexually Zuko just bit his lip. It would only further ostracize him to bring up the things he and Indyira had done. He didn't look ashamed just insecure. How could he ever tell them his first experiences were with another man. They'd be repulsed by the idea and horrified that he had enjoyed it.

"What about you, stretch?" One boy asked - referring to how Indyira towered over them. "You're older right? Gone all the way yet?"

"Oh yeah." Indyira shrugged without missing a beat. It always amazed Zuko how he could be so comfortable around strangers and never bat an eye lash at sensitive subject matter. "It was great." They all chuckled as he went on. "Sweetest body I've ever seen. Nothing like skin on skin." He said a few more things before they switched to someone else. They reveled in the poor kids humiliation over the fact he still hadn't kissed a girl yet.

Later on Zuko got in a fight with some guy over Mai and stormed off. "Don't follow me!" He yelled at Indyira. He stopped walking for a second before he started again. "I said go away!" He whirled around and Indyira caught his arm when he swung at him.

"Clearly you've had some kind of mental break down. Remember when you said you'd never hit me again?" Indyira asked. Zuko just stared at him for a long moment. "If you want to fight me we can do that but I'm not going to promise that I won't hurt you - think your pride has taken enough of a beating tonight."

"What would you know?" Zuko scoffed and walked off. Indyira let him go. He was actually having a nice time at the party - why ruin his night because Zuko was having a tantrum. He was welcomed back by the host and people wanted to hear more about the world. He put Zuko out of his mind until Mai came up to him.

"We're leaving." She said.

"Okay, I'll meet you guys back at the house when I—"

"No, by we I meant all of us. You have work to do for Zuko don't you?" She asked.

"You're a servant?" One of the girls asked.

"I'm a valet - I'm hardly a hand maid." Indyira said. "At any rate I don't work for you. So unless he comes back and tells me otherwise I will be 'leaving him alone'."

"Please walk with us Indyira. It's really dark out." Ty lee pleaded. She grabbed his arm. They didn't need an escort - Ty lee knew if Zuko came back for him it would just lead to another scene.

"Fine." He agreed and walked them out to the beach. Azula told them to wait by the shore as she went in search of Zuko. She came back with him a few minutes later. Indyira could hear Mai snap at him from where he was dipping his feet in the water. Soon enough they built a fire to keep them warm but it did nothing to warm the mood. Zuko lashed out at Ty lee and it started a wave of emotions that apparently they had been keeping bottled up. Indyira was happy to stay out of it until Ty lee acknowledged his presence.

"Don't bother telling us you are 'just happy to serve' and have no complaints." Mai said and rolled her eyes.

"I'm sure Zuko won't whip you for airing a few grievances." Azula said and smirked when Zuko glared at her.

"Well despite how contrived you may think it is - I actually am happy to be where I am right now. My step father made me a slave - every minute I spend not getting my face bashed in is bliss. For now I don't have to go to sleep hungry. Or sleep on the street. The past doesn't matter. Complaining about my childhood won't erase it. Blaming Heno for everything that's wrong with me won't make me a better person."

"Be a little more earnest - that's really not irritating." Mai said sarcastically. They were all surprised when he glared at her instead of ignoring her like he usually did.

"You asked me to talk and when I do you're still not satisfied with my answer. Well I'm sorry I can't be as petty as you about things. Having to be quiet must've been so traumatic - but tell me this, have you ever witnessed your mother sucking some guys cock to put food on the table? If not you can just shut your mouth!" They all gasped when he snapped. Even Mai was surprised by his comment and appeared horrified at the aspect of her mother having to prostitute herself. "I've had about enough of being everyones punching bag. You want to act like a bunch of spoiled brats be my guest. I'm going to bed." Indyira said and walked off towards Li and Lo's house. He never realized how hard it would be. Even in the idyllic settings it was difficult to push down his anger. He hated suppressing what he really wanted to say to Mai. He hated that Zuko was kissing up to her all day and all he got for his loyalty was yelled at. That his actual traumatic childhood was viewed as trivial by a bunch of rich snobs that barely struggled beyond a scrapped knee or a spanking.

