O0o0o0o0o0o0
Fuzzies for a king.
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So I was walking back to the water tribe section when I saw June and Mai sitting with the last person I expected to see in the upper ring. Jet. I stood staring like a loon, because I could not believe that he was even here. June saw me and waved me over, all friendly like. This should have made me at least a touch suspicious, but I wanted to get to the bottom of what was going on, so I joined them.
June and Mai were sharing a bench and Jet was taking up the very centre of the opposite bench. I cleared my throat and he scooted over for me and gave me a winning grin. I gave him a scolding look in response. I wasn't feeling particularly circumspect right then, so I just launched right in and asked Jet what he was doing here, in the upper ring.
He smugly told me that June had taken 'a liking' to him. June swatted him upside the head. She explained to me that Jet could be very useful to her investigation and so she had brought him up with her. She stage-whispered to me that she wasn't going to overlook the possibility that "an accident" could happen to him down in the lower districts– what with his big mouth and the way he blathered on. With his big mouth, it's not even going to be an accident Mai interjected, dryly. Jet glared at her and sassed back something like your face is an accident.
June waved her hand between them and they were both silenced. June explained that now Jet was trying to give them as much information as he could remember – which Mai was diligently recording (Mai rolled her eyes to show her diligence and possible impatience with Jet's "information"). June explained that since Jet wasn't going to be joining them, they needed to try and get his testimony/crucial details now – because they wouldn't be able to take him with them.
You could take me anyway. Jet suggested, sounding a bit uncertain and looking a bit forlorn. He gave June those big baleful eyes of his. June was not affected by the baleful eyes in the slightest. June shrugged and said that Pouty had spoken and his answer was clearlyno.
If Jet wanted to be able to assist in the case, he would have to take it up with Pouty. By that she meant that Jet would have to get an audience with Zuko, have a civil conversation with him, and persuade him (through reasonable statements and a display of sanity– not violence) that he would be of assistance. Jet looked a bit worried – possibly because he and Zuko don't "do" reasonable conversations. They do the sort of conversations that end in people getting hit with sausages.
Jet asked if there was another way he could be allowed to help investigate, if a reasonable conversation wasn't on the cards. June asked why he didn't think a reasonable conversation was on the cards. Jet mumbled no reason, just asking in response.
June gave him a sardonic grin explained that one of the key parts of her job was knowing when she was being lied to. She knew that Jet hadn't told her the full story about lots of things (including, but not limited to, what went down between him and Zuko). June did not appreciate being lied to. Jet protested that there was nothing to tell.
Mai, not skipping a beat, said impassively, If by "nothing" you mean your massive, weird stalker crush on Zuko that caused you to follow him everywhere trying to get him arrested, then yes – there's nothing. Jet got most indignant and proclaimed repeatedly that he had never and would never fancy Zuko. Not in a million years. Not in a parallel dimension. Not ever.
Not even if he showed up on my door, wearing that black thing...no wait... not even if he showed up on my door shirtless and full of apologies for being such a jerk to me, while holding a bottle of rum in one hand and a bag of dumplings in the other...not even then would I deign to fancy him. Jet concluded – certain that he had convinced us.
We were not convinced.
I don't think anyone else would have been either.
Jet got really wistful when he was talking about shirtless Zuko turning up on his door.
Not even if he challenged you to some good old fashioned homoerotic sword play? Mai asked facetiously and smirked to herself. Jet got ranty back at her and said that he would stomp over to the tea shop and prove to her that he didn't fancy Zuko. I'll tell him to his face that I don't fancy him. Will that prove it to you? Jet demanded irately.
Mai was so amused that she made an actual smile. It actually transforms her face – a smile. June gave her a nudge and a questioning look. Mai explained that she was just struck by the mental image of Zuko having tea with Jin and Jet bursting in, at an inopportune moment, to declare his not!love.
Jet snapped to attention when Mai talked about Jin. Jin? He spat her name like it was a two day-old dumpling and asked if Mai meant Jin; Zuko's shameless hussy of a girlfriend with the huge boobs? That Jin? Mai said that of course she meant that Jin.
She added They're over in the teashop now if you want to go and spoil their evening...for old time's sake. She said all this in completely blank-face mode. Jet gave her a curious look and then asked wait, do you want me to ruin their date together.
Oh, he is a perceptive one, that Jet.
Mai looked caught out for a second. She started denying it – but Jet spoke over the top of her. Look at you over there, trying to play it cool, when deep down...you're going nuts with jealousy. He started crowing about how he was sure that Mai couldn't stand the thought of Zuko with another girl. Oh how she must hate the thought of them together, laughing together and having fun together.
Even though he was trying to get a rise out of Mai, his words really got to me. I mean I was already feeling a touch jealous. I was trying my best not to think on this mysterious Jin, because I already...kind of...dislike her intensely, and I don't even know her.
She could be really nice for all I know. All I know about her is that she is perky, she has huge boobs and she was Zuko's first girlfriend. I kind of detest her for that last thing. My dislike only grew as Jet continued banging on I bet she'll shove her huge boobs in his face, and she'll mess up his hair, and they'll go to a park and make out – and then they'll go past an alley and have mindblowing alleysex. I've heard that Shameless Hussy bangs like a rabbiroo on cactus juice – so you know they just going to be at it all night!
