Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar: The Last Airbender in any shape or form.
Ameya woke up to the sound of Sokka's voice. He was speaking quickly to them about surprising the gang of their arrival, grinning when everyone else agreed along as she rubbed her eyes. With a stretch, Ameya stood up, eyes landing on the firebender that was seated just a few feet away. She resisted the urge to flinch and turned her eyes elsewhere but she felt his eyes on her form regardless of where she was.
"What are you doing in this thing? What happened to the war balloon?" She heard Katara beyond the ship, smiling to herself as Sokka and Zuko began to descend.
"It kind of got destroyed," Zuko said.
"Sounds like a crazy fishing trip!" Aang sounded happy.
"Did you at least get some good meat?" Ah, Toph never changes.
"I did. The best meat of all. The meat of friendship and fatherhood," Sokka sighed wistfully.
At that queue, Suki, Hakoda and Chit Sang exited the airship with Ameya following behind. She kept the polite smile up and briefly, she noted it was nighttime now.
"Dad?" Katara stared at them incredulously, grinning and running to Hakoda's embrace.
"Ameya!" Aang and Toph's happy shout followed after.
Ameya gave a small wave and laughed as Aang airbended to her in a single jump. Toph gave a 'welcome back' punch on her shoulder, causing Ameya to ruffle the shorter girl's hair in retaliation.
"How are you here? What is going on? Where did you go?" Katara asked excitedly, her gaze switching from Hakoda to Suki and Ameya all at once.
"We kind of went to a Fire Nation prison," Sokka said sheepishly.
Hakoda had pulled Sokka into their family hug by the end of his sentence but he embraced the hug warmly. Ameya smiled at that sight, glad that their family was able to reunite in the end. But the peaceful moment did not last long when Toph groaned.
"Seriously? You guys didn't find any meat?"
Everyone laughed at her remark and Toph merely grumbled over their diet the past few days. Ameya felt a sense of peace again now that she had reunited with the Avatar and group, feeling that this scene was very familiar and…comfortable. Funny, she hadn't realized how attached she became to the group already and yet—it was…not unwelcomed.
There was a shift in the air next to her and with a glance, Ameya froze. Zuko looked down at her quietly, hesitant and nervous as he opened his mouth.
"Hey… Can I ta—"
"Ameya!" Katara's voice broke through his shy whisper and Ameya gratefully accepted the distraction. She whirled around to face the other waterbender with a wide smile; short hair flipped behind her and ignored the Fire Nation Prince's struggles.
"Katara," she returned the greeting, smiling as Katara broke away from the family embrace to hold Ameya's hands. "Exactly who I wanted to see. Do you have my items?"
"Mhmm," Katara nodded and guided Ameya away from Zuko but—not before shooting a deep glare in his direction. Ameya turned a blind eye to that and merely kept the pleasant smile on her face as Katara led them to the campside.
Katara rummaged through the bag and carefully pulled out a few items. The beautiful black and gold short sword was presented to her along with the blue ribbon and ring. Ameya could feel herself feeling choked up at the items left behind to her by her precious people, hugging it close to her chest with a light smile.
"Sokka tried to take the sword as practice a few times but I stopped him," Katara explained with a sheepish smile.
"I'm thankful to have such a reliable bodyguard," Ameya joked and tied the ribbon back around her neck.
She eyed the uneven red shirt of her prison uniform and frowned, accidentally remembering the cause for the burns. Ameya unsheathed the sword and grabbed the other side of her shirt, cutting off the fabric in a jagged manner to fix up the shirt.
By that time, the rest of the group had arrived to join them. Aang and Toph were excitedly asking Sokka about the stories from prison and Suki was introduced to the other few members that had escaped. Ameya watched the way Sokka had ended up next to Suki, both talking in a happy manner yet was close enough to touch. There was a slight curiosity within Ameya's gaze as she lingered on the two, tilting her head to the side at their possible relationship.
But as soon as she moved, Sokka had noticed her inquiring gaze and quickly took a step back from Suki. The brunette was slightly startled by his action, merely blinking at him curiously and Sokka laughed.
That's…totally suspicious, Ameya arched a brow.
"Zuko! C'mon, let's show them 'The Dancing Dragon'!" Aang's voice reached everyone's ear as they turned to the young Avatar, his arms tugging on the firebender eagerly.
"We did this dozens of times already!" Zuko rejected.
