A/N: So as you can see it's not July XD I had a 3 hr symposium on osteoporosis and ended up writing this instead. Don't worry, I recorded it and have already done my notes on it, so I'm not that bad of a student XD Anyway, I had so much fun writing this, so hope you enjoy.
Friday Midday:
Zuko's POV:
Slinging my bag over my shoulder, I cautiously take a step towards my closed door, perking my ears for any sounds downstairs. I wait silently for a full minute before carefully stretching out a hand towards the door handle. I pull it down and almost flinch at the loud squeak that the action elicits. Immediately, I hold my breath and wait anxiously for a further 30 seconds, but the house is eerily silent.
I release a breath and tread gently across the landing, my eyes automatically shift to my Dad's open door to find the bed made and the room empty. I chew my lip. 'Maybe he's already gone to work?' I think hopefully, almost naively so. I continue creeping across the hallway, passing Azula's empty bedroom since she's at uni. Finally, I reach the flight of stairs and quickly hop down the stairs, the taste of victory so close and...
"Where do you think you're going Zuko?" The stony masculine voice sends a chill down my spine. Twisting my head, I spot my father seated at the dining table with a cup of tea in his hand.
"I was...going to uni." I force out in a lie. 'Bad idea.'
"You don't have lectures today. Try again." My father orders, his tone sharp and ready to cut into me like a knife. 'My mistake, I was hoping that he'd forget, but of course he has my timetable memorised like the back of his hand.' My mind scrambles for something to say.
"I need a book from the library for this assignment." I blurt, which isn't technically a lie. I do have an assignment and I could use a book to help me. My father scrutinises me long and hard before nodding his head.
"Good to hear you're becoming more pro-active in your studies like your sister." Ozai voices in that condescending way of his. I hold back the urge to roll my eyes as he continues. "Be back at 5pm sharp, I have a meeting with the board members which will be of your benefit." He demands. I scrunch my nose up, 'the board members are nearly as intimidating as Dad is.' I think distastefully.
"Ok." I mumble, getting ready to leave. Only for the man to clear his throat loudly. I flicker my eyes back to him to find his expression stoic.
"Ok, what?" He booms back with a harsh glint in those amber eyes that I've unfortunately inherited. My grip around my shoulder strap tightens until my knuckles go white.
"Ok Dad." I grit out, feeling like a scolded child. His lips curl up in a snarl as he rises from his chair and walks over to me. I gulp. 'Dang it, me and my attitude.'
"I don't think I like your tone Zuko." My father expresses menacingly as he leans towards me. I clench my hand.
"I'm...sorry." I spit out just as my father's eyes narrows.
"Why you little-" He starts, snapping out his hand to grasp my arm painfully tightly. "Do I need to teach you another lesson?" He growls as his fingers dig into my flesh. I resist the urge to flinch and instead stare at him dead on.
"I said I was sorry." I mutter.
"Sorry doesn't mean anything and it certainly doesn't change that attitude. You need to learn respect and I will be the one to teach it to you whether you want it or not." Ozai growls as his grip on my arm tightens.
He pulls back his free hand and I flinch in anticipation. But the universe seems to have some mercy on me today as Dad's familiar ring tone echoes throughout the room. I watch as his nose scrunches up slightly before releasing his death hold on me.
"You got lucky. Get out of my sight before I change my mind." My father spits out as he reaches for his phone on the table and presses it to his ear. I snatch the key from my pocket and fumble with the keyhole as Dad's shushed words wash over me.
"What do you mean it hasn't changed his mind? Do we have to take out everyone around him to push him on these imports?! We need something else-" I stop listening after that as soon as the door swings open and fresh air hits me in the face.
I quickly lock the door after me and to my relief find our car still out there. 'Oh yeah, Azula said she was getting a ride with a friend for some reason.' I throw my bag into the passenger seat, start up the car and drive off. When the house is out of sight, I finally sag my shoulders.
"Great job Zuko, aggravate your already fired up father who hates you." I mutter in annoyance. 'Not looking forward to go back home.' I think glumly as a sigh escapes past my lips. "Just one more year. Just one more year." I repeat to myself. The same mantra I've been using since I realised that my Dad isn't like other Dads. 'No. He's a manipulative, abusive being that doesn't deserve the very title. I'd call him Ozai if it didn't land me a week in the hospital.'
My mind automatically flashes to the first time I went to the hospital and the phantom searing pain on my face pricks at my scar. I grip the steering wheel tightly, ignoring the way my knuckles go white.