Mai didn't give away a flicker of emotion, but simply rolled her eyes and asked if Jet was " quite finished". He mimicked her posh voice and asked if she was "quite jealous". She snapped back that he was obviously the only jealous one at the table.
On the contrary, Mai – he's not the only jealous one sitting here. But I wouldn't be sitting here for much longer. I decided to take my leave of them, for my own sanity. Any more time sitting next to Jet, while he speculated about all the kinky sex he was sure that Zuko and Jin were having would just do my head in.
-o-
So I don't even know Jin – but I do know Zuko. I know we've got something special. I know he wouldn't cheat on me. I know I can trust him. But right at that moment, I felt riddled with doubt and questions and mistrust. All I can hear in my head is Jet banging on about awesome sexy in alleys and giant boobs and how much fun he is sure they are having.
Are they having fun?
The thought that he is having much more fun without me (and with another girl to boot) niggles at me terribly. It is more worrisome that then standard is she prettier than me musings. Her boobs are certainly bigger at least.
I don't know why it bothers me so much. Jin could be taller than me, smarter than me, more talented in any numerous ways, and it wouldn't worry me. I can't be good at everything. But the idea that she is more fun? I can't handle that very well.
No one else thought I was any fun at all. They all thought I was so fussy and motherly. But Zuko thought I was fun. Back on Ember Island we had fun together.
Now everything is different and we hardly get any fun at all.
The idea that Jin is more fun than me is impossible for me to take and I'm not sure why. I think it's because, deep down in the back of my mind, I can still hear Toph shouting that I was so annoyingly motherly and hated fun, Aang saying that my jokes weren't funny, and Sokka not saying anything at all because he didn't want to agree with them and hurt my feelings.
That still makes me feel bad.
-o-
I saw Zuko and Iroh and some girl sitting in a tea shop. Even though I said to myself that I had made a promise and I wouldn't get all snitty and spy on Zuko tonight, somehow I ending up getting all snitty and having a small spy. They were near one of the windows, which made it easier to lean against an outside wall and listen in. I'd like to blame stupid Jet for this, but I did this all on my own.
-o-
The first thing I noticed is that Jin's boobs are not that big! Honestly the way that Jet was going on about them, I was beginning to think that they were bigger than moons and would influence the tide. Or they were as big as planets and smaller boobs would orbit them. But they were just normal looking boobs. Jin herself was also very normal looking. She just seemed to ordinary. She seemed harmless actually.
She was blathering on excitedly about how she had been chosen by the head seamstress to travel with her to Omashu to chose new fabrics. Now that you could freely leave Ba Sing Se, Jin was finally going to see a bit of the outside world and have an adventure of her own (she smiled a big cat-with-the-cream smile here at the prospect of adventure). Zuko and Iroh were giving her bits of travel advice (never trust a man who says I'll give you special price, never make your own tea from roadside herbs etc).
Then Iroh started making lame excuses about how he suddenly realised he had some pressing business elsewhere. Zuko started protesting that he knew his Uncle didn't have anywhere else to be. Uncle didn't let the truth get in the way of a good story and continued making lame excuses and taking his leave. He kissed Jin's hand in an extravagant manner and thanked her for her delightful company this afternoon. She giggled and Zuko groaned.
After Iroh had left, Jin made her play for my secret boyfriend. The wrath I felt at this knows no bounds.
Jin said that she was leaving the city soon, but before she left, they would still have time to ...pick up where they left off, if Zuko was interested. She started nervously babbling it can just be casual you know – nothing serious, but if you like...
Zuko interrupted her there and said that he was really flattered, but he was seeing someone.
(yay!)
I took a quick peak and saw Jin flush with embarrassment, as she started nervously babbling that was great for him and she was happy to hear it and of course he would be seeing someone, etc.
Zuko seemed very sorry to have made her so embarrassed. He quickly apologised and explained that his Uncle didn't know about Zuko seeing someone when he invited Jin up and Zuko hadn't wanted to be rude and...
oh no – now he was nervously babbling too.
I thought the whole thing was going to turn into nervous babble soup, but Jin took the high road. She said really – it's fine in a firm yet reassuring tone. Then she feigned nonchalance and tried to say jokingly it would have never worked out between us anyway.
It wouldn't? Zuko asked, a bit perplexed at this. Jin shrugged at said Well, you're you and I'm me like it was the most basic thing in the world. Zuko was still obviously a bit mystified, because Jin felt she needed to explain further. She said that she knew that the firelord taking up with a poor girl from the refugee districts would never be received well. Zuko agreed that she was right.
Then Jin's eyes seemed to widen as if she had just realised something remarkable. She giggled a little and then said You were royalty all along. Bloody hell – I've kissed royalty. I mean. I knew you were a firebender, but I never guessed...this. She giggled again, mostly in disbelief.
Zuko was struck by something she had said. He asked very abruptly What? You knew I was a firebender? Jin nodded and flashed him a big smile and said that she had known almost the whole time. Zuko was a bit gobsmacked by this and asked her how she had even known. Remember our first date...(he nodded)...well, I peaked Jin confessed with a little grin.