"But Ameya haven't seen it!" Aang pouted, wide grey eyes sparkling in the girl's direction and Ameya felt her lips twitch at his antics. "You should have been there, Ameya! There were real dragons and everything! Besides the fact that Zuko thought we were going to die, it was amazing!"
"Hey! You were the one thinking the same thing too!"
"Then are you going to show me the dance?" Ameya sat down next to Katara, one hand raised to cup her cheek with a small smile.
Zuko gulped at that sight. Even thought he knew Ameya was not looking at him, was not acknowledging him, he still felt his blood boil under his skin at her attention. She used to give him the same, teasing voice and look.
"Get in position, Aang," Zuko immediately instructed, "I have to make sure you haven't slacked off while I was away."
Katara rolled her eyes at his sudden change in tone, acting like a firebending master and trying to impress a certain waterbender. The brunette stole a glance at the older girl, relieved to see Ameya to be focusing on anyone but Zuko and snickered to herself. Good, someone needed to teach Zuko a lesson and Ameya was the perfect person.
They watched as the two perform the dance. It looked like the two were mirroring each other and walking around a circle, ending with their firsts facing each other. It did look like a synchronized dance from her position but Aang looked so proud and giddy that Ameya clapped for him.
"You'll be a real firebending master in no time," she complimented.
"Well, I still have a long way to go before I reach Shifu Zuko's level," Aang looked at Zuko with a big wink and Zuko nearly slapped himself at Aang's way in praising him. Still, he turned to Ameya almost hopefully—maybe she will finally hold a real conversation with him.
"Where are the rooms here?" But Ameya did not fall for the trap, turning to Katara with a kind smile and ignoring the others. "I would like to get some rest."
"But you slept the whole time in the air ship!" Sokka interjected from the side.
"It's not the same as sleeping in a real bed," Ameya countered and stood up with a stretch, "I haven't had a decent sleep since the invasion."
"It's true," Hakoda chuckled quietly, "She was my bodyguard the whole time."
"That's an exaggeration," Ameya smiled politely.
"I'll show you to the girl's room," Katara suggested, "Suki, you come too!"
"Sure," Suki smiled and followed after them, the three girls leaving the others behind.
Zuko could merely watch with a complicated gaze at the back of Ameya's head, eyes lingering on the short black hair.
"I tried," Aang set a hand on Zuko's shoulder reassuringly.
"Here's some advice from someone who had faced Ameya's literal cold shoulder before," Sokka set his hand on Zuko's other shoulder, "A sincere apology will go a long way."
"Ughhh," Zuko groaned, shaking off the two hands on his shoulders, "Don't you think I already know that?"
Zuko had a feeling it's going to be a long and painful process before Ameya forgives him.
Zuko woke up early in the morning to teach Aang. He had hoped to catch a glimpse of Ameya then; it would be the first day they can feel…relaxed around each other. But as the morning slowly passed, he didn't even see a shadow of her emerge from the room.
Aang had noticed his firebending teacher's distraction, one eye always trained on Zuko and silently laughing to himself at how…different a lovesick Zuko was. The gang had seen Zuko angry, sarcastic, embarrassed and even smile but—this fumbling lovesick puppy was just—a breath of fresh air.
Still, Aang decided to keep to himself and not embarrass Zuko (for now). He was sure Sokka would take that opportunity instead as he focused on firebending. When they were finally done with their training for the day, Aang happily ran off to find Katara right as Toph woke up.
"Is it breakfast yet?" Toph yawned, sensing the presence of a few others at their break area.
"Don't you mean lunch?" The Duke joked.
Toph waved it off and Zuko took that time to glance at her, not seeing another body follow behind the earthbender.
"So, uh," Zuko started nervously, trying to appear casual, "Is Ameya still—asleep?"
Toph gave him an odd look, not that she was doing it purposely or anything but, she felt his pulse beat rapidly even though she was dozen feet away.
"She left waaay early in the morning to go hunt," Toph answered with a wave of her hand. "She should be with Katara now."
Zuko blinked at the news. How did he miss that? He had a view of the dorms from their training and—the rest does not sleep far from each other. How was he able to miss Ameya sneak out of her room without his notice?
"O-oh," he managed out in the end, "Well then, I should probably see if they need help with uh lunch, or something."
"But you never helped with lunch," Toph pointed out, smirking to herself at Zuko's flustered heartbeat.
"W-well I do now!" Zuko countered heatedly and ran off to the other side of the temple.
