"I feel huge."
"Zuko, you look beautiful."
"No, I don't."
"Yes, you do."
"Ugh. Just help me up. I need to go find Aang. We're running late."
Sokka laughed but helped ease Zuko to his feet. The Alpha linked their arms as they walked through the temple. Zuko would not admit to waddling. He grimaced, pressing his free hand to his belly.
"Zuko?"
"Kidney shot," Zuko grunted, "This kid's not even born yet and it's already putting me through the ringer."
Sokka laughed. "You'll be great, Zuko."
"I hope so."
Hakoda looked over from where he was gutting a fish. "If it helps, Kya and I weren't ready to be parents and we'd always wanted a family."
Zuko sighed loudly. "I have no hope then."
Hakoda chuckled. He stood up and carefully put his hand on Zuko's shoulder. Zuko tensed for only a moment before relaxing into the touch.
"In my experience, as long as you love your child, you can make it work."
Zuko just sighed despondently.
"And there's no shame in asking for help."
"Hakoda, I'm really grateful for the advice and all, but you really smell and it's making me want to vomit a little."
Hakoda laughed and stepped back obediently. "Sorry. I'll make sure to wash up once I'm done."
"Thanks. Have you seen Aang anywhere?"
"I think he said something about a giant pai sho table. He went that way."
"Thanks."
"Bye Dad, see you later."
"Sokka slow down," Zuko huffed, "I can only go so fast."
"Heh, sorry."
"Why does this temple have to be huge?" Zuko groaned.
Sokka just laughed. "It's not much further. I can hear Aang."
Zuko let out a long puff of air as they finally found the giant pai sho table. Aang was dancing excitedly around the pieces, with The Duke following eagerly. Teo and the Alpha Earthbender Zuko now knew was called Haru were examining a tile closely, admiring the craftmanship.
"Aang," Zuko called out, "Firebending. Come on."
Aang froze in mid-air and then zipped over to Zuko and Sokka. "Let's go then, Sifu Hotman."
Zuko grumbled as they made their way to their designated Firebending area. "I thought I told you not to call me that."
"One day, everyone in the Fire Nation will be saying that and you'll be thanking me for it."
"I doubt that."
Sokka laughed and leaned down to Zuko's belly. "I will give you whatever you want if your first words are Sifu Hotman."
Zuko scowled and yanked Sokka upright by his collar. "If either of you teaches my baby to say that, I will incinerate you both."
Both of them laughed uproariously. Zuko just shook his head. They reached the Firebending courtyard and Sokka helped Zuko ease himself onto the rock seat Toph made for him. The Alpha then quickly retreated to the edge of the arena.
"Keep tension in your torso but relax your shoulders. You need power behind the action. Don't forget to adjust your footing, or you'll unbalance yourself. Yeah, that's it. You've got it."
Zuko was vaguely aware that Hakoda had joined the audience, but he didn't pay it any mind. He'd slowly become accustomed to the others watching their bending practice in the nearly two weeks they'd been at the temple. Hakoda and Chit Sang took a while to get used to, but as long as they stayed quiet, he could deal. Besides, he wasn't going to begrudge Sokka time with his father, now that Zuko had seen how good Hakoda was with his children. It was hard for the Water Tribe family to spend much time together; Katara was always busy mothering everyone else and Sokka was practically glued to Zuko's side like the protective Alpha he was. If they found time together, then Zuko didn't mind if they watched Aang's lessons. Aang didn't mind an audience either.
"Lunch is ready!" Katara called.
With a grunt of effort, Zuko hefted himself out of the chair, waving away Aang's offer of help. Aang looked eagerly at Zuko. They bowed to each other- or Aang bowed and Zuko pressed his fist to his hand and tilted his head. Then Aang was blurring away. Zuko laughed and started making his way after the excitable Beta.
Sokka slid in beside him as they walked.
"Are you doing okay?"
"I'm fine, Sokka. Really. The nightmares are going away. I'm doing fine."
"Well, if you ever want to talk-"
"I know, you're there."
"And don't forget it."
They were, of course, the last ones to arrive at the at the main courtyard. Katara immediately started fussing. "Zuko, there you are. Sit down and eat. And put your feet up, you need more rest."
With the two Water Tribe siblings' help, Zuko lowered himself down onto Sokka's sleeping bag.
"Katara, I'm fine. I've done nothing but sit all day." In fact, he'd barely done anything but sit all day for the past week and a half.
She pressed a bowl into his hands. "You have less than two months until you give birth. You need all the rest you can get. Especially after everything you've been through."
Zuko sighed. "Fine."
Katara nodded triumphantly. Sokka just chuckled patting Zuko's shoulder.
Of course nothing good lasted long.
A loud explosion started him awake, followed by several more. Aang was already charging out to the edge of the courtyard.