Peaked at what?
I certainly hope she hasn't gotten a peak at anything I haven't gotten a peak at yet!
Anyway Jin's peaking seemed to make sense to Zuko because he nodded in understanding. I would have been a bit more miffed about this, but Zuko's next question just wrenched at my heart a little.
He asked I don't understand. If you knew what I was, why would you even want to be around me – let alone go out with me? Gosh, it just made me so sad to hear him say something like that with such surprise.
He's gotten so used to people rejecting him, especially people from the lower ring when they find out that he's a firebender. He's gotten used to people being really hateful to him because he's from the firenation. He's being held answerable for every horrible thing the firenation did, now that he's the firelord. I didn't realise how much it must have been getting to him until that moment. Maybe Iroh is right. Maybe Zuko did need proof that not everybody in this city hates him.
Jin answered instantly I went out with you because life is short and you were sweet. She flashed him her usual cheeky grin and then added besides, I really liked you. Her eyes widened after she blurted that out.
That was obviously an accidental blurt. (Oh, I know how that feels).
Zuko looked really caught off guard and didn't say anything in response. Jin flushed red with embarrassment again and quickly got up. She seemed to think that retreat was the best option. She started blathering about how she was going to go now, but she didn't leave straight away.
After a second of dithering she said listen, if it even goes pear-shaped with this girl you're seeing – drop me a line. Then she leaned over and gave him a little peck on the cheek and said You have a good day and a great life. She gave him a final smile and walked away calmly...until she got to the door. At that point she made a dash for it. She ran right past me, her face a brilliant, blushing red.
So that was Jin.
-o-
I thought I would hate her – I just couldn't. There's nothing hate-able about that girl. I couldn't go in and join Zuko and tell him that I didn't hate her and I was glad they had seen each other. That would give away that I had been spying after I had promised not to.
After this, I will really stop.
That was definitely the last time.
-o-
I got back to the Water-Tribe section of the Palace to find Aang and Sokka "Brainstorming" a ridiculous and preposterous idea. They were trying to achieve world peace by making Kuei happier. They were a bit vague on the details of how this would be achieved, but the intention was rock solid.
Aang (after the salad-fork-up-your-arse schmozzle) had been to see Kuei and the Dowager. During the meeting he had realised something which surprised him greatly. Zuko was totally right. Aang's astonishment at this realisation was abundant.
Apparently Aang had been sitting there and the Dowager had been doing all the talking (and she hadn't been talking about anything meaningful – just the décor and the seating chart for Aang's next party). All Kuei had done was look miserable, sigh a lot and appear uninterested. Aang suddenly understood exactly why the other Earth Kingdom leaders were frustrated with Kuei.
He was meant to be the supreme leader of the entire Earth Kingdom. He was meant to unite his people and lead them with kindness and confidence – but instead he just moped about sighing and being...useless. (Aang rarely said unkind things about anyone, and he almost clapped his hands over his mouth after he said useless.)
Anyway Aang had concluded that Zuko had a point about how Kuei needed to step up more as the leader of the Earth Kingdom. Aang hoped that if Kuei could show some leadership, the Earth Kingdom provinces would stop fighting so much and fall in-line behind him.
Sokka and I have not been in the Earth Kingdom meetings, but Aang had. Apparently their inter-provincial fighting makes the disagreements between our two tribes look like a big happy sing-a-long and group hug. Aang has been bouncing between the meetings trying to 'smooth things over' and he was getting to the end of his tether. His job with the Earth Kingdom was incredibly difficult and he didn't have anyone to help him out that much in the Earth Kingdom meetings.
Bumi was no help was so ever. He hated politics and found them boring. So he had concocted elaborate tests for the leaders of the other provinces for his own entertainment. Apparently they had to 'prove their worth and wisdom' before Bumi would talk to them. Because Omashu was such a prominent city, many leaders were trying to curry favour with him.
Bumi had made one leader hold a handstand for as long as he could today – just for shiggles. Aang had objected. Bumi had shrugged and told Aang that the whole politics thing was a farcical circus anyway, so there wasn't really any harm in making it into a real circus to entertain kings who were a bit bored, a bit mad and had a short attention span.
In the absence of practical help from Bumi, Aang had now concluded that the best way to help the peace process along was to make Kuei a better leader. Maybe Bumi had a point. It was all a bit of a circus...but every circus needed a Ring Master to keep everything together.
Sokka and Aang had brainstormed ideas to make Kuei a better leader/Ring Master and had settled on "making him happier, because happy people are more confident." There was a simplicity to this logic that I couldn't really fault. However, making someone happier is such a vague goal - I suggested that maybe we needed something more concrete.
Sokka had that covered!
Aang, Sokka and Ty Lee had each been sent on a fact finding mission regarding the King's happiness.
Sokka had taken a trip down to the kitchen and had found out all the King's favourite foods (and I'm sure he sampled a few himself). Aang was meant to find out what Kuei's favourite activities were. He had come up with the fact that Kuei must like animals. Aang has now spent most of the afternoon playing with cuddly things at the zoo in the name of "research".