By the time he reached where the others were; Zuko saw the two waterbenders and Aang laughing happily. His focus was mainly on the taller girl, eyes lingering on the short black hair briefly before working up the courage to approach them. As soon as he neared, the two waterbenders stopped laughing, leaving Aang to stop and look between the two parties.
"Hey…! Uh, do you guys…need help?" Zuko started with a strained smile.
Ameya picked up the makeshift bowls and utensil, turning away from the firebender to smile at Katara.
"I'll go set this up."
"Sure!" Katara chirped happily and watched the young woman leave, smiling to herself at the disappointed look flashing by Zuko's eyes.
He turned around as if to follow Ameya but Katara reacted faster. "Zuko! We need fire here."
Zuko blinked at Aang; couldn't he do that instead?
Katara caught onto his thoughts and put a hand to her waist, "What's the matter? Lost your bending again?"
Zuko gritted his teeth. Katara was purposely antagonizing him and has been since the very beginning. But it was definitely worse now that Ameya has returned and he couldn't help but suspect that Katara was trying to keep them away.
"Here," Zuko hastily lit the flames. He doesn't have time to waste now! He must apologize to Ameya, one-on-one, before it was too late. It also does not help that Ameya was briskly ignoring him but—Zuko was great at chasing.
"Oh, another thing!" Katara's voice stopped his mid-step, trying to contain the groan and turned to her with another strained smile. Seeing the smugness on her face really wanted him to ignite fire from his fist. "Stir the pot, will you?"
The falsely sweet smile on Katara's face was such a contrast against Ameya's regular one. He couldn't help but wonder if she learned it from Ameya in the first place. No, no, stop thinking about useless things now. Zuko merely shot a look towards Aang, wondering why the young Avatar did not help with any of the chores as Katara bossed him around.
Sensing the rising tension, Aang did the sensible thing and smile. "I guess I'll bring the stew over!"
He ran.
It was definitely better than receiving Zuko's pointed looks and definitely not taking any sides between his crush and his friend.
When it was finally lunch time, everyone had gathered around to eat. Ameya was surrounded by her new friend Suki on one side and Katara on another. Next to Suki was Sokka and next to Katara were Aang, then Toph, then him. Although he wasn't sitting next to Ameya, Zuko was still directly across from her and she can't avoid him the whole time!
But Ameya did.
And Zuko really did underestimate Ameya's tolerance and patience. As a thief, she was used to waiting for the opportunity to strike. As Zuko's once closest…friend, Ameya knew what would rile him up. Maybe it did fuel a small part of her to see him so nervous and cautious around her—maybe she was being petty but doesn't she deserve to vent a bit?
After lunch, Ameya had trained with Sokka and Suki in their hand-to-hand combat. Toph and the others had taken that time to watch in excitement; especially when Toph wanted to be the one to fight. Still, they wanted to avoid any landscape damage and 'rearrangements' by the earthbender so they settled with just the three teenagers fighting.
At first, it had been just Ameya reviewing with Sokka about the sword fighting lessons. Then, Ameya had learned a bit from Suki with her style of fighting. She was completely absorbed in Suki's teaching and was (whether intentional or not) oblivious to everyone else around her. Zuko didn't know if Ameya noticed he was watching her the whole time, too.
"I knew you were good when we escaped the prison but, I didn't expect you to learn so fast, too! How about becoming a Kyoshi Warrior?" Suki suggested.
Ameya smiled politely, brushing the loose hair behind her ear and massaged her neck. "As honored as that offer is, I would have to pass."
"Any specific reason why?" Suki tilted her head to the side.
She gave another smile, one that Zuko recognized as polite yet empty when Ameya does not feel like sharing.
"I don't feel like I would belong there."
There was a light pause in the wind and Zuko to take a sharp intake of air. Ameya had steered the conversation naturally to another topic, causing the others to ignore the subtle change but—not him. Zuko had known long enough to notice every little hitch in breath of her tone, within her voice, and to analyze every little smile. Only he was the one that vividly remember the harsh words he spoke to her back in the Northern Water Tribe, causing her to always doubt her existence.
Crap, Zuko continued to stare at Ameya train, I really screwed up.
By the time Ameya and the rest were done training, she went off to wash up with Katara and Suki. Zuko did not dare to interrupt their girl time no matter how much he still had not spoken with her. Instead, he was dragged off to help Sokka with dinner as Toph had 'helpfully' mentioned earlier.