Zuko felt sick as the Fire Nation warships rose up from the fog. He lurched to his feet, retreating towards the others.
Aang and Appa quickly followed. Metal shielding blocked the open front of the courtyard, but the building was already crumbling.
"Katara, watch out!" he yelled.
She moved. A chunk of rock fell where she'd been standing. She shot him a grateful look. "Thanks, Zuko."
He nodded to her. Sokka grabbed his arm, pulling him close protectively.
Haru and Toph opened up a tunnel. "Come on, we can get out through here!"
Sokka herded Zuko towards the tunnel very insistently, one arm firmly around Zuko's back. "Come on."
"Sokka, it's okay, I'm not going to fight half a dozen airships."
"Yeah, I'll believe that when we're not in danger anymore."
Yeah, Zuko probably deserved that one.
"Aang, come on, we've got to get out of here!" Sokka yelled over his shoulder.
Aang and Katara were desperately trying to pull Appa into the tunnel, but the huge bison wasn't budging.
"I can't get him to go in there!" Aang called back, "Appa hates tunnels."
"Aang, there's no way we can fly out of here." Katara said.
"We'll have to find a way."
Sokka grimaced, clutching Zuko even tighter. "We need to split up."
He turned to the others in the tunnel. "Take the tunnel and get to the stolen airship."
"No!" Katara cried, "The Fire Nation can't separate our family again."
Zuko winced.
Hakoda put his hands on her shoulders. "It'll be okay. It's not forever."
With tears in her eyes, Katara hugged him and turned back towards Appa. Sokka let go of Zuko to hug his father, before grabbing Zuko and Suki. The two of them helped Zuko climb up Appa's tail and into the saddle.
Toph pressed her hand against the wall, before propelling herself up into the saddle. "I can clear that away and we can fly out through there."
"Um, there's an awful lot of fire in that general direction." Suki pointed out.
"We'll get through," Aang said from Appa's head, "Let's go."
They blasted through the rocks. Toph held up a rock shield as Appa charged over the ships. Zuko flinched as he saw Azula glaring up at them. "Looks like this is a family visit." He muttered.
Sokka squeezed his shoulder. Zuko pressed himself against Sokka tightly, pressing his face into the crook of Sokka's neck whimpering lowly. Now he had glimpsed what it felt, he was terrified of losing his baby. He couldn't take any more risks, yet here they were: literally flying through fire.
Azula was right there.
"Sh," Sokka soothed, "It's going to be okay. We're going to get out of here."
Katara was fending off fire blasts with her Waterbending. Zuko should have been helping her, but he couldn't move.
Appa twisted and rolled, soaring over the ships. They disappeared in the fog and clouds.
"We did it," Sokka breathed, "We're okay."
"Where do we go now?" Katara asked sullenly.
"I don't know." Aang replied.
Zuko spoke up from Sokka's lap. "I have an idea. We could go to my family's holiday house on Ember Island."
"Uh, wouldn't that be like, the worst place to hide?" said Sokka, carding his hand through Zuko's hair.
"No. It'll be right under his nose. We haven't been in years. He'd never think to look in his own house."
"Well, it's not like we have any better ideas," Aang shrugged, "Ember Island it is."
Zuko sat up to give Aang the directions and then leaned wearily on Sokka's shoulder.
"You doing okay?" Sokka asked softly.
"Not really. I'm tired. And terrified."
"Hey, we're going to keep you safe. I promise."
"I know. But you can't keep me safe from giving birth." Zuko murmured, running a hand over his belly.
Katara spoke up, reaching across to squeeze Zuko's hand. "You won't be alone, Zuko. We'll be with you every step of the way."
Sokka grinned. "Yeah. We have Katara. She can heal your or the baby if something goes wrong."
Worry still clouded Zuko's features. Katara squeezed his hand tightly. "I helped Gran- Gran deliver plenty of babies back home, and Suki and I have delivered one ourselves before."
Zuko looked to Suki.
The Beta warrior nodded. "We did. Everything went well. The baby was fine."
Zuko breathed a sigh of relief that at least someone knew about delivering babies, because he was clueless. "Thank you."
Sokka dramatically spat hair out of his mouth. He looked between Suki, Katara and Zuko. "How do you guys manage to have your hair down all the time?"
Zuko laughed. "Turn around." He pulled the hair tie of Sokka's wrist and deftly pulled his hair up into the wolf tail Sokka was so proud of.
"Oh. Thanks Zuko. When did you become such a good stylist?"
Zuko shrugged and blushed. "Hair is really important in the Fire Nation."
With that he settled back against Sokka's side, cradling his belly.
Dusk was steadily falling by the time they arrived at Ember Island. Through his yawns, Zuko pointed Aang in the direction of the large, secluded house he had so many memories of. They landed in the large courtyard and clambered off; Zuko with Sokka and Katara's help.