So far their list said.
Kuei likes:
Jam tarts.
Delicious meaty-cheesy-filled pastry thing that has a name but Sokka can't remember what.
Puppies.
Bears.
Appa.
A rough plan had been formed. Take Kuei for a ride on Appa, give him a meaty pastry and then a jam tart – followed by a puppy. This puppy would ostensibly be ridiculously cute, well-behaved and a good friend to Bosco. Kuei would be happy that he had a puppy and would instantly be a better King.
That was the current plan.
They were still waiting for input from Ty Lee. Ty Lee had gone off to find out gossip about the King's love life ( Ty Lee said that Kuei is super cute and he must have girls after him.) According to Ty Lee, a girlfriend would give Kuei the fuzzies. (The fuzzies are apparently a good thing). Both the boys thought this was a bit superfluous because their puppy plan was so awesome and needed no extra fuzz.
Also because Sokka thinks having a girlfriend would be a lot of hassle for Kuei. Kuei was a king. There was no way he could have a girlfriend without everyone in the Earth Kingdom following him around going when are you going to marry her huh? According to Sokka, that got really annoying, really fast.
Aang thinks Kuei is not even that cute to begin with and he doesn't understand why a girl would fancy him. I think Aang's objection might just be ever-so-slightly influenced by jealousy. I have an inkling that his crush on Ty Lee still lingers, despite the fact that he has very determinedly tried to quash it. He is firm in his resolve to get over his crush on Ty Lee and just be her friend, however his crush is not something he can just wish away.
Though if you could wish away feelings – things would be a lot easier for everyone.
-o-
Ty Lee bounded in a few moments later, with her hair a mess, her make-up smudged and her hands waving excitedly. She had hit the gossip jackpot. She had been "talking" to this "nice" footman and he had most generously told her all the palace gossip about Kuei and his love life.
Apparently Kuei's relationship status was the worst kept secret in the Palace. Everyone knew about how Kuei had shacked up with a peasant healer. The Dowager had done her best to squash the rumours, all the servants who had gone with the Dowager to collect Kuei from "the peasant's clutches" had been paid off for their silence. However, everyone in the Palace still knew anyway.
Ty Lee's footman didn't know much about the peasant, except that she was a healer from the west. Ty Lee admitted that this wasn't much to go on, but she thought that we could take Appa, find this healer, bring her back to the Palace – and voila! The problem would be solved. Kuei would get the fuzzies, then he'd feel better about himself and then he'd be a better king.
I think the fact that Aang immediately jumped on this plan is more a reflective of Aang's desperation/exasperation with Kuei and the Earth Kingdom, than the merits of the plan itself. Aang was about to go saddle Appa up and fly off to the west to grab a random peasant healer when Sokka booed the plan.
Sokka said that they couldn't just grab any old western healer and bring her back to give Kuei the fuzzies. Love didn't work that way. Kuei fancied aspecific one. Only that particular healer could give him the fuzzies. Sokka pointed out that we didn't know who she was and we didn't have anyway of finding her.
Well, that's not entirely true I interjected. I told them thatI knew who she was. I also knew that we had an ideal way of finding her. We had June and Nyla here in the city. Kuei had a necklace that Song had worn everyday. Surely we could work out how to use these things to our advantage.
-o-
First step was finding June and getting her on board. That wasn't too hard. She was still in the same tavern with Jet and Mai. Shenanigans had ensued in the intervening hours since I last saw the three of them.
Jet had evidently said something stupid to Mai. In retaliation, Mai had pinned him to the wall with her knives and was watching him struggle as he tried to extricate himself from this pointy situation. Mai sounded a bit like a strict school teacher when she asked Do you know why you have been sent to the "naughty" wall? In her usual monotone. Even though her voice didn't give much away, she was smirking to herself a little. Jet was very blunt about what he thought about Mai, her knives and the "naughty" wall. June was laughing at their antics.
We told June we had a case for her and she came with us outside so it would be easier to talk. She was intrigued by the plan, which she rather rudely referred to as Plan Pimp the King. She was very amused by Aang's idea that love is the answer to all the world's problems. She said she'd do it - but she wouldn't make any promises that the world would be fixed.
She said that if Kuei was on board it would be a simple catch and release job. It'd only take her a day or two, and it would be good training for Mai. Aang thought she was agreeing out of the goodness of her heart (he hasn't had much experience with June) so he nearly bounded away excited before we had discussed the matter of payment.
June doubled her catch and release fee because this job was for a King and could lead to world peace. She also wanted a Royal Eel Hound for Mai. (Apparently the Earth Kings have always bred the best Eel Hounds. June wasn't going to have her apprentice riding around on a substandard Eel Hound). And a favour. From me.
She led me apart from the group so we could have a chat – just the two of us. She asked me directly if I could have a word to Zuko ...about Jet. She explained that the Rough Rhinos were going to be the first war crimes trials – All the hoity toities in the Fire Nation were extremely sceptical about the war crimes trials as it was. So they needed all the evidence they could get if they wanted to prove, absolutely, that some bad shit had gone down.