Zuko groaned inwardly but nonetheless helped Sokka with the chores. Sokka looked between the vegetables, one brow arched in confusion before dumping them both into the pot.
"You're supposed to peel and cut them first, Sokka," Aang laughed, scooping the potato up from the pot and prepared a knife.
"I was expecting Katara to do this," Sokka shrugged.
"Shouldn't you have learned something by now?" Zuko muttered.
"Shouldn't you?" Sokka countered, eyeing the way Zuko was nearly burning the clay pot.
Zuko blinked before quickly controlling his fire. He sighed; maybe his own sour mood was due to the lack of interactions with Ameya today. He had tried so hard to find some alone time with her and yet—she skillfully avoided him. It also did not help that Katara was aiding her but—Zuko knew Ameya would have no issues running from him. She had done so many times before.
He let out a helpless sigh, staring into the slow boiling water within the pot as the sun began to set. Aang and Sokka looked at each other. They knew what the cause for their friend's gloominess was and, although Sokka was amused at first, he felt bad for Zuko. The banished prince had really tried to make up for his past wrongs. Sokka had already forgiven him after seeing the prince risk everything for Hakoda's escape.
But…Ameya was a completely different story they did not want to partake in. Sokka knew firsthand how cold Ameya can be…and Aang strived to be a pacifist and keep the peace within their group but this was not part of his 'Avatar' training.
"No luck today, huh?" Sokka broke the silence, one hand propped up onto his cheek to observe Zuko.
"No," Zuko admitted miserably, plopping down on the ground with another sigh.
"Well, the day is not over yet!" Aang attempted to cheer him up.
"Yeah, thanks for all your help earlier," Zuko bit back sarcastically.
"Hey, if you were in my shoes you would also not want to get on their bad side," Aang raised his arms up defensively and Zuko begrudgingly admitted he did have a point.
"How about this," Sokka tapped Zuko's shoulder reassuringly, "I'll put in a good word for you. There's no way Ameya can refuse me. I'm like her caring older brother."
Aang laughed. "Katara doesn't even call you that."
"Hey! I do what I can!"
At their light jesting, Zuko finally gave them a small smile.
Dinner was filled with light chatter around the campfire. Ameya sat away from Zuko as before, content with chatting with everyone except him—as if she doesn't even see him at all. Zuko had made many attempts at signaling Sokka to interject and help but the Water Tribe boy merely rolled his eyes at him. Sokka wasn't as tactless as to bring up such an awkward topic in front of the whole group.
After dinner, Katara had left with Ameya to practice their waterbending. Although the two waterbenders did not need to practice anymore as the forms were deeply ingrained to their bodies already, Ameya desperately need a distraction and Katara was happy to abide.
Katara was not blind to be oblivious to Zuko's tactics the whole day. His golden eyes would barely leave Ameya's form whenever they were in the same location and even when they were separate, Zuko would be lingering at any entrance. Katara's irritation only intensified by his actions, not understanding why he was so driven to speak with Ameya and tried her best to protect her from it. Someone as kind as Ameya does not deserve the trouble Zuko was worth.
As for Ameya, she welcomed any distraction available to her. Whether she purposely went out of her way to avoid him, it does not matter. She needed some time for herself after everything that has happened; was that too much to ask for? Zuko had hurt her, too, and just because he had accepted his wrong—it does not mean Ameya can magically forgive him too.
With the two girls lost in thought, Sokka approached them with heavy steps. His smile was bright and playful, waving to the two as they turned to him curiously.
"Hey, Katara! Toph is modeling your clothes for the group! You're okay with that, right?"
Katara gasped, her concentration broke from waterbending and Ameya quickly adjusted to the sudden movement. The younger girl ran off in the other direction, pausing once to turn back to Ameya apologetically.
"Sorry, Ameya! We can continue this later!"
Ameya bended the water back into the fountain, one eyebrow arched in amusement as she turned to Sokka.
"Is she really?"
"Yup," Sokka laughed.
"This, I've got to see."
Ameya began to head off in the same direction as Katara. A hand reached out to grab her arm, stopping Ameya from continuing to stare at the serious look in Sokka's eyes. She blinked and waited, feeling an uncertain twist in her gut at his gaze.
"Can we talk for a bit?"
"Sure," Ameya replied, following Sokka to the fallen pillar by the edge. He sat down first, wistful and content as he stared at the bright moon above and Ameya followed quietly.