For the first time he wondered if Zuko was worth it and it made him stop in his tracks. The man he had fallen in love with was gone - replaced by a stranger walking around in his skin. Zuko had everything he ever wanted and he was still as surly and bitter as ever. And now that attitude seemed to be directed at Indyira as of late. Sure he'd apologize and spare a few kisses but his willingness to be with that girl when she constantly bad mouthed him. He knew it would be hard to quell his jealousy but now he felt like he was holding out for something that would never be his. It disgusted him to be so delusional. Zuko didn't love him. He probably wouldn't even notice if Indyira wasn't around anymore. He was pathetic to think Zuko was just keeping up appearances with Mai. All of a sudden he couldn't get the sight of them out of his head. And it made him burst into tears.

"Alone where it all began…stuck in my life again. No love. No love. Sail me away from here…so I can find where we went wrong. Cause I thought you were my home… but in your arms I don't belong…" Indyira sang to himself as he drifted around the palace. Zuko had barely spoken to him since the beach trip. He was wrapped up in himself and making Mai happy. The few times he did see him he seemed distracted with yet another plan. Indyira thought about asking about it but he figured he'd learn what it was soon enough when Zuko dragged him along. If he dragged him along. Indyira didn't know when he stopped finding it cute that Zuko was self centered. "Confine me in this silk lined hell… and a gold trim cell. I pray you'll just set me free so I can feel how I did when you loved me…"

"Indyira!" He jumped when he heard Zuko's voice coming down the hall. He looked around quickly before he ducked outside. He pressed himself against the wall and held his breath. "Indyira?" He heard Zuko's stride slow down. He stood in the pathway that Indyira had just been walking on and looked around for a moment before he kept walking - heading towards his room. Indyira sighed. When he turned around to run he bumped into someone. Or at least he thought it was a person from how solid they were it could've easily been a brick wall.

"I'm sorry." He said automatically as he moved to stand up. He took the hand offered to him and was surprised when the man yanked him to his feet. "Oh I—" He looked up only to choke on his words as he stared into the Fire Lord's eyes. "Oh! Your majesty!" Indyira realized he was still holding his hand and snatched it back quickly. He bowed as low as he could. "I'm so sorry - I didn't mean to—"

"Why are you hiding from your master?" He asked - cutting to the quick. Apparently he had witnessed the entire scene. Indyira squirmed a little. Ozai was staring at him. Probably wondering why Zuko kept him around at all - probably knowing exactly why a second later. "Zuko!" He suddenly called. Indyira jumped and attempted to slink away but Ozai grabbed his arm and held it in an iron grip. "Zuko!" he called again and Zuko came running back down the open hall. He was surprised to say the least to find his father standing there with Indyira in his grasp. "Isn't this one 'Indyira'?" he asked. "I heard you calling for him."

"Yes. Thank you father." He said. "Where were you?"

"I—"

"Hiding from you." Ozai answered for him. "Such behavior would earn you a beating if you were mine." They both cringed at the thought. Indyira whined a little when he tightened his hold on his arm. "When my son calls for you, you answer. Understood?" He gave Indyira firm shake and he nodded quickly. Zuko could see the fear in his eyes - Indyira was still terrified of menacing father figures. Heno had scared him so deeply that he froze up when met with any authoritative older man. Ozai released him and turned to walk away. "Get him squared away and then get to the bunker, Zuko. Today is the day."

"Of course." Zuko said before he ushered Indyira down the hall. He hurried them to Indyira's room and closed the door. "You're being weird today. What's wrong with you?"

"What—"

"Never mind that. Pack a bag we're getting out of here." Zuko said before he tossed a satchel to him.

"What? No!" Indyira said and dropped it to the floor. "I'm not going anywhere until you tell me what's going on."

"We don't have time."

"Then I guess you better get going." Indyira said and crossed his arms. Zuko looked at him for a long moment - thinking he couldn't be serious. Now was not the time for a tantrum.

"I told you what we are doing. First you're packing and then we are leaving." He said slowly.

"Why?" Indyira asked.

"Because today is the day of black sun and there is going to be a massive invasion of the kingdom because all fire benders are going to be completely powerless during a four hour eclipse. Meaning I won't be able to protect you from the hundreds of water tribe troups plus the Avatar when they get here!"

"I don't need your protection." Indyira said. "I can fight on my own - you can go."

"Don't do this. Not now." Zuko pleaded in an exasperated tone.

"Well if you're lucky the avatar will come here and find me and you won't have to worry about me anymore."

