I Do Not Own Miraculous or Avatar.

Chapter Forty-Two: A Subtle Warning.

Zuko fell ill immediately after the Lake Laogai incident. According to Iroh, the stress had been too much for him or there was something off about his spirit or some nonsense like that. All Zuko knew was that he felt terrible. He was hot and cold all at once. Thirsty but not. Hungry, but nauseous. Zuko could barely stand for several days as his nightmares were plagued with dreams of dragons fight over his loyalties. It was official. Zuko was never going to let Adrien make him read another play about stupid dragons again. Between Love Amongst Dragons, The Final Chronicles of Dragons, and The Dragon Keeper, Zuko was literally sick of dragon plays and it was reflecting in his dreams.

The days that passed after Lake Laogai were a blur. He slept for most of them, hoping to drive away the terrible sickness he'd gotten. Then one day, Zuko woke up, covered in sweat, but with clarity and his migraine and thirst almost gone. He glanced around the room he was in, rechecking that he was still in Ba Sing Se and that he hadn't been dreaming about that too. He was surprised to find Adrien, fast asleep in a chair beside him with Plagg curled up and asleep in his now messy golden hair. Next to Adrien was his Uncle Iroh, who had also fallen asleep. Their were lines of worry etched on their faces, each looking equally exhausted. He was in awe. He did not realise they cared so much.

"You must be something special. They wouldn't sleep all night, they were so worried about you. Of course, Adrien has always been a person who fights for those he cares about." A female voice said. Zuko whipped his head over and saw a pretty girl who was familiar although he was certain he's never met her. She had hair of black that went to her shoulders, bright blue eyes, and green Earth Kingdom garbs.

"When he and I first met, I was a very shy person. Admittedly, my home life was perfect. We didn't have much, but it was enough. But I was never confident. I believed that what I did had no impact in the world. That's what Chloe always told me. She said I was nothing, and I believed her." She chuckled lowly, "I first set eyes on him as Cat Noir. I had been told that I was to protect our city with another person, they never really told me who it would be. I was scared, and I was looking where I was going and I accidently tangled us both in my yo-yo cord. I didn't know it then, or for a while after, but we fell in love that day. Later, I met him as Adrien Agreste. I didn't like Adrien much. Chloe was his only friend and she was a terrible person. I only assumed he was the same. I didn't know how wrong I was. The time came for our second fight came, and I was ready to give it all up… but he didn't let me. He gave me the courage I needed, and as Adrien, how began to show subtle acts of kindness towards me and everyone that made me fall completely in love with him. Then, one day I met Chloe's mother, and I understood why he was her friend. Her mother could barely recall her name and cared only about getting what she wanted. Chloe was always trying to please her, but it never seemed to be enough. Slowly I saw the makings of a hero in Chloe, and she became Queen Bee. A hero."

"You're Ladybug." Zuko said softly in realisation, "Adrien's partner."

She gave him a curt nod.

"And you're Prince Zuko, Son of Fire Lord Ozai." Zuko winced. Adrien had told her?

"No. He didn't have to tell me because I already knew about you. We've met before. I was the girl who gave your uncle medical supplies when Azula lashed out at him. The girl in red with the yo-yo. Magic prevented you from recognizing me though. I recognized you the instant I came into the room."

"Why did you tell me all of that?" Zuko asked. Ladybug shook her head.

"I honestly didn't know what to expect when I was told he and I would be visiting his sick friend, Lee. When I got here, I knew who you were and Adrien instantly defended you to me. I wasn't sure what to think of you. Last time we meet, you seemed conflicted on your loyalties. You were still after the Avatar, trying to please your father, and best your sister. Adrien told me to give you a chance. At first, I was unsure. Then I remembered Chloe. A girl no one thought could possibly be a hero. No one, but Adrien. I knew it was like that. Adrien sees things in people that anyone else wouldn't. He has spent his whole life isolated from people, so now that he is allowed to be with them, he only wishes to see the best in them. I love that about him, and I wish more people thought that way. I'm not sure what he sees you are, but if you are a man worthy of Adrien Agreste's word and protection, then you are a man I promise to protect too. I have only been involved in this war for two months. I only know one side of the story, and you are the rare condition of a man who has seen both sides. Right now, you haven't chosen a side, and hopefully, you will never have to make that choice, but I know the chances of that are unlikely. I know you'll choose your father."

"What?" Zuko asked, sitting up.