Jet had so much knowledge of the region and the villages they raided. Having him along could make June's job a lot easier. June likes to keep everything as simple as possible when it comes to her work. She didn't see much sense in overcomplicating things. She declared that Pouty was her favourite customer and she didn't want to go behind his back. So it would be better for everyone if he changed his mind in regards to Jet coming with June and Mai.
I expressed that I felt that this was a very unlikely occurrence – due to the fact that Jet and Zuko hate each other to an extraordinary and extravagant level. Also Jet was a bit nuts, and despite all his protesting otherwise, I felt that Vigilante Jet was never far from the surface.
But then I do understand how Jet feels. I had a Vigilante Katara moment when I knew how to find Yon Rha and finally had the possibility of getting justice for what happened to my mother. I understood why he wanted to join June and Mai in the hunt for the Rough Rhinos. But I also understood that his hatred was different from mine.
Jet's hatred was more potent and indiscriminate. I saved up my hate for one man, the man who had taken my mother from me. But Jet didn't just hate the Rough Rhinos – he hated all firenation people completely.
June agreed that Jet was a crazy mofo – but she also assured me that she and Mai would be able to keep him under control. In fact keeping Jet under control/ putting him in his place had become a favourite hobby of Mai's.
We both glanced over to the tavern. Mai was giving Jet a rather drunken and very impassioned these are the reasons why you suckspeech. I was a bit amused to see that Mai's habit of making angry drunk speeches continues. It so odd, because she is so impassive most of the time – but when she is drunk and annoyed, she just goes blah and all this stuff comes out.
I said that if June was sure they could keep Jet under control, then I would have a word to Zuko. I couldn't promise anything, and I wasn't sure why June was asking me in the first place. There was no reason why June should think that I would have more sway than she would.
I was just a bit worried about what she was insinuating by asking me. Zuko and I still have to keep this thing between us a secret after all – but if people see me as the person to "talk to" Zuko for them, then our secret will be out pretty quickly...I guess I also didn't like the implication that I could talk Zuko into to something that he didn't want to do.
So I protested quite spiritedly that June had no reason to think that I could convince Zuko. I wouldn't even know how. But she just raised an eyebrow and said oh, I'm sure you have your wily ways sweet-thing. Then she gave me a rather suggestive wink and sashayed away like the conversation was finished.
But it wasn't finished. Jet also wanted to have a word to me.
-o-
Aang, Sokka, Ty Lee and I were all walking back to the Palace discussing the best was to approach this with Kuei. Was there a way to say We think you need to cheer up and get a shag from your peasant lover – it will make you a better king without it soundly terribly sordid and tawdry?
(The answer is no).
Sokka felt that the Earth King had taken a few blows to his pride today, and maybe instead of saying that to his face, the better option would be to bop him on the head and steal the necklace, thus avoiding an awkward conversation (but possibly not avoiding charges that came with assaulting the Earth King).
Ty Lee thought that violence was completely unnecessary. She thought that we could just explain to Kuei about the fuzzies. The fuzzies should be a sufficient reason for anyone.
A more detailed explanation of the fuzzies was needed for me.
According to Ty Lee, people did all sorts of things for fuzzies. Suki had taken over an airship because Sokka gave her the fuzzies. Mai had stood up to Azula at boiling rock because Zuko gave her the fuzzies. Oma had flattened two entire towns because Shu gave her the fuzzies, but he was dead so she'd never get fuzzies again.
Like Oma, the Earth King had lost his fuzzy when he lost his healer. But instead of flattening two towns in response to this loss, he had flattened himself until he was a flat man with a dingy grey aura. Like Oma, Kuei really just wanted the fuzzies back. Ty Lee was sure that if we presented Kuei with a chance to reclaim his fuzzy, he would take it.
It was in the middle of this rather fascinating and fanciful conversation that Jet found us. He must have been released from the naughty wall.
He tapped me on the shoulder and asked if he could speak to me alone. I gave him a cross look. He gave me the mournful puppy-dog-eyes. I am not as tough as June and I relented. Sokka made some protective older brother mumblings – which were very sweet but kind of unnecessary. I can handle Jet after all.
Jet said that June had told him about our conversation and about how I hadn't seemed too keen. He had come to try and convince me to argue on his behalf. I did my usual protesting (no reason to think I can convince Zuko if he's made his mind up. No reason why he would listen to me over anybody else and I didn't know why Jet and June thought he would. Etc) Jet got a bit impatient with me and exclaimed because he fancies you, you daft strumpet!
I should have been insulted. I had just been called a daft strumpet after all. But coming from Jet, that is practically a term of endearment. I started denying it. (You're the daft strumpet! He does not fancy me etc) but Jet blustered he does too. I'm a perceptive dude, I can tell these things. I can tell he thinks the sun shines out of your arse. So just do me a solid favour and use your shiny-arse powers for the greater good.
The greater good? I took issue with that. I hardly saw how taking Jet's side in this was for the greater good. Regardless of any fancying Jet thought he perceived (I wasn't going to be baited into that conversation) there was no reason to think that Zuko would re-evaluate his opinion of Jet just on my say so. Jet had to admit he had be unrelentingly horrible to Zuko – when Zuko hadn't ever done anything to deserve it as far as I can tell.