"So, uh," Sokka turned his attention back to Ameya with a smile, temporarily forgetting the moon, "How…are you?"
He internally cringed as his voice cracked at the end of the sentence. He just wanted to (subtly) ask Ameya about Zuko! But it was definitely a lot harder to bring up with how calm she was being.
"I'm good," Ameya answered easily, "Katara's cooking is a lot better than prison food. Everyone is the same as before."
Sokka smiled but it felt unnatural and strained. Why does it feel like Ameya knew exactly he wanted to ask but was purposely avoiding it?
"Good! Good," Sokka could not think of any other reply, only repeating himself with a sheepish laugh. "Everyone is good with you too? That's good!"
Ameya blinked at him. He really needed to stop saying 'good' before she hits him.
"Is that all?" Ameya knew it wasn't but she preferred not to continue.
"Wait, no," Sokka nearly yelled; this would be shortest conversation ever if it was! "I-I just want to check on you…emotionally!"
He groaned inwardly. Sokka doesn't even talk to Katara emotionally!
Ameya tensed; this was nothing for Sokka to worry over. It wasn't like she caused a disturbance within the group. She can settle things by herself.
"I'm fine," she said again, she hated seeing others fret over her like this.
"Ameya…" Sokka sighed; he knew she was ignoring the subject, "You know who I'm referring to. We're all just…worried." Sokka decided it was better to be truthful; Ameya will definitely be talking circles around him if he continued to be vague. "He's changed…seriously. I trust him. Aang trust him. Just…give him a chance?"
She stood up abruptly. So Sokka decided to straight out say it. But why was he so adamant on it? Why did he bother to do something to help Zuko—when Ameya had already been quite merciful with him. Ignoring Zuko was better than anything else Ameya had in mind to take care of him.
"I appreciate the concern, Sokka," Ameya took a step away, "But how I choose to deal with it is up to me. I can handle it."
"I know," Sokka followed after her, "I just want to help. We just don't want another…occurrence like on the ship."
"What occurrence?" Ameya whirled back to look at Sokka, a frown tugging on her lips and a slight glare within her icy eyes that Sokka couldn't help but gulp at the cold anger.
"T-that's not what I mean! N-no, no occurrence at all!" He quickly retracted his statement and mentally blamed himself for suggesting helping Zuko in the first place. "I-I was just worried and—"
"Well I'm fine," Ameya stated again, "I don't need you guys to constantly worrying about me."
"I know, you can take care of yourself," Sokka sighed, repeating the same words as Ameya, "But I made a promise I intended to keep."
"Because of Yue?" Ameya whispered yet despite the soft-spoken voice, Sokka felt shivers run down his spine.
Was Yue the only reason the group had been kind to her? Because of a promise they made to someone long gone, they had always coddled her despite her age? Was that why they were always on edge around her during their stay on the Fire Navy ship? Was that why Katara had always been careful with specific subjects around her—or how none of them questioned Ameya's thieving actions before?
Because of her relationship to Yue?
"That's not it—we—"
"Like I said," Ameya interrupted again, trying to ignore the spiraling thoughts within her mind and Sokka's repetitive assurance. "I know myself best. I will do what I can to assure the group's safety. You don't need to trouble yourself more than that."
"Ameya…"
"Sokka," Ameya turned to him finally, calm blue eyes meeting hesitant sapphire ones, "Thank you, but really, don't concern yourself with this. I understand. I think you should look after yourself than me."
Truthfully, Ameya does understand Sokka's good intentions but currently, she does not have the temperance to emphasize with him. She knew she was acting brash and curt to a certain banished prince but all she wanted was some more time alone. She was not expecting Sokka to confront her first but with him here; she will also make some things clear to him.
"Suki is a great girl. You don't have to hold back because of me."
Sokka startled at the sudden change in conversation, eyes wide while staring at Ameya. Why was she suddenly bringing her up now? Why does it feel like Ameya knew more about him than he knows himself? How was she able to see right through him?
But of course Ameya can. Ever since their prison reunion, Sokka had been especially guarded and careful around the two girls. At first, Ameya had brushed it off since it was not her business but the sneaky glances Sokka sneaked at her were suspicious. It wasn't until Ameya had time to settle down and realize why Sokka was anxious.
Because of Yue again.