"There's plenty of spare rooms." Zuko said as he lead them inside. Making sure to keep clear of his parent's room, Zuko showed each of them to a room. Suki and Toph ended up in guest rooms, Katara in Azula's and Aang in Lu Ten's.
It was just Sokka and Zuko alone in the hallway.
"Sokka… can you sleep with me?"
Sokka stared.
"Not- not like that! Just- I don't- I don't want to be alone."
Sokka smiled. "Of course I will."
Zuko smiled back and pulled Sokka towards one of the rooms. "This one was mine."
It was just like he remembered it. The spacious wardrobe, the large window that let in the sunlight, the stuffed bookcase, the bed bigger than any child could possibly need. But just enough for two teenagers and a baby bump.
Zuko woke Aang just after dawn for Firebending practice. A change of location was no excuse for slacking off. But Aang certainly wasn't slacking off. His flames were more powerful than Zuko had ever seen them- and wielded with a degree of control unrecognisable to the nervous boy and the puff of smoke they'd started with.
Katara and Toph soon appeared, wearing their Fire Nation outfits, sitting down to watch.
Zuko and Aang bowed to each other and concluded the session.
"Doesn't it seem weird that we're hiding from the Firelord in his own house?" Katara asked.
"I told you, my father hasn't come here since our family was actually happy. And that was a long time ago." Zuko groused from his seat on the fountain statue. "It's the last place anyone would think to look for us."
"You guys are not going to believe this!" Sokka yelled as he burst into the courtyard with Suki hot on his heels. "There's a play about us."
"We were just in town and we found this poster." Suki explained.
Sokka held up said poster eagerly. It had vaguely accurate portraits of Aang, Sokka and Katara on it, with Zuko's scar in the background.
"What?" Katara asked, "How is that possible?"
"Listen to this," Sokka said and read out, "The Boy In The Iceberg is a new production from acclaimed playwright Puan Tin, who scoured the globe, gathering information on the Avatar from the icy South Pole to the heart of Ba Sing Se. His sources include singing nomads, pirates, prisoners of war and a surprisingly knowledgeable merchant of cabbage."
Suki continued with, "Brought to you by the critically acclaimed Ember Island Players."
Zuko groaned loudly. "My mother used to take us to us to see them. They butchered Love Amongst The Dragons every year."
"Sokka, do you really think it's a good idea for us to attend a play about ourselves?" Katara asked.
Sokka glanced at Zuko out of the corner of his eye. "Come on. A day at the theatre? This is the kind of wacky, time wasting nonsense I've been missing."
"Sokka, are you sure about this?" Zuko hissed as they made their way out of the house. Even though no one was around, he pulled his hood further over his face. He probably looked less bizarre than Aang, who wore the most ridiculous hat Zuko had ever seen to hide his tattoos. But he'd found it in Lu Ten's room and refused to take it off.
Sokka wrapped an arm around his shoulders. "Yes, I'm sure. A night out is exactly what you need. You need some time away from everything you're worrying about."
"By watching a play about it?"
"Well…"
Zuko chuckled. "I'd prefer an actually good performance of Love Amongst The Dragons, but hopefully this will get my mind of the baby for a little while." He grunted as the baby gave a sharp kick. "Well, as much as I can, at least." He amended.
Sokka grinned and kissed his cheek. "That's the spirit."
It was a short walk to the theatre, but Zuko was out of breath anyway. Sokka chuckled and led him up to the balcony to take their seats. They had two rows in their box. Zuko sunk gratefully onto the second row bench with a loud groan.
"Why are we sitting in the nose bleed section?" Toph complained, "My feet can't see a thing from up here."
"Don't worry," Katara said, "I'll tell your feet what's happening."
The lights dimmed and the curtain rose. Sokka tugged on Zuko's cloak excitedly. He leaned forwards and grabbed Katara's shoulder, pointing at the stage. Zuko had to admit the backdrop was pretty nice. It showed an icy sea, with what could only be Katara and Sokka in a boat.
'Katara' stood, sighing dramatically. Zuko already had criticisms. Katara was a teenager, so why did the actress playing her have more cleavage exposed than any 14 year old should? Especially in the South Pole, of all places. And Zuko could see her heavy face of makeup from the back.
Then she spoke. "Sokka, my only brother. We constantly roam these icy South Pole seas and yet never do we find anything fulfilling."
Oh Agni.
'Sokka' had perhaps the most annoying voice Zuko had ever heard. "All I want is a full feeling in my stomach. I'm starving." He turned obnoxiously to the audience and there was an obedient round of laughter.
Sokka and Katara turned to each other with flabbergasted expressions.
"Is food the only thing on your mind?" 'Katara' asked.
"Well, I'm trying to get it out of my mouth and into my mouth. I'm starving."
More laughter.
