Zuko's ship had been repaired quickly by the best ship builders in the port town; the man Zuko had worked for was overjoyed that his shipping men had come back safely, along with half the bandits, so that they could not regroup and attack the cargo carts again. The manager of the whole operation offered a celebration as their ship was just being finished, and of course the prince had refused, but "Captain" Iroh (As Iroh was dubbed while Zuko was an undercover prince), threw caution to the wind and they all celebrated for the village's victory.

His crew was now happy and it was always calmer when the crew was happy, Zuko noticed. He also noticed he couldn't find it in him to be mad at the time lost that could have been used to chase the avatar.

Zuko currently stared out at the sea as his ship moved onward through the endless blue. The ocean winds caused his hair to whip around and slap his face at times, though he ignored it, more focused on his thoughts than on the things around him. His mind was on the night with Sokka and the passion they shared. He'd expected it to haunt him a while, he'd slept with an enemy after all, but he didn't expect to like it, not that much. Sokka just was very passionate and warm, not just in temperature, but in attitude; and he couldn't help but think of the split second that Sokka truly smiled at him. It was a surreal feeling that someone could enjoy his presence; but it had all crumbled so fast. He supposed it couldn't have lasted more than one night, it was a ridiculous thought.

He heard someone approach him but he ignored it. It was clear it was in uncle by just his heavy but calm steps. Iroh stood still behind his nephew a minute to see if Zuko would speak, but Zuko said nothing, staring out at sea.

"You haven't been this quiet in a long time, Prince Zuko," Iroh said, diving into the subject at hand. Zuko remained silent. Yes his mouth and temper usually got him into trouble; it got him banished from his own nation. When he'd been sent out to sea by his exile with only a ship, a handful of faithful men and his uncle, he'd been silent, almost like he was now, though it was worse then. He'd been lost, not at sea, but in his own mind, trying to figure out just who he was and where he was to stand in this world. Right now, he was lost in his emotions. He wasn't sure if he wanted to avoid Sokka or draw him close again in bliss like that night

He hadn't told anyone of his lust for men over women, and had never planned to. He felt he couldn't tell his uncle even, the one person he could trust, in fear of his relative viewing him differently; he couldn't be sure with Iroh, or anyone for that matter.

Now he bit down all means of talking, he didn't want to talk about anything. He didn't want to talk about the avatar or his kingdom. He didn't want to talk about honor or his father. He couldn't form words for the worry he had, so silence seemed like a safe haven.

Iroh wasn't one to press his nephew; not at a time like this. In fire bending he wanted to press Zuko to his limits; make him a powerful person in strength and spirit. But this was not about bending; this was something that happened during the job Zuko took to pay for the ship's damages. Iroh knew the line of when to push for answers and when not to. Zuko would tell him in his own time, in his own way.

"How about a game of Pai Sho, hm? We can see if the quiet strengthens your concentration," Iroh said; a calm smile coming onto his face. "I can make ginseng tea and was can relax." Zuko glanced over his shoulder to look at his uncle, but Iroh had already turned to get the board game and tea. Zuko had no protests about tea and Pai Sho, at least he wouldn't be staring out at the horizon like a love struck fool.


-Completely zonked out here at school- ...Zzz...Zzz... Review please... Zzz...