After an hour, I finally make it to my destination. The park. And I'm in luck, there's barely anyone here. I pull up into one of the parking bays, switch off the car engine and exit the car. My eyes follow the various kids chasing each other and I'm filled with a pang of nostalgia as I recall how Azula and I would play in a similar fashion. Before our Dad pitted us against each other, back when Mum was still here.
My heart throbs at the memory and I continue walking past the trees, hoping to find it. After a few feet, I do. A bench. And it's unoccupied. The corner of my lips twitches slightly as I go and take a seat on one side. If I turn my head and close my eyes I could almost feel her presence...
Flashback:
"Come on Zuko, you can't be tired already." Mum teases with a grin. 10 year old me huffs and puff as I shake my head in denial.
"How...are...you...so fast?" I rasp as I stop to take a breath. Mum eyes me with a knowing smile before taking a gentle hold of my elbow and guides us over to a nearby bench.
"Cardio exercises every morning keeps the body healthy darling. Maybe you could join me?" She suggests with bright eyes as we take a seat. I scrunch my face up in displeasure.
"No way, that's boring." I retort with crossed arms.
"Aw, you don't think your poor Mum is boring now, do you?" The woman queries in mock-hurt, making me smile.
"You could never be boring...well, except when you talk about exercise." I say cheekily, prompting the lady to stretch out her hands to tickle me in the stomach. I laugh and try to bat her fingers away. Instead, her arms goes around my shoulders as she pulls me towards her in a hug.
"Well boring or not sweetheart, it's good for you and maybe if you join me, I'll treat you with some ice cream." Mum bargains. My eyes twinkle in mirth.
"I thought ice cream isn't healthy?" I ask innocently, eliciting a sweet melodic laugh from the kind woman.
"Someone's in a cheeky mood today." Ursa jokes as she pulls me closer. I grin at her. That is, until she drops her next words. "I suppose I'll reward you with spinach instead." She adds mildly, with one eye on me while the other enjoys the greenery around us. Immediately, I wrinkle my nose and shake my head.
"No! Ice cream please!" I say in a rush, making the woman laugh once more.
"Ice cream it is. What do you say that we get some now as an incentive?" The woman suggests warmly. I widen my eyes in glee and nod my head up and down in excitement.
"Yes please!" I voice enthusiastically and jump off the bench. Mum stays seated for a moment more, a thoughtful expression on her face.
"Zuko honey, I want you to remember something for me." She states, her voice suddenly sombre. I blink twice and tilt my head in child-like confusion.
"What's that Mum?" I ask, my mind already distracted with thoughts of the frozen treat.
"Sometimes...things become hard and I want you to know that I'll always try my best to be here for you, but if...if I'm not, come to this bench and remember that I'm always with you in your heart. And who knows, maybe I'll be sitting right here when you visit this park in the future." Mum voices carefully. I stare at her, feeling bewildered.
"Of course you'll always be here! You're Mum; that means you're stuck with me!" I say naively, not grasping the meaning of her words. A sad expression fleets across her features, before a small smile appears.
"Of course darling, always." She says and finally rises from the bench. I frown at her and stretch out my small enclosed hand towards her, my little finger sticking out.
"You pinkie promise?" I express with utmost seriousness. A lump bobs up and down her throat as she takes hold of my pinkie with hers.
"I-I promise sweetheart. Just remember, when you're feeling alone, come to our bench, ok?" Mum whispers softly. I furrow my eyebrows at her.
"Do we own the bench now?" I ask dumbly, earning another laugh from the woman.
"Not at all, but we can pretend we do." She says with a wink before linking her arm with mine. "Now, let's get you that ice cream." Mum utters brightly. I beam at her before glancing one last time at the ordinary park bench. 'Our bench. I like that.' I think, feeling pleased as I swing my hand happily.
End flashback
A loud sigh escapes me as I pinch the bridge of my nose. 'Where are you Mum? Why did you leave? You promised you'd always be here and...you're not. Dad was never this bad when you were here.' My eyes burn as both yearning and distress runs through me. Torment over not knowing what happened that night. Torment over being a coward to investigate the shouting. Torment over losing the one person who always loved me wholly, no conditions or abuse involved. 'Not like now.'
Shaking my head, I rise to my feet and do a final sweep of the park with my eyes, knowing that I won't find her, no matter how much the delusional part of me wishes I would. 'I'll find you Mum.' I voice silently before returning back to the car. When I insert my key into the ignition however, the engine is strangely silent. Frowning, I try again, but no luck. A sinking suspicion crawls around in my insides and on a whim I open the glove compartment to find a small note:
Hey Zuzu,
Car needs some repairs. Forgot to tell Dad. Be a dear and ask him for me? Thanks.