Sokka flopped forward. "This is pathetic. My jokes are way funnier than this." He seethed.
Toph laughed. "I think he's got you pegged."
Zuko patted his shoulder comfortingly as he slumped back with a pout.
'Katara' stood up in the boat. "Every day, the world awaits a beacon to guide us, yet none appears." Was that a leg slit in her dress? Had this supposedly acclaimed playwright ever been to the South Pole?
"Still, we cannot give up hope, for hope is all we have." She slumped back into the boat, clutching the sides. Zuko almost thought she'd collapsed, but she kept talking. "And we must never relinquish it, even… even to our dying breath." Then she broke into dramatic, obnoxiously fake sobbing.
Katara scoffed. "Well that's just silly. I don't sound like that."
Sokka, Toph and Suki snickered. Zuko couldn't help but grin slightly.
"Oh man, this writer's a genius." Toph crowed.
A spotlight appeared on stage. An iceberg prop was wheeled into view.
"It appears to be someone frozen in ice, perhaps for 100 years." Because that was how people talked.
"But who?" 'Sokka' asked. "Who is the boy in the iceberg?"
The two actors climbed the fake iceberg. A silhouette of Aang was being waved about at the top. The real Aang leaned forward in his seat excitedly.
"Waterbend! Hi yah!" the actor Katara called. Zuko was offended by the mockery of Waterbending. He could only imagine how Katara felt.
The circle on the top of the iceberg open up with a gush of steam. 'Aang' popped up with a cheeky grin and struck a pose.
"Who are you, frozen boy?" 'Katara' asked. She had two leg slits apparently, both exposing her entire leg. Did no one realise she was a 14 year old from the South Pole?
'Aang' laughed. "I'm the Avatar, silly, here to spread joy and fun."
No, that was not what the Avatar was for.
"Wait, is that a woman playing me?" Aang asked incredulously. Zuko couldn't be bothered to explain it was probably because she was light and could do the wire work there almost certainly was. The Ember Island Players liked to use flashy stage effects to make their plays look better; they'd been like that since he was a child.
An absolutely ridiculous Appa puppet appeared from behind the iceberg, which ran around the stage growling and barking. Zuko scowled.
'Katara' gasped. "An Airbender. My heart is so full of hope that it's making me tear bend." She fell to her knees and clutched 'Aang's' leg, sobbing dramatically.
"My stomach is so empty that it's making me tear bend." 'Sokka' said, copying 'Katara'. "I need meat!"
'Aang' pointed. "But wait. Is that a platter of meaty dumplings?"
"Ooh, where, where?"
'Aang' laughed obnoxiously. "Did I mention that I'm an incurable prankster?"
No, because Aang wasn't.
The audience laughed.
"I don't do that." Aang complained. "That's not what I'm like. And I'm not a woman!"
Toph laughed because of course she did. "Oh, they nailed you Tinkle Toes."
Zuko grimaced as a Fire Nation ship rolled on stage. Oh dear Agni, was that meant to be his uncle?
"Prince Zuko, you must try this cake."
"I don't have time to stuff my face." The Zuko actor retorted, wearing a ridiculous cap over his head to give him the pony tail and scar. On the wrong side. "I must capture the Avatar to regain my honour."
"Well, while you do that, maybe I'll capture another slice." 'Iroh' said. He shoved his face into the cake and made horrendous eating noises.
"You sicken me."
Zuko scowled, crossing his arms over his belly. "They make me look totally stiff and humourless."
Katara grinned snidely. "Actually, I think that actor's pretty spot on."
"How could you say that?" Zuko yelped. Sokka pulled him into a hug to restrain him.
"Let's forget about the Avatar and get massages." 'Iroh' said.
"How could you say that?" 'Zuko' boomed.
Zuko just scowled into Sokka's shoulder. "That's not what Uncle's like." He muttered.
"I know." Sokka soothed, rubbing his back.
Oh, for Agni's sake, now he was crying. It was just so horrible and degrading. Uncle didn't deserve that at all. Why was everyone laughing? They didn't know Uncle at all, but they were being fed this, so they'd think he was a sloven pig. It wasn't fair.
'Aang' pulled the most horrific puppet Momo out of a bush. "It's a flying rabbit- monkey."
No he wasn't. Anyone with half a brain cell could see he was a lemur.
Then she made the damn thing talk. Who in their right mind thought Momo could talk? Aang groaned loudly over the audience's laughter. Zuko 100% agreed with him.
Suki laughed as 'Sokka' came on stage in the Kiyoshi Warrior uniform. Sokka pouted.
'Katara' made orgasmic moans as she was encased in crystals and 'Sokka' was chased around by a man in a bunny costume.
Then there was a pirate fight. 'Katara's' legs were on full display and she was crying about hope again.
Katara did not look amused.