Jet got stroppy and told me that Zuko had done plenty. I put my hands on my hips and got stroppy rigth back and asked him What exactly did he do? And don't say he was a firebender because that cuts no ice with me. Jet seemed completely lost for words at that. Without the "firebender" excuse, he really doesn't have much reason to hate Zuko.
I started to rant at Jet about how deplorable I thought his behaviour had been, how pointless I found his blanket hatred towards the firenation, and how Zuko was my friend and I wasn't going to take Jet's side over his.
Jet said that he wouldn't expect me to – but he at least expected me to understand why he needed to help June catch the Rough Rhinos and try and help him out. He pointed at me a bit accusingly and said you told me what the firenation did to your mother. You're meant to understand this!
I remember that. Jet and I, in the treehouse, bonding over the horrible things that had happened to us. We were two angry teeangers, hating the firenation together. I'd thought I'd found a kindred spirit back then. I felt foolish now - for telling Jet so much. I so rarely every talked about my mother. I've only ever told the full story of what happened to two people. I was so much more unguarded with my heart when I met Jet.
Jet could tell he'd hit a soft spot. He pressed on and said that he wouldn't ever be able to even start get over what happen to him until he got some justice. But he didn't expect that anyone was going to hand him justice for what happened on a silver platter. You had to work for that kind of justice. He just wanted to help.
He seemed really sincere and I found my heart breaking a little for him. Jet lost both his parents when he was so young and he had to grow up so quickly and he's never gotten over it. Maybe being allowed to help June was exactly what Jet needed. It would give him some catharsis and some sense of control in his own life at least. I was softening and I knew it.
June needed Jet's help and Jet really wanted to help. The answer was so simple.
But I wasn't quite ready to roll over and capitulate just yet. There was one thing I needed to clear up first. I put my hands on my hips and said that I knew how much this case meant to Zuko and I would need Jet to solemnly promise me that he would not flip out. Jet promised quickly. But then he had to ruin it by saying Why does it even mean so much to stupid Zuko anyway? I wouldn't think he'd give a rat's arse about some poor villages with a disdainful little wrinkle of his nose.
I was stroppy again. I said that of course Zuko cared. The fact that Jet thought he wouldn't was just because Jet didn't know him very well. Jet shrugged and said Mai had been saying that the war crimes trials are going to stir up and arseton of trouble in the firenation. He was just surprised that Zuko would invite more trouble for himself.
I explained that Zuko wanted to do what was right, regardless of how much trouble it brought him. Besides the case was personal for him too. His cousin Lu Ten had filed so many reports detailing the misconduct of the Rough Rhinos right before he died. Zuko wanted to finish what his cousin had started.
Jet looked stunned, like I'd slapped him in the face with a fish (people are always surprised to be hit in the face with a fish). For a moment he was silent, then he repeated what I said, in a tone that sounded like he was musing to himself out loud. He had a cousin...called Lu Ten...who tried to get the Rough Rhinos punished...but then died? I thought he was asking for clarification, so I affirmed everything he said.
I pointed out that Jet shouldn't act so surprised. He wasn't the only person in the whole world who'd lost somebody to the war after all. The people in the Firenation had lost loved ones too...I had a very salient point to make here, but Jet interrupted me to ask Zuko really had a cousin called Lu Ten? Again. I got a bit impatient with Jet here and said yes - but we'd already covered that! Hadn't Jet been listening?
But there was no smirking comment in response from Jet. Instead he looked a bit like he'd swallowed a goose egg (either that or he was about to vomit). He seemed like he'd barely registered my grumpy comment. Instead he asked slowly how did Lu Ten die?
I told Jet that Lu Ten had died in the siege. His death was the reason the siege had ended. It was why General Iroh had stopped fighting and the firenation had retreated. Didn't Jet know that? I thought everybody in Ba Sing Se knew that...well it turns out that everybody except Jet knew that.
He suddenly leaned back against a nearby wall. His eyes were wide and he looked like he had just realised something astounding. After a moment, he asked softly It was in spring wasn't it? The siege ended in spring. I nodded.
This little nod seemed to have such a profound effect on Jet. It really weirded me out actually. He turned around and leaned his head against the wall and beat it once, hard, with his fist. Then he muttered I am such an idiot! He said this to himself rather vehemently. While he will get no argument from me (Jet is a bit of an idiot after all), I couldn't fathom why he was declaring it now.
I could tell he was upset. So I did what I always do when people are upset – I tried to make him feel better. I put my hand on his shoulders and gave him a soothing pat and asked him what's wrong. Oh nothing, I just realised that I have wasted so much of my time making enemies in my head.
Jet looked hopelessly around the alley for a minute and then made a mirthless sort of chuckle and said I really am a bit crazy, aren't I? This question was more rhetorical. It wasn't really directed at me. But I answered it anyway. (Yes, you are as mad as a cat dressed in a bonnet etc). I was joking with him and trying to lighten the mood, but if anything he looked even more forlorn. I tried to cheer him up, because he seemed so sad. But he fobbed me off and took his leave. He said he needed some time alone to think.