Azula.
I growl at the paper.
"Typical Azula. Would it have been so hard if she told me that herself." I mutter angrily. I massage my forehead while whipping put my phone to get the number of a nearby car repair shop.
Fortunately, there's one not far from here. Sighing, I get out of the car, lock the door and start jogging to said dealership. After 10 minutes, I spot it and enter the rusty looking place which surprisingly has a few cars scattered around. I make my way to the entrance and go over to the seated receptionist.
"Appointment?" She asks without even looking up from her computer. I quirk an eyebrow at her before shaking my head.
"No appointment, but I..." I start only to be rudely interrupted.
"Then you'll have to come back on Monday, we're fully booked today." The lady answers bluntly. My jaw drops.
"I can't wait till Monday! I'm an hour away from home!" I explain, trying to sound patient, but my fear of being late for Dad's meeting starts to crawl in.
"Then catch the bus." The receptionist answers in a bored tone. My eyelid twitches.
"I can't leave my car here." I grit back, finally earning the woman's attention as she raises her eyebrow.
"Then call your emergency breakdown policy." She states in a voice that says she couldn't care less. My heart sinks when I remember that I forgot to re-new that policy.
"I...haven't got one at the moment." I mumble while rubbing the back of my head which finally elicits a long exaggerated sigh from the woman.
"Look sir, I can't do anything to help you. That's your problem, not mine." She utters before going back to her typing. I clench my hands as fire erupts from them.
"Could you be any ruder?" I growl and watch as the woman narrows her eyes at me.
"If you don't leave I'll call sec-"
"What's going on here? Zuko?!" I blink twice at hearing my name and twist my head to the side to find that scrawny airbender. 'As if my day could get any worse.' I groan internally.
"This man is being borderline aggressive." The receptionist explains dully, making my temper raise by several Celsius.
"I'm being aggressive?!" I bellow in anger just as Aang dashes towards me.
"Hey hey, what's going on? Maybe I can help?" The boy asks, making me snort.
"I don't need your help. I need to see a car mechanic to fix my car." I retort. The airbender purses his lips before nodding his head.
"Alright, I can do that." He answers easily, shocking me.
"Wait, what?" I echo back in sync with the receptionist.
"I work here, so I'll take a look for you." Aang replies with a shrug.
"But you're fully booked!" The woman reminds sharply, finally earning the boy's attention as he gazes at her for a moment.
"I can work overtime." He voices so firmly that I'm momentarily stunned. The lady grumbles under her breath before jerking her head in a nod. The airbender turns to me with a small smile. "Where's your car? I can get someone to pick it up and bring it here." The boy queries lightly. I'm still reeling as I rattle off the location.
1 hour later:
My amber orbs observe the way the boy wheels himself under my car with ease while I lean against a nearby ledge with crossed arms. My entire being is itching to ask the question on my mind. 'Why?' When he rolls himself out and hops up to grab a wrench I finally open my mouth.
"Why are you doing this?" The words shoot out of my mouth before I know it. The kid turns round to face me and blinks twice in surprise.
"What?" He echoes back. I roll my eyes before jerking my head towards the car.
"Why are you helping me? I've been hostile every time we've crossed paths." I elaborate while the boy chews his lip.
"Because you needed help and I was taught to never turn anyone away." The airbender explains vaguely. I snort at him.
"What, is that something your parents told you?" I sneer, but as soon as the boy's face falls I immediately regret my words.
"Yeah." He mumbles as he turns away and bends to look at the engine. "The last time I didn't help it...it had consequences." His voice is barely above a whisper and I have to strain my ears to hear him. I bite the inside of my cheek, for once feeling like the jerk that people call me. 'Great job Zuko, upset the only person who's genuinely trying to help you for the first time in years.'
"Sorry, I didn't mean to be insulting. That's actually good advice." I mutter. He shrugs, but doesn't turn to face me.
"No problem." He answers and picks up some other tool as he leans further into the car's open bonnet. I purse my lips and tap my fingers against my bicep.
"So what are you doing all the way out here? Couldn't find a job nearby?" I question and bite my lip when I realise how rude that sounds. The kid stills for a moment before continuing his work.
"I grew up here." He says shortly and for a kid that looked like he could talk for a nation, it's strange to hear him be so brief.
"Huh." I voice, more to fill the silence than actual interest. "So, let me guess - you're on some engineering course." I guess and watch as the boy flickers his gaze to me before nodding his head.
"Yep. Aerospace engineering, but they teach us a bit on every form of transport." He explains with a small smile. My lips twitch slightly as I nod. "What about you?" He asks, surprising me that he actually wants to continue this conversation.
