A. N. : Zuko needs a hug. He would refuse it, but he needs one.

Jet is at the door.

For some time Zuko actually thought Jet forgot about him. He's not sure the thought brought him comfort or disappointment, though.

But what he may or may not think doesn't matter now, because Jet is here with Smellerbee and Longshot, and Uncle is very determined to make Zuko go out with his friends – he's not going to call them that any time soon, but he'll let Uncle dream.

It feels strange, leaving without Lin, but he can't afford sparks, not when Jet looks so relieved she's staying with Uncle. And maybe he's acting like a mother turtle-duck, and maybe he's reassuring himself more than Lin, and maybe Smellerbee is snickering while Jet is biting his lips, and maybe Longshot is even smiling. Maybe. Zuko would rather go back to the North Pole than admit it.

So when Jet tries making a comment, Zuko punches him in the ribs and Smellerbee laughs and Longshot rolls his eyes and maybe they look like actual friends – Zuko can't find it in himself to care.

They end up sitting near a fountain, eating noodles, talking about their life in Ba Sing Se and how they're doing so far.

Smellerbee feels naked without her war paint and wishes he workplace allowed her to keep it. Her shoulders are sore from all the water she's been carrying.

Jet is sprawled on the ground and from his experience, water is fine, have you ever tried carrying wood and steel all day, thanks the spirits there are earthbenders working here, otherwise he's have to carry rocks too – ugh, why can't they copy Omashu instead of exploiting refugees.

And that's not even talking about the clients. Some are nice, but others are just ungrateful little shits – Zuko thinks of that fruit seller and he has to admit the description is rather accurate.

Longshot doesn't say anything – does he ever – but the two others nod and add to what wasn't said – Zuko just looks at them awkwardly. He feels that he should be able to understand, that it is expected he does, but he's always been bad at reading people. Just another thing Azula is much better at.

When they turn to him, he doesn't know what to say – he doesn't have a job and spends his days taking care of Lin and walking around the Lower Ring.

And Smellerbee didn't know waiter paid good enough to feed two and a half people and no, no it doesn't – Zuko has lost weight and he doesn't even like what he's eating, it was just the cheapest thing at the stand and not taking anything would have raised questions, but he doesn't say that, doesn't show that, he's not going to lean on anyone –

Longshot and Jet have a silent conversation and Jet gets up and – where is he going ?

And if the problem is only that someone has to take care of the baby, why doesn't Zuko – Li – ask a neighbour or even, hell, Jet could do it, he hates his job and has always been good with children –

No offense, but Jet is the last person Zuko wants to see alone with Lin. And he's pretty sure that feeling is mutual.

Smellerbee looks surprised. Longshot raises an eyebrow.

Jet still hasn't told them and Zuko wants to punch him and he doesn't know what to say, he can't lie but he doesn't know how they'd react to the truth.

What if they're worse that Jet ?

The silence stretches out and Zuko wishes something – anything – would happen –

Jet arrives with another serving of noodles and hands them to Zuko. And damn, they smell good and Zuko's stomach growls but he can't accept this – charity.

Longshot tells him to eat, and it's probably the shock of hearing his voice – he can talk – that makes Zuko obey.

The noodles are spicy and warm and why would these people do this for him they don't have that much money either and how can he pay them back –

Jet laughs and says it's fine, they're friends – friends and maybe it's just his stomach talking, but Zuko feels a bit more ready to believe Jet. Maybe Li can be friends with the Freedom Fighters. Maybe the Avatar will win and Zuko will be forgotten and Li will spend his life in Ba Sing Se, taking care of Lin, helping Uncle, hanging out with his friends –

Never forget who you are.

His mother and the fire boiling in his veins are screaming and Zuko can't forget, but for a second he wishes he could.

He feels warm.