Zuko buried his head in Sokka's shoulder in despair when 'Aang' was rescued from 'Zuko' by the 'Blue Spirit'. Not only was the 'Spirit's' voice incredibly annoying, the mask spanned the actor's entire body. As if that was in any way practical.
"Wait, weren't you the Blue Spirit?" Sokka asked.
Zuko nodded.
"Cool."
Zuko and Aang exchanged looks as 'Aang' rode off stage on the 'Blue Spirit's' head.
Wait- Jet and Katara had been a thing? Zuko pulled his hood over his eyes, but Katara said nothing. Obviously. How could she know about him and Jet?
Toph laughed and Katara blushed at the actors' theatrical lust.
Tears filled Sokka's eyes as Yue floated upwards. Suki laughed.
"You never told me you made out with the Moon Spirit."
"Shh, I'm trying to watch."
Zuko just patted his shoulder sympathetically.
'Aang' cheered as she smashed a bunch of toy boats dressed in an Ocean Spirit costume. She had a doll of Zhao in her hand. Zuko wanted to be sick.
With that, the first act closed. The audience applauded and cheered, Toph joining in loudly. Aang groaned just as loudly.
They gathered outside on a balcony, sitting on the steps. Zuko scowled. "So far, this intermission is the best part of the play."
Sokka slumped down next to him with a helping of jerky. "Apparently, the playwright thinks I'm an idiot who tells bad jokes about meat all the times."
"Yeah, you tell bad jokes about plenty of other topics." Suki teased.
"I know!"
Zuko reached over and swiped a stick of jerky.
"Hey! That's my comfort food!"
"Eating for two." Zuko shrugged, patting his belly.
Sokka groaned.
"At least the Sokka actor kind of looks like you." Aang groused. "That woman playing the Avatar doesn't resemble me at all."
Yeah, Zuko wasn't wasting his breath trying to explain about the wire works.
"I don't know," Toph shrugged, "You are more in touch with your feminine side than most guys."
Aang growled. Zuko flinched in surprise. He didn't think he'd ever heard Aang growl before.
"Relax, Aang," Katara soothed, "They're not accurate portrayals. It's not like I'm a preachy cry baby who can't resist giving overemotional speeches about hope all the time."
Everyone stared at her.
"What?"
Nope, Zuko was not taking that one.
"Yeah," Aang grumbled as he sat back down, "That's not you at all."
"Listen friends," Toph said, "It's obvious that the playwright did his research. I know it must hurt, but what you're seeing up there on that stage is the truth."
Did his research? He couldn't get Zuko's scar on the right side. He had literal wanted posters and banishment notices all over the Fire Nation. It wasn't that hard to get right. So no, what he was seeing on stage wasn't in fact the truth, thank you Toph.
"Well, here we are in the Earth Kingdom." 'Katara' said.
"I'd better have a look around to see if I can find an Earthbending teacher." 'Aang' said. She held up a tiny stick. Zuko had to squint to see that it was his glider. Seriously? Could they not have made a better one? Zuko was trying his best to ignore the goings on, on stage, scrutinising the poster instead.
"This is it," Toph exclaimed, brimming with excitement, "This must be where I come in."
'Aang' flew around the theatre and landed back on stage. "I flew all over town and I couldn't find a single Earthbending master."
"Here it comes." Toph grinned.
The fake boulder on stage lifted up to reveal a big burly man with Toph's hair and clothes. Huh. Okay. "You can't find an Earthbending master in the sky. You have to look underground."
The others burst out laughing. Zuko raised his head from the poster and stared in confusion.
"Who are you?" 'Aang' asked.
"My name's Toph, because it sounds like tough, and that's just what I am." 'Toph' said.
"Wait a minute," Toph said, "I sound like a guy. A really buff guy."
Katara grinned. "Well, Toph, what you hear up there is the truth. It hurts, doesn't it?"
"Are you kidding me? I wouldn't have cast it any other way. And least it's not a flying bald lady."
Aang scowled.
Well, at least Toph was happy.
Zuko flinched into Sokka when the Toph actor let out unearthly scream. Sokka pulled him close, a growl rising in his throat.
There was a round of applause, but Zuko could barely hear it over the blood rushing in his ears. The baby kicked angrily.
"You okay?" Sokka asked.
Zuko nodded. "Yeah. Just startled. I'm a little jumpy, I guess."
"Zuko," 'Iroh' said, "It's time we had a talk. About your hair. It's gone too far."
'Zuko', now sporting a cap with longer, flowy hair, said, "Maybe it's best if we split up."
Any laughter was quickly silenced by Zuko's burning glare.
Their portrayal of Azula was laughable, but it was Azula, so no one did.
Zuko flinched when 'Jet' started flailing about on stage. He clutched Sokka tightly when a rock fell on top of him. His throat was tight when he spoke. "Did- did Jet just die?"