Every time Sokka sees Ameya, he was reminded of Yue. The promise that he upheld since their departure from the Northern Water Tribe, the constant 'older brother' act he displayed since Ba Sing Se; Sokka was doing his best because Ameya was close to Yue.
And right now, Ameya does not know what to do about that realization. A part of her was happy to know that they cared—yet the doubt within her convinced her that all of their friendliness was only due to Yue. But, she did not want to be in the way of anyone's relationship and especially with how high Sokka had regarded Yue, Ameya want him to love again.
Yue would want that too.
"If Yue was here…" Ameya's soft voice traveled to the still frozen Sokka, "She would want you to move on."
"I—"
Sokka began but paused, not knowing what to say or how to continue. His eyes settled on the moon, contemplating once before turning back to Ameya. She was still looking at him, icy blue eyes faintly glowing under the moonlight and Sokka felt an ache in his heart. He wanted to do what Ameya had suggested, he wanted to be free from the guilt and heartbreak but every time he saw Ameya, he felt the emotions renew. This promise he had kept for so many months was what he clung onto after their departure from the Northern Water Tribe. Seeing Ameya again was his hope to atone, to fulfill the promise, and to heal.
But Suki had suddenly entered his life again and when Sokka was with her—he feels free and happy and was able to be himself around her. Suki understood him and even with the guilt weighing on his heart, she soothed out his worries despite not knowing the full story behind his troubles. It was as if she was waiting for him to accept it himself. Even when Sokka subconsciously pushed her away when Ameya was around, Suki understood. She merely smiled gently and left him be.
"It's…still hurts," Sokka finally admitted, sad and quiet as he stood side by side with Ameya.
"I do too," Ameya agreed. "But I'm not Yue. I'm not in love with you nor you to me. Don't let a promise keep you from happiness."
It was funny to Sokka how ironic this whole conversation became. Originally, he wanted to be the one to comfort Ameya and yet somehow, the whole situation reversed.
"I know you're not Yue," Sokka finally smiled, ruffling Ameya's short hair affectionately. "Your hair isn't as pretty as hers."
Ameya scowled and pushed his hand away, causing Sokka to laugh at the unruly hair sticking up on her head. Still, the atmosphere was light again and Sokka felt the need add one last thing.
"I never saw you as Yue," Sokka clarified, "But I care for you just as much. It's not only her promise that we took you in. It's because we're friends."
Ameya froze, icy eyes turning to him in slight shock at the conviction within his eyes. Although it was simple, it still affected Ameya by how kind they were. She was always the one putting up the distance between them, acting more like a protector than a friend but they still regarded her the same.
"I still stand by what I said," Sokka smiled, glancing at the other side of the temple, "At least…hear him out."
She blinked; slowly realizing what Sokka had meant and turned to where Sokka was heading off. Zuko was walking slowly towards them, a shy and hesitant smile on his lips as he faced them. Sokka tapped his shoulder in passing and Zuko gathered the courage to approach Ameya. There was no one else around them except for the two and with the moonlight shining down on Ameya, he thought she looked absolutely ethereal.
But right now, he knew he cannot be distracted by her beauty. Ameya was not running away from him yet and—he was hopeful that Sokka was able to convince her. Zuko stopped just a step away from her and saw the way she tried to control her emotions, turning away from the last second but—wasn't leaving.
"Hey," his voice was soft; scared that any louder of the volume would scare her away.
There were many words filling his mind as he stood before Ameya. Words of apologies, of comfort, 'I miss you's and 'I'm sorry's were on the tip of his tongue. Zuko felt hopeful yet nervous but the fact that Ameya was here—and not avoiding him—was the best motivator he can ever ask for this moment.
Ameya shuddered, nearly forgetting just how close he was. Almost forgetting the low tremor of his voice when his whispers, almost forgetting the inevitable heat his body radiates just by being near him, almost forgetting the pain she witnessed if not for the ache in her heart. Ameya knew she would be facing Zuko again but—she wasn't mentally prepared yet! Maybe she never will be but—
She sighed; it was time to face him now. But Ameya will be the one setting the boundaries; she will be the one to set their relationship now.
"What is it," Her response was even in tone, quiet yet steady as if his presence does not affect her.
He gulped. For the whole day she was ignoring him, Ameya appeared so calm and collected while Zuko was mentally sweating. He tried to study her, try to pick out ever minuscule detail of her face because it had been too long since they were this close together again. But this time, Ameya wasn't looking at him, wasn't smiling at him, and he felt the distance she put between them.