-o-
I rejoined the others, who had been waiting for me. We walked back together. Sokka was most insistent at knowing what Jet wanted. I told him that I had just help him realise he was a bit crazy. Sokka made a few sarcastic comments about how Jet had only just realised that.
They told me that they had decided to we should talk to Kuei tomorrow. Well, specifically I should do the talking, because the talking is "my thing." The three of them are sure that I can persuade Kuei into going after his fuzzy – and thus Operation Fuzzy will be launched, Kuei will get a boost of confidence, be a better King and peace will reign over the land!
-o-
In the morning I got up stupidly early to go see Zuko. He's always up stupidly early. We were actually meant to meet up tonight in the park again, but I just couldn't wait to see him and tell him all about the shenanigans of last night.
He was quite surprised to see me, but happy surprised. We had a small conversation in gestures. I'd thrown a few icecubes at his window to get his attention – but that had made a bit of noise. He'd held a finger to his lips for silence and then made a series of gestures that I didn't quite get. I shrugged to show my incomprehension. He gestured for me to stay where I was and disappeared from the window.
After a few minutes, he came around the side of the building and took my hand and lead me a short distance away. He whispered that we had to be very quiet because his Uncle and Jee were both awake now. We walked down some stairs until we were under to courtyard balcony. When we were sure we were alone and unwatched there was a bit of wanton kissing (there usually is).
We didn't have as much time as I would like for wanton kissing, because Zuko had to go pick up Toph from her parents. Her parents wanted to talk to him "on his own" and this is causing anxiety. It has been decided that Uncle should do the talking when it comes to Toph's parents. But Zuko was determined to prove to the Bei Fongs that he was a "responsible young man" or at least get through the meeting without saying anything rude or stupid (a noble goal).
We started heading towards where the Bei Fong's were staying, but because it was morning and many more people were up and about, we couldn't hold hands and be all snuggly and coupley.
That sucked a bit.
He asked me what had got me up and about so early. I am not one of life's natural morning people after all. I said that I had just really wanted to talk to him about last night. He immediately thought I was asking about Jin.
This is a fair assumption, considering I had a small jealous snit about her during our last conversation. Zuko had no idea about my small spy and the fact that I wasn't worried about Jin in the slightest. So I let him tell me all about his night and reassure me that nothing had happened.
Then I told him about my night. Aang and Sokka's mad idea that making Kuei happier would make him a better king and how we were going to launch Operation Fuzzy today. I asked Zuko what he thought of the plan. I think it's a bit stupid, ridiculous, and liable to fail completely and spectacularly – but other than that I can find no fault with it.
I got a bit defensive and said that it could work. We had to do something to try and unite the Earth Kingdom behind Kuei. If both Aang and Zuko were having real problems dealing with the Earth Kingdom as it is now, then these peace talks would just stagnate.
Zuko said that all that was true. But he was no stranger to plans blowing up in his face and he could spot a face-exploding plan a mile away. This plan was going to blow up in somebody's face, he was sure about that.
I wasn't so sure. It was Aang's plan, and Aang's plans never seem to blow up in his face. Aang plans can get a bit iffy in the middle, but they always turn out alright in the end, as a general rule. Zuko agreed and said that Aang had remarkable luck in the non-exploding plan department. I said something along the lines of maybe Aang plans were just made out of less flammable stuff than Zuko plans. I got the grumpy face in response.
I told him about seeing June last night and how June thought that bringing Jet along on the Rough Rhinos case would make her job much easier, but she wouldn't take him without Zuko's say so because she knew how much Zuko hated him.
Then I told him that I had actually spent ages talking to Jet last night. Zuko had a jealous snit of his own as soon as I mentioned seeing Jet last night. I pointed out the very obvious jealousy and how unnecessary it was. Zuko got huffy and said he was more irritated than jealous. It annoyed him that Jet was still hanging around, lingering, like a bad smell. He's like a passive aggressive fart, just a little more aggressive.
What on earth is a passive aggressive fart?
I was so distracted by this pronouncement . The conversation temporarily went off on this little tangent.
A passive aggressive fart is apparently something that Uncle would do on the ship whenever he wanted Zuko to take a break. When Uncle had exhausted all other means of persuasion, he would get a little passive aggressive (and very wily) about it.
Uncle would eat lots of beans (or some other flatulence casing substance). He'd saunter into the control room, say a few proverbs nonchalantly, drop an enormous silent but deadly fart bomb, and wander away all pleased with himself. These farts would be so toxic smelling that everyone would temporarily evacuate the control room. Then Zuko would be forced to take a break.
I got a bit lost with the metaphor. If Jet was a passive aggressive fart – did that mean that he was like enforced vacation time? Zuko said no, Jet is like this really annoying, stupid, lingering, ridiculous, disgusting thing that stops me from doing my job.
I pointed out that Jet could actually be of help here. He could make the job of catching the Rough Rhinos easier. He could help Zuko and Zuko could help him – and then we will all help each other and peace will reign supreme.
Zuko didn't feel inclined to help Jet. He even said I don't see why should I fucking help him. With a great deal of fierceness. I told him that he had really helped me face my Yon Rha when the time came. The Rough Rhinos were Jet's Yon Rha. Zuko seemed to understand a bit more when I said that.