"You know, it was really unclear." Sokka mused.
The sounds of the play faded out of Zuko's ears. All he could hear was Jet is dead. But he couldn't be. No. No. No. His hands tightened around his belly. His baby's father was dead. When they were together, Jet had off handedly mentioned that he didn't want kids, but Zuko had been thinking about trying to find him when this was all over, to tell him he did have a child.
Now he'd never get the chance.
Jet wouldn't even know he had a child.
Zuko didn't have any fairy tale notions. He was well aware he wouldn't tell Jet about the baby and they'd be happy family. Zuko didn't want that. But for Jet to have died never even knowing, that just wasn't fair. Why did Zuko always get the worst luck? Why did the people around him always suffer for it?
"I have to admit, Prince Zuko, I really find you attractive." 'Katara' purred.
"You don't have to make fun of me." 'Zuko' snapped.
"But I mean it."
Zuko wanted to vomit and it looked like Sokka did as well. And Katara. And Aang.
"I've had eyes for you since the day you first captured me."
Katara and Zuko sharply avoided each other's gazes. Zuko pressed closer to Sokka as Sokka's grip on him tightened.
"Wait," 'Zuko' said, "I thought you were the Avatar's Alpha."
Aang nodded.
'Katara' laughed. It was a horrible sound. "The Avatar? Why, he's like a little brother to me. I certainly don't think of him in a romantic way. Besides, how could he ever find out about this?"
The two actors pressed together, with romantic music playing. Zuko cocooned himself in his cloak, ducking his head into Sokka's side.
Aang stood up.
"Oh, you're getting up?" Sokka whispered, "Can you get me some fire flakes?" Zuko glowered as he was dislodged. "Oh and fire gummies."
"Well brother, what's it going to be? Your nation or a life of treachery?" 'Azula' asked.
"Choose treachery," 'Iroh' grinned, "It's more fun."
'Zuko' went and stood by 'Iroh'.
"No way!" 'Azula' exclaimed.
"I am an Omega. I don't have the strength to be the prince my nation deserves." 'Zuko' swooned.
The Earth Kingdom banner fell down, landing on 'Iroh' and 'Zuko'.
Zuko sighed despondently.
"What?" Sokka hissed furiously.
"It doesn't matter."
'Mai' and 'Ty Lee' over took the Earth King. Once again, it was an absolute mockery of everyone's skills. Then 'Aang' vaulted over.
"Avatar State, yip yip!"
Oh, come on.
The stage lights dimmed. The actor had luminescent paint over her eyelids and skull cap tattoo, which glowed in a poor imitation of the Avatar State. She was hoisted into the air with rope. The backdrop lit up with the outline of a bear.
'Azula' rose up, also wearing luminescent paint. "Not if my lightning can help it!"
'Aang's' eyelid opened slightly to grab the blue ribbon 'Azula' flung at her.
She was lowered back down and laid on the ground.
"The Avatar is no more." 'Azula' declared.
Zuko facepalmed as the audience started cheering. He'd expected it, but the others clearly hadn't. He hadn't thought to warn them about the almost definite Fire Nation propaganda the play would be full of. He was kind of expecting them to have figured. Judging by their faces, he was wrong.
It was probably a good thing Aang hadn't come back yet.
This time, they migrated to the corridor just outside of the box. Zuko just slumped onto the floor- slowly, with Sokka's help.
"It seems like every time there's a big battle, you guys barely make it out alive." Suki said. "I mean you guys lose a lot."
"You're one to talk, Suki," Sokka snarked from his position at Zuko's side, "Didn't Azula take you captive? That's right, she did."
"Are you trying to get on my bad side?"
"I'm just saying."
"Does anyone know where Aang is?" Katara interrupted.
"He left to get me fire gummies, like, 10 minutes ago. And I'm still waiting." Sokka said.
"I'm gonna check outside." Katara said, already walked off."
A young child ran past in an Aang costume excitedly. Zuko's maternal instincts had been running rampant recently, so normally he'd have more patience, but right now, he really wanted to yell.
"Suki, what are the chances you can get me backstage? I got some jokes I want to give to the actor me."
"I'm an elite warrior who's trained for many years in the art of stealth. I think I could get you backstage."
"Zuko, do you mind?"
Zuko waved him away. "Go. Someone might as well have fun tonight. I have Toph to protect me if anything goes wrong."
And then there were two.
"Geez, everyone's getting so upset about their characters. Even you seem more down than usual, and that's saying something." Toph said.
Well, he had been insulted, watched his uncle be insulted and learned the Alpha who fathered his baby was dead. What was she expecting, smiles and songs?
"You don't get it. It's different for you. You get a muscly version of yourself taking down 10 bad guys at once and making sassy remarks."
"Yeah, that's pretty great."