"Business. Not as fancy as yours." I state nonchalantly as the airbender shakes his head.
"Not at all, that's really cool. You could own some big company someday." The child genius expresses brightly. I snort, my Dad's company flashing to my mind.
"That's the plan." I say until I recall what time my Dad wanted me back. With haste, I pull up my sleeve to stare at my watch. 4:03. I gulp, ignoring the boy's eyes on me. 'I'm so screwed.'
"You alright there? You look like you've seen a spirit." He jokes, but I'm too busy panicking to really consider his words.
"My Dad wanted me back at 5pm for some board meeting. He's going to kill me." I voice tensely while fisting a tuff of my messy hair.
"Can't you just call him and say you'll be late?" The airbender suggests, prompting me to glare at him.
"No I can't just tell him I'll be late. Aurgh why does everything go against me?!" I complain angrily as I kick a stray screw. It rockets right across the room and hits the opposite wall with a clang. The kid glances between me and the screw before taking a towel to wipe his hands as a thoughtful expression contorts his features.
"Well, I can give you a lift back and you can pick up your car tomorrow if you want?" He suggests while my jaws slacken.
"You can drive? But you're like 14!" I exclaim, eliciting a chuckle from the kid.
"16 and yes, apparently I was mature enough to take the test a bit early. Anyway, what do you say?" The airbender asks. I scratch my head.
"Alright. That would be great...thank you." I mumble. He grins and picks up a set of car keys from the table and walks over to a small, shiny, new -looking orange car. I gape while the boy slips into the vehicle and only move when he waves me over. When I get in I'm already opening my mouth.
"Do geniuses get lots of money or are your parents just rich?" I blurt out watch as the airbender cringes.
"Erm no. I just do a lot of projects outside uni." He mumbles as he starts the car.
"Oh. Well, that makes sense. My Dad is loaded, but rarely ever spends it. I was lucky he actually bought that second-hand car." I utter with a touch of bitterness. The kid shoots me a sidelong glance before returning his gaze on the road.
"Sounds like a strict man." He voices casually and automatically I tense up.
"Yeah." I say curtly and fortunately the boy drops it after that. We drive the rest of the way in silence and it's only when we're in my neighbourhood, I realise I didn't get a proper introduction from him.
"So, Aang right?" I utter, sounding more awkward than I intended. The kid nods his head in confirmation.
"Yep, that's me. Why?" He asks curiously, but I just shrug my shoulders.
"Thought I should know the name of the person who's helping me for no reason." I wave off.
"Not for no reason, it's because it's right." Aang corrects and for some reason my lips twitch once more at his child-like naivety.
"Yeah well, you should be careful with who you help kid. Could get you in trouble." I reply, not knowing why I'm even advising someone who I didn't care less about a couple of hours ago.
"Don't worry. I'm careful." Aang jokes, making me choke on my saliva.
"I'm not worried! I don't even know you." I argue vehemently, but for some reason it doesn't wipe off the smile on the boy's face.
"True." Is all he says and after a moment I point out where he should park. When the car is switched off, he finally turns to face me completely. "My offer of friendship still stands, if you want it." The airbender offers. I open my mouth, ready to refute him, only for him to cut across before I can. "Think about it. Friends can help when things are hard." He adds. I frown at his wording.
"What are you imply..." I start, but he swiftly interrupts me.
"It's past 5 now, best you get going before your Dad gets mad." Aang reminds and immediately my eyes drop to the time on the small dashboard. 5:20. I run a hand through my hair. 'I'm so dead.' I think, horrified. The expression must've been clear on my face as the boy opens his door. I blink at him.
"What are you doing?" I question in confusion as I undo my seatbelt and get out.
"I'll walk you to your door, explain to your Dad that it was my fault you're late. Maybe that will take some of the heat off you." The airbender explains, but I'm already shaking my head vigorously.
"No way! He can't know that I wasn't at uni. Plus, he's very...racist. He doesn't like the other nations, especially airbenders!" I voice forcefully. Aang stares me for several moments.
"Well, that explains why your sister called Katara a peasant." He murmurs thoughtfully before continuing. "You were meant to be at uni? No problem, I'll just tell him I asked you to volunteer for the engineering society and we got side tracked." He explains smoothly and starts walking. "Which one is your house?" He asks as he walks. My jaws slacken.
"You don't know my Dad, just stay away." I express harshly, hoping it would deter him, but dang it - that kid has a backbone.
"I might not know the details, but I'm not letting you get in trouble for something that was out of your hands." Aang states stubbornly and reluctantly I drag my feet towards my house. I'm less than a metre away from the red door when it abruptly opens, with my seething father in tow.