Maybe helping June could give Jet some closure and help him move on. … besides, June and Mai could definitely handle him. If he acted up, Mai was more than willing to pin him to "the naughty wall". Mai and June will be able to handle him and their jobs will be much easier. You'll get your incontrovertible proof for the war crimes trials. Jet will get some closure and be less of a nutbag. It's not a bad outcome for everyone.
I said that he'd only have to be civil to Jet for five minutes, then Jet would ride off into the sunset (metaphorically) with June and Mai. Jet would acquire a new hobby and would linger around Zuko no longer!I think it was actually the prospect of finally getting Jet out of his hair that actually swayed Zuko.
He rolled his eyes and then listed on his fingers. Being blown up by pirates...nearly freezing to death...having two members of my immediate family try to kill me...having to be civil to Jet for five minutes. He gave me a wry grin and said I can't decide which is more fun sarcastically.
I knew it was a yes. A yes to putting aside his personal grudge because there were more important things.
Right then, I really loved him.
Because we were in a public street, I couldn't show it by any kisses or hugs or any of the usual sort of physical affection that's become rather common-place between us. But I had to do something to express all these feelings. I found myself telling Zuko that he gave meThe Fuzzies.
He didn't think I had gone bonkers. He'd known Ty Lee for a lot longer than I had. He knew all about what The Fuzzies actually meant. He gave me a little private smile (the sort of smile that only happens when it is just the two of us) and said you give me the fuzzies too.
-o-
Rambly notes.
Thanks my lovely readers for reading this fuzzy chapter! I hope you enjoyed it. Mad love to all my wonderful reviewers! You guys know how much I love you. Every review is greatly appreciated! Sorry this chapter took so long for me to publish!
A few things about this chapter:
Bumi – oh Bumi I love your mad self, but I think you'd be utterly useless in a political forum. You would find it pointless and stupid and all the other politicians dull. I can see Bumi doing stuff like this to spice up the meetings for himself.
Speaking of useless in the political forum...
Kuei – oh Kuei, I love him too, but he always did strike me as someone who had a very steep learning curve as a ruler. Kuei is in an even tougher spot than Zuko. He had been very effectively sheltered from his duties as King and seemed perfectly content as a figure-head. He also is very unsure of himself and he did not strike me as the most confident fellow. He is a new and untried leader. Zuko is also new to his position – but I think he would fare better because he as a much more solid sense of person and purpose. Even in the show, Zuko has a lot of gravitas and just plain old gumption. Kuei does lack gumption.
Even though I hate the 'behind every strong man is a strong women' thing ( for the usual reasons – why can't the women shine in their own right etc etc) – I can see how necessary it would be in an absolute monarchy like the EK. In that kind of monarchy, it is crucial that a leader surround himself with good people to prompt him in the right direction. Odds are, if the leader is male, (barring few exceptions they always were) the person closest to him would be a woman (either mother or partner).
Right now the Dowager is the "strong woman" behind Kuei – but she doesn't really want to push him inany direction except backwards. She very much wants to push him and Ba Sing Se back into what she sees as a "golden time". Rose coloured glasses and all that.
Song, clever and compassionate and personable, could really be an asset to Kuei. Not only will she give him affection and assurance, but she will also be able to give him valuable insight into "the peasant class." I always got the impression that those in Ba Sing Se saw the peasants more like serfs. But the serfs are numerous and deserve a King who considers them.
But there will be more on Song and Kuei to come.
Everyone's bus comes back in this story. Even Jin. I must confess that I love Jin! If I did not ship Zutara, I would be content if Zuko reunited with Jin (because she was such a darling). Despite how much I love Jin, I didn't really have that much for her to do in this story – except let Zuko know that someone knew the truth about him being a Firebender and liked him anyway. Considering the countless rejections he's gotten over being FN – this would be big news for him. I wanted him to know that not everyone will hold his roles/abilities (the firelord, a firebender) against who he is as a person and take some hope/comfort from that.
Also Jin must have known that Zuko was a firebender after their first date. I subscribe to the theory that she peaked (mostly because I think everyone would have a little peak). Even if she did not peak, it would not be that hard to put two and two together. Jin is not a moron.
"Life is short and you are sweet" is an allusion to my favourite Dr who episode Blink, when Billy says to Sally "life is short and you are hot". I like the pluck and spontaneity in that. Jin had lots of pluck and spontaneity.
For more background on Jet and Lu Ten, I wrote a short fic called New Years (not completed yet) that details what happened between the two of them one fateful New Years Eve.
The naughty wall is a bigger, glorified version of the naughty step, But I am sure that once they are on the road Mai will employ naughty trees, naughty rocks, and naughty bushes as Jet's rudeness/necessity demands. I don't know if I ship Jet and Mai, but I do know that they are both glorious snark bombs who have a greatsnap, crackle and pop together.
Next chapter: The Bei Fongs are back! We will see what this means for Toph and her relationship with them. Operation Fuzzy will be launched (and will explode is someone's face). Zuko and Jet will try to havea civil conversation and shenanigans will ensue.
Til then lovely readers...