"But for me, it takes all the mistakes I've made in my life and shoves them back in my face. My uncle, he's always been on my side, even when things were bad. He was there for me. He taught me so much, and how do I repay him? By letting him be captured and not bothering to rescue him because I got myself knocked up. And I just had to sit through and watch while the people we're trying to save made a mockery of him."
Toph sat down beside him. "Zuko, your uncle doesn't care about any of that. You don't realize it, but he doesn't."
"How do you know?"
"Because I once had a long conversation with the guy and all he would talk about was you."
Zuko pushed his hood back, his eyes shining hopefully. "Really?"
"Yeah, and it was kind of annoying."
"Oh, sorry."
Toph leaned into his shoulder, nuzzling him. She was scenting him. He didn't stop her. "But it was also very sweet. All your uncle wanted was for you to find your own path and see the light. And you did and you're here with us. He's proud. Plus, he's already got the grandpa vibe going for him. I think he'd be thrilled to be an actual grandpa."
Zuko smiled.
Toph punched his arm.
"Ow! What was that for?"
"That's how I show affection." She shrugged.
The Aang kid ran past again. This time he stopped to look at Zuko. "Your Zuko costume's pretty good, but your scar's on the wrong side." Then he was running off again.
"The scar's not on the wrong side!" Zuko yelled, yanking his hood back down again.
Toph burst out laughing.
Zuko groaned as the baby started up another round of battering his insides. "Firefly settle down. Please."
Toph grinned and pressed her head and her hands against Zuko's belly.
"Toph, you're squishing me."
"Eh, you're already being squished. You can deal with it."
"Thanks."
Katara stormed over with a face like thunder. Zuko grimaced at the scent of upset Alpha.
"Is everything okay?" he asked tentatively.
"Everything's fine." She said curtly.
Everything clearly wasn't, but Zuko wasn't going to press an upset Alpha when he was on the ground and unable to defend himself. If Toph started a fight, he'd kill her. Thankfully, she remained more interested in feeling the baby's movements.
Suki came back with a few smug Sokka in tow.
"The third act's about to start. Shall he head back inside?" Sokka glanced around. "Where's Aang?"
"He'll come inside when he's ready." Katara said.
Sokka shrugged.
Zuko held his hands out and Sokka and Toph helped him slowly clamber to his feet.
"I swear you're getting heavier every day." Sokka said.
"I know." Zuko groaned despairingly. He waved off Sokka's offer for help as he sank back onto the bench.
Sokka pulled something out his pocket. "Oh, here, before I forget. I got you these."
"You got me fire flakes?" Zuko sniffled.
"Well you've been complaining you want them daily now. I figured you'd start burning things if you didn't get any soon."
Sokka grunted as Zuko collided with him in an awkward hug. "Okay then." He laughed.
Zuko released him, only to start munching his way through the fire flakes.
He only moaned with joy once.
Eventually Aang returned. Instead of taking his previous seat, he sat down next to Sokka. Zuko might have growled protectively if he wasn't so contented with the fire flakes.
"Here's what you missed," Sokka whispered, "We went to the Fire Nation, and you got better, and Katara was the Painted Lady, and I got a sword and I think Combustion Man died. Ooh look. The invasion's about to start. Sh."
'Aang' and 'Katara' stood on top of the submarine.
"I just want to let you know, Aang," 'Katara' said, "That I'll always love you. Like a brother."
"I wouldn't want it any other way." 'Aang' said. The two shook hands and nodded to each other. Then 'Aang' flew away.
The real Aang blushed furiously and pulled his hat over his head.
"Hey Toph," 'Sokka' said, "Would you say you and Aang have a rocky relationship?"
Sokka yanked his arm away from Zuko's shoulders, laughing hysterically. He grabbed Zuko, looking at him dementedly for a moment, then pulled Aang's hat up and did the same to him. "I told him to say that."
Then he put his arm back around Zuko. Zuko rolled his eyes, leaning fondly into Sokka's side. Actually, he was exhausted. Maybe it wouldn't hurt to rest his eyes for a little while. He didn't care about the stupid play anyway.
It would be nice though if Sokka actually sat still.
"I guess that's it. The play's caught up to the present now." Sokka said, unwinding himself from Zuko and standing up to stretch.
"Wait," Suki said, "The play's not over."
Zuko pulled him back down and he retook his pillow position with an amused chuckle.
"But it is over," he said, "Unless this is the future."
Zuko shuddered and curled into Sokka when Firelord Ozai appeared on stage. Sokka held him tightly and nuzzled him. "With the energy harnessed from that comet, no one will be able to stop the Fire Nation!"
'Azula' ran on stage. "Father, Zuko and the Avatar are at the palace. They are trying to stop you."
"You take care of Zuko. I shall face the Avatar myself." He disappeared in a puff of smoke.
'Zuko' and 'Aang' appeared on stage.