"You, like Adrien, although he denies it now, constantly seek out the support of your father. I can't tell you I understand what it feels like to be rejected by your parents, but from what I've seen in Adrien, who constantly worked to please his father and Chloe, who constantly tried to earn her mother's love and attention, I know there is nothing easy about that. But I would like to tell you something before you dare try and make that choice." She leaned in closer, her eyes dead serious, "You are not a bad person. You rescued Adrien for me, and for that, I am forever grateful. You do care. You can deny it, but I know you care. You are strong. You always have been. If you are like Adiren, then I know you had to be strong to make it so far. If your father fails to see this in you or love you as you are, then he is unworthy to even dare call you his son, not the other way around. I know Adrien will still care about you, no matter the choice you make. He did with Chloe, and I know he still cares about his father. He will be waiting for you if you think you've chosen wrong or if you think you've chosen right." Ladybug stood. Zuko followed him with his eyes.

"I will warn you though." She said darkly, "If you ever hurt him, I will find you. You will pay. Everyone knows that he doesn't deserve to be hurt. He's too gentile of a spirit. Is that understood?"

"Yes Ma'am."

"Good." She turned to her partner, gentilly shaking him.

"Adrien, wake up. Zuko's conscious." She said softly. The boy stirred. His Kwami let out a irritated meow as he lifted his head and opened his eyes.

"Milady?" She pointed at Zuko.

"I'll leave you two to catch up." She said, "I've been trying to make those chocolate croissants you liked in Paris all morning. The ingredients are a little different though, so it's been a task." Instantly Adrien perked up.

"Well then hurry up, milady. This cat is hungry!" Adrien said. She smiled sweetly at him and left the two in silence.

"...Your girlfriend is kinda scary, Adrien." Zuko finally said.

"When she wants to be… although we aren't officially dating yet. We have been getting much closer."

"Well, she definitely loves you. I think I just got threatened." Zuko deadpanned. Adrien chuckled, blushing madly.

"Yeah. She's amazing, isn't she?"

"You should ask her on a date." Zuko suggested. Adrien looked at him in amusement.

"Prince Zuko, giving me relationship advice? That's rich! Remind me again who flunked his date not even two weeks ago?"

"That's because I had a girlfriend in the Fire Nation before all of this… her name was Mai."

"Huh. I think that lady tried to kill Marinette… er… that's Ladybug's real name… once."

"That wouldn't surprise me. Mai is like that, besides… she's one of my sister's best friends."

"Ouch." Adrien was with a wince, "That's gotta be rough."

"You have no idea." Zuko replied, "But you should seriously try asking."

"And, what? You'll be my wingman? I'd pay good money to see that. Besides… look at her, she's amazing. I can't just ask her on a lousy date." Adrien said, rolling his eyes, "It would never be enough for what use means to me. We are connected by fate due to our Miraculouses being made to balance each other and we've been dancing around the prospect of dating for years now. I can't simply ask Marinette out."

"You need to stop being a baby. Tell you what. How about the two of you come by the Jasmine Dragon later this week and you ask her then?"

"I don't know, I mean. Would she like that?"

"How should I know? She's your girlfriend." Zuko grunted.

"Well it was your idea, and you have been on a date before. What do girl's like?"

"I don't know? Flowers? I'm not a girl Adrien. I'm a prince."

"Well neither am I!" Adrien said in panic. There was a low chuckle and Zuko realized his uncle had woken up.

"I'm glad to see you are doing better nephew, but you really should rest more, you aren't well." Zuko moaned, laying back down. He was fine. Sure his head stuff hurt a little and he still felt queasy and dizzy, but he wasn't as sick as before. Iroh looked over at Adrien.

"You should start simple. Sometimes the little, everyday gestures of affection are what a woman looks for in a lover. Love is special to every couple, but a good man will treat his wife or girlfriend with the highest respect. He would listen to her needs and wants and consider her well being at all times. Likewise, a good woman will listen to her husband or boyfriend and remain wholly dedicated to him, advising him and keeping him from going astray. Treating him with high respect as well. Lovers are there in both good and bad times. They are slow to anger, quick to understand and forgive. They are a team, watching out for each other constantly. If you really do love Marinette Dupain-Cheng, you should tell her that you feel that way, then you should listen to her when she responds. You should do little things to remind her you care and always ask her what she would like before doing what you would like. I miss the joy of being with my wife, but I remember that my love for her was something like that." Iroh advised Adrien, "Asking her to come to my tea shop to discuss the feelings you to feel is not a terrible idea. It's a small, kind gesture. One she would likely appreciate."

"...Okay… I guess I'll just do that then." Adrien said, his face flustered red. Zuko managed a small smile. Adrien was really overreacting. Any girl who would stand up to the Dai Li, Zuko, and likely even Adrien's own father for Adrien's sake was definitely the girl for him. Besides, Adrien was insanely sappy, and from the stories he heard about Ladybug, she was too. They were both hopeless romantics. They were made for each other and it was disgusting to watch his friend fall head over heels for a girl, but Zuko had to admit, he was happy for Adrien. He had everything he'd ever wanted. Zuko wished he was that lucky.