"Indyira stop this!" He raised his voice. "I know I've been ignoring you lately but I don't want you dead and I don't want to have to force you to follow me anymore. But the fact of the matter is that I don't have time to explain everything to you. Once we are safe I'll be able to tell you everything. But for now please…please pack your things and come with me. The eclipse starts in an hour." Indyira sighed as he picked the bag up off the floor. He couldn't deny the thought of a full on invasion terrified him. He was reminded of what happened at the North Pole with the Avatar and the moon spirit. Weighing his options he decided it was better to hide than to face that again. So he packed and followed Zuko down to the back of the palace. They were escorted to the base of the volcano where they went in a secret passage down into the bunker. Indyira grabbed Zuko's hand when they were sealed in. It was unnerving being so far underground. Nobody noticed they were holding hands and Zuko led him to his private room. He shut the door and Indyira noticed it was very similar to their room on the ship. The bed was just a futon and there were a few fire nation scrolls on the walls - none of which he could read.

"Relax." Zuko touched his shoulder and he flinched away.

"You should go check on your sister or Mai if they're down here too." Indyira said.

"I'd rather talk about whose been beating you." Zuko said. Indyira shook his head.

"No one. Those were old scars."

"You're lying." Zuko said. "Someone has got you scared. Wanting to run instead of fight back. I've only seen you act this way when Heno was involved - when you were out numbered by his men. Tell me who is doing this to you and I swear they'll never hurt you again."

"Your sister." Indyira finally answered. "She had her Dai Li agents hold me down and she used that crazy blue lightening on me. Told me if I ever said anything to anyone, if I didn't stop being so friendly with you and Ty lee that she would… well she indicated that she was going to either rape me or castrate me. I'm not sure which one is worse." Zuko sat there in stunned silence for a moment. He knew Azula was extreme but this crossed more lines than he could count. She was sadistic and she had hurt what was his. He hadn't been this angry since Jet attacked Indyira back in Ba Sing Se. That was just a bump on the head. She scarred Indyira, probably for life and left him broken and afraid. Manipulating Indyira behind his back and causing a rift in their relationship. Now Indyira didn't trust him. This had happened right under his nose and he didn't notice until Indyira had withdrawn so much from him that he wanted to leave.

"Is that why you were hiding from me? So Azula wouldn't see us together?"

"Yeah, sort of. I knew I couldn't face you after the beach. I know how much Mai means to you and I couldn't… I just can't do this anymore!" Indyira said and finally faced Zuko. "I can not watch you with her - it is like no other pain I have experienced before. I'd rather be alone than watch you kiss her again. I'd rather be dead!" Zuko reached for him and he knocked his hand away. "Don't touch me - I can't take it. And I definitely can't take the punishment if anyone sees us. When this is over please just… let me go. I'll go as far away as I have to but I just can't love you anymore." He was suddenly crying. Zuko hadn't seen him do that since he thought he died.

"Stop crying." Zuko said as he cupped Indyira's face. He tried to turn away but Zuko wouldn't let him. "Look at me." He demanded and Indyira looked down for a few seconds before he met Zuko's gaze. Indyira's eyes were so dark it took Zuko a while to realize they were actually brown - they reminded him of burned wood. Aphotic, with a few bright spots of mahogany here and there. His tears made them shimmer in the candle light but Zuko didn't like the way it looked. He didn't like seeing Indyira sad or scared. His eyes looked so much better when he was happy - warm and confident. "I promise I will make all of this right." Zuko wiped his tears away with his thumb. "Do you trust me?"

"You know I do—"

"Say it."

"I trust you Zuko." He leaned forward and kissed Indyira on the lips. It was chaste but so passionate. Indyira wanted desperately to believe his words - to believe in Zuko. And at the moment he could do nothing else. "I love you…" He sighed once Zuko pulled away.

"I love you too. Which is why I'm going to make sure nothing bad ever happens to you again. You will not leave my side, I don't care what anyone tells you - I will not betray your trust in me." Indyira forced a smile - it wasn't that he didn't believe his words it was the current situation made him doubt everything. But he put on a brave face as Zuko laced their fingers together. "What ever happens, don't let go of my hand." Indyira nodded and Zuko kissed his knuckles. His eyebrows went up at the gesture. It was so affectionate, not at all how one greets a lady or a royal. It was something reserved for lovers. Zuko held his hand like he was trying to comfort himself as well. He let the fingers on his other hand slip down Indyira's wrist. He ran them along his bracelets and Indyira's smile turned genuine. "We're going to get through this."