"Aang, you find the Firelord. I'll hold her off." 'Zuko' said.
"You are no longer my brother." 'Azula' said. "You are an enemy."
"No, I am the rightful heir to the throne."
"We'll see, little Omega."
The two actors danced around throwing ribbons at each other. 'Azula' waved her hand and fake flames shot up from the floor. They covered 'Zuko'. He went down a trap door, yelling "Honour!"
'Azula' bowed to the audience.
The audience burst out cheering and applauding.
Zuko's eyes widened and he hid in Sokka's chest from the others' horrified gasps. A furious growl rose in Sokka's throat. Zuko had to push him back down.
"Sokka! Sokka, it's okay!"
"Okay? Zuko, did you see what they did?"
"I know, I know. But there's nothing you can do about it, so please just calm down."
Sokka took a deep breath. "Sorry, I'm sorry. I'm calm now, I promise." He held out his arm.
Zuko appreciated it. He crawled into Sokka's embrace willingly.
As horrifying it was an image, the fight between 'Ozai' and 'Aang' was well choreographed and the special effects were good. A huge fabric fire twisted around 'Aang'. She yelled and collapsed to the floor.
"It is over Father," 'Azula' said, "We've done it."
"Yes, we have done it. The dreams of my father and my father's father have now been realised. The world is mine."
Fake flames covered the stage and a Fire Nation banner rolled down from the ceiling.
Cheers and applause.
The group just stared.
"That wasn't a good play." Zuko said as they left the theatre.
"I'll say." Aang said.
"No kidding." Katara said.
"Horrible." Suki said.
"I'll say." Toph said. Her opinion had quickly soured when people started cheering for the deaths of her friends.
"But the effects were decent." Sokka said.
Zuko just sighed.
Sokka turned to him. "I'm really sorry I dragged us out here. I just wanted to something nice, and it backfired terribly."
Zuko nuzzled his shoulder. "It's okay. I appreciate the thought."
"But seriously, what was that out there?" Toph asked, "They were cheering for your death and what were all those jabs about you being an Omega for?"
Zuko huffed. "It's a Fire Nation play. It's full of propaganda, obviously. I'm a traitor to my nation. The idea is to portray me in a negative light so no one will root for me against my father. Same for Aang. And I told you that Omegas are seen as lesser in the Fire Nation, so they'll use whatever they have to discredit me."
"That sucks." Toph said.
"Yeah, it does."
Sokka tugged him closer, on the verge of growling again. Zuko clasped his hand and nuzzled him again, this time with a healthy dose of calming Omega scent. Sokka immediately relaxed.
"It could have been worse," Zuko shrugged, "My pregnancy could have been made public, but it wasn't."
"I guess that is a good thing." Sokka said.
"I just wish I knew why my father is keeping it a secret. I don't think even Azula knows."
"Hey, it's going to be fine." Sokka said.
Zuko pressed his free hand to his belly. "I hope so."
By the time they got back to the house, Zuko was out of breath and slightly limping. He waved away everyone's concern and sent them all to their rooms for some sleep. The only one who he couldn't shake was of course Sokka. Zuko just rolled his eyes at the Alpha's flapping and fussing.
"Sokka I'm fine. It's just hard work carrying this around all day and my feet are a little sore, that's all. I already asked Katara about it and she said it was fine."
"Well, this is your lucky day, because one of my numerous hidden talents is being really good at massages."
Zuko raised his eyebrow. Sokka grinned and led him up to their room. Zuko slumped into an armchair, groaning softly. Sokka knelt at his feet and gently slipped his boots of.
"Here. How's this?"
Zuko moaned with satisfaction. "You are good at this."
"I told you I was. Now shush and enjoy it."
Zuko most definitely did. Sokka had magic hands or something, because this was the best massage he'd ever gotten; and he was a prince, he'd had quite a few. He'd never enjoyed any of them like he did Sokka's. Maybe because it was Sokka- no, because this was just a really, really nice massage.
"Hey, Zuko. Are you still awake there?"
"Yeah." Zuko took a deep breath, pushing back the tears. "Sokka I have to tell you something."
Sokka gave him a puzzled, worried look. "What is it?"
"The baby. It's Jet's. I didn't know you had a history with him, I'm sorry I kept it from you and I completely understand if this changes how you feel."
Sokka just stared at him blankly.
"Sokka?"
"Jet wasn't a great guy. But he didn't deserve to die, and you don't deserve having to deal with this mess. But it doesn't change anything for me. You said the dad wasn't involved and knowing he tried to get with my sister doesn't change that. I stand by what I said before. This is your baby. That's all that matters to me."
Zuko burst into tears. Sokka helped him stand and Zuko buried his head into Sokka's chest.
"Thank you."
"Any time."
Their hands rested together on Zuko's bump.