"I said 5pm sharp! This-" Ozai shouts, until Aang cuts him off. No one cuts my Dad off. No one. 'Time to plan my funeral.'
"Sorry sir, it was my fault. I was enlisting people to join a new society and I didn't let Zuko go even though he tried to leave multiple times." The airbender explains. My father stares at him.
"Who are you?" He booms loudly. I gulp.
"I'm Southern, A-" I step in before Aang could finish.
"Akoda! He's Akoda Southern." I say in a rush. Ozai narrows his eyes at the boy before glaring at me.
"What did I tell you about associating yourself with people from the other nations, especially a water tribe peasant?" My father spits out, but I'm too relieved that he didn't pick up on my blunder to flinch at his tone.
"I'm sorry sir, I didn't mean to make you feel comfortable. I know that the Fire Nation has an impressive history like revolutionising the mechanical industry and for occupying most of the world before the empire fell. And I understand that it may feel that the other nations don't quite live up to such success." Aang regales politely. My jaw drops just as a pleased look fleets across my Dad's face. 'Pleased! My Dad is never pleased!'
"Well well well, a water tribe citizen with some class. I am impressed." Ozai hums with a smirk.
"I aim to please sir." Aang voices with a bow. My Dad's eyebrows furrow slightly and I immediately spot why. The way he holds his hands isn't in the traditional Fire Nation greeting. Heck, it isn't even a Water Tribe greeting. Curiosity flashes across his amber orbs, but it's gone before I can start panicking.
"Well Akoda, it was...interesting to meet you. Next time, try not to keep my son for long, he's a busy boy." My father reprimands lightly.
"Of course sir, I'm truly sorry." Aang bows once more and turns to leave. I gulp and turn to my father who motions with his head for me to follow him into the house. I bite my lip hard and enter the house, closing the door behind me.
"Dad I'm so sorry, I didn't..." I begin, but the man just waves my words off.
"Forget it. I've re-scheduled the meeting for another day so just go to your room." Ozai says, as he picks up his phone. I stare at him in disbelief. 'I'm not in trouble?' I think to myself in shock. My Dad looks up and notices that I'm still here.
"I said go, before I decide to punish you for this morning." My father growls. I nod my head frantically and shoot up the stairs. Just as I reach the landing however, a hand snaps out to grab me by the arm and pulls me into a room. My heart sinks when I recognise who it is. A smirking Azula. 'The funeral is back on.'
"So, Akoda huh?" She taunts with crossed arms. I swallow.
"Yeah, what of it?" I grit out, only for the girl to roll her eyes.
"I'm a professional liar Zuzu. I know who that was." My sister's voice oozes with poise. I clench my jaws and say nothing, eliciting a sigh from the woman as she drops her arms to her sides. "I'm not telling if that's what you're worried about, but you should be careful. Dad would lose his top if he knew who that really was. You know how much he hates airbenders, more so than the others." Azula reminds. I furrow my eyebrows at her.
"You're not going to tell?" I echo back dumbly, prompting the girl to roll her eyes.
"I might be mean, but if Dad burns the other side of your face then who's going to do my business notes?" The girl retorts blandly. A bubble of emotion erupts within me and without thought, I throw my arms around her in gratitude. "Aurgh what are you doing?!" She spits out, pushing me back.
"Thank you, thank you!" I babble while my sister wrinkles her nose in disgust.
"You spend one day with that airbender and you're already going mushy." Azula utters distastefully. My lips twitch once more, but it never seems to go up all the way.
"Not yet I haven't." I fire back as the girl shakes her head.
"We'll see. Now, where were you really?" She asks and immediately I avert my eyes. A moment later I hear a sharp intake of breath. "You weren't. What did I tell you? She's never coming back! She abandoned us and the sooner you accept that, the better." Azula spits out as she goes over to sit on her bed. I frown at her.
"Maybe you've given up or don't care, but I still do." I utter stiffly and go to leave her room.
"Wise up Zuko, you're going to get yourself in trouble with all these dangerous games you're playing." Azula fires back. I bite my tongue to hold off a retort and exit the room, missing the way her face twists in annoyance.
A/N: I wrote Ozai based a bit on my experiences, books I've read etc so hopefully it was convincing enough. I dropped a bunch of subtle hints on stuff, but I'll leave it to you guys to figure them out XD
Next chapter I think will be short, but no guarantees when it will come out, I'm still pretty sure that updates will dwindle until July, but who knows. See you next time guys & thank you for being the super awesome readers that you are.