"I-I, um, want to talk," Zuko barely managed to stutter out, "A-about before. Ameya—" He grew confident with every word, breathing out her name as if it was a prayer, "I am so, so sorry, I should have never—"
"Zuko."
He paused, quickly shutting his mouth in his mid-apologize to savor the way his name came from her lips. His golden eyes were hopeful and shining, looking down at Ameya when she turned her head to him. Zuko felt lost within those ice blue eyes again and suddenly—she smiled.
It was a quirk of her lips, a small arch upwards on the same lips he had kissed before—but instead of feeling happy, Zuko felt anxious and worried because it was an empty smile.
"There's nothing to apologize for."
Ameya turned away again, calm and collected as she took a step back.
"We weren't anything special."
Zuko felt the ache in his heart grow with every word.
"We were merely passing acquaintances at best."
Lie, lie, everything she's say was a lie.
No, that's not true, don't say that; Zuko screamed within his mind but his mouth refused to move. He could only stay frozen as Ameya brushed off their past relationship before. He suddenly felt like he was on the boat again, watching Ameya view him with those empty eyes, confessing to him on the three times she lied, and severing their ties.
"I'm glad that you've become Aang's firebending teacher."
But couldn't you have changed sooner? Couldn't you have listened to me before you broke my heart?
"Guess I'll be seeing you around."
With another empty smile, Ameya turned around to walk away. She walked away from Zuko again, leaving him frozen and alone by the temple. She resisted the tears from her eyes, attempted to calm her heart, and refused to listen to him. Ameya was simply tired; it was too soon to give her heart to him again. She will strive to be…peaceful with him but—Zuko cannot expect anymore from her.
Zuko could only watch her lone back walk away. He wanted to reach out to her—he wanted to chase after but he felt cold and frozen. Ameya was downplaying their relationship so easily—and now she wants nothing more from him.
But he didn't want to believe—he didn't want to accept her words. Zuko knew she felt more for him than she would like to admit. The way she refused to hold his gaze, the way she had been avoiding him; Ameya definitely felt more for him than she let on but—now—why?
He collapsed on the fallen pillar, sitting down with his head in his hands.
He could still remember her eyes, beautiful and shining when Ameya had caught him on the gondola. Zuko could still remember the flash of emotions flying by and how she had held onto his wrist so tightly he thought it was going to bruise. Even if Ameya refused his attempt at reconciling now, Zuko refused to believe she had no more feelings for him.
He wanted to hope. He wanted to believe she was lying and wished—this would be the last time she ever lies to him.
Sokka finally let go of the hand covering Katara's mouth, sighing quietly to himself when his sister stopped struggling. Her eyes were glaring at Sokka for interrupting her but Sokka fought back by restraining Katara from ruining their talk.
So what if Sokka was sort of eavesdropping on the conversation? He wanted the two to kiss and make up already! Literally!
What he was surprised about was Katara's appearance—followed by Aang, and why the hell was Toph here too?!
Aang offered a sheepish smile and Toph shrugged but—neither of them tried to interrupt like Katara. Aang only followed because he saw Katara and Toph followed because she felt the vibrations of everyone gathering in one place. Who knew it was actually about Ameya and Zuko?
Although they barely heard anything from them, they could still decipher the tone. It had mainly been Ameya but she spoke so carefully and so little that they guessed she was not that interested in the conversation at all. When she had left, they had hid behind the bushes but did not see Zuko follow.
What exactly happened between those two?
Katara was upset but seeing Ameya alone put her mind at ease. Still, there was a slight tinge within her heart seeing the distressed look on Ameya's face and felt the need to blame Zuko. He was the one that hurt her. He was the one that caused Ameya to become like this. Why was Sokka helping him—when he should be the one protecting Ameya too?!
But none of them could say anything.
None of them had anything to say when they saw Zuko's hunched over form under the moonlight. There was nothing to say after witnessing Ameya appearing almost as sullen as she did during those three weeks.
They could only keep to themselves.
A/N:
Wow I can't believe I updated twice in less than a month. No, Ameya wouldn't forgive Zuko that easily but I am definitely dragging this on. She's a little emotionally unstable now and accidentally snapped at Sokka but hey, she's not perfect.
I hope you enjoyed this chapter! I think next chapter will be interesting for me to write but may not be updated soon.
Reviews are much appreciated! Thank you!