"Stay back!" I held the swords out at Zuko.
"JJ we both know I'm no match for you so put the swords down." I contemplated my options.
"It doesn't matter cause I'm defenseless without them. Hello?" I hit the metal floor with my foot. "Nothing to bend genius."
"Fine! Keep the swords!" He fumed. I relaxed a little and picked up the doll Iroh got me and petted it's hair. Zuko let out a strained sigh. "Can we at least talk?"
"What's there to talk about?"
"Uncle can we have some privacy?" Iroh nodded leaving the room.
"What do you want to talk about that requires Iroh leaving?"
"Look I'm sorry JJ."
"Wait what?!" My eyes grew wide in surprise.
"I didn't mean to hurt you all those years ago. And to be frank I haven't thought about it in a long time, but I now understand how my father made you feel."
"What do you mean?" I sit down putting the swords away and allowing him to sit next to me. He lightly touched his scar.
"About three years ago my father burned me." He held his knees to his chest.
"What?!" I shrieked. My fury had risen against the Fire Lord.
"It was my fault. I spoke out of turn and I had to fight him in Agni Kai."
"What's Agni Kai?" I simmered down a little.
"In the fire nation, Agni Kai is a battle in which you fight for your honor. I didn't want to fight my father. He said I showed cowardice and must find the avatar to regain my honor."
"So he burned you and sent you on an impossible mission?"
"You're one to talk miss I'll destroy everything the fire Lord holds dear."
"Hey I'm not expecting to stay alive in the end. And I know I'll at least make a dent in his plans."
"You're as reckless as me." I laughed feeling like I did all those years ago. Suddenly his expression hardened.
"I'm sorry for burning you. I didn't mean to hit you."
"It's fine I guess. I'm sorry about what your father did."
"Thanks." I scooted over so I sat in front of him and lightly touched his scar.
"To be honest though, I like you like this. It doesn't change who you are." He smiled a little at my words.
"Zuko?"
"Yeah?"
"If your father did this to you, then why are you doing what he says?"
"Because I must regain my honor. I have to get back to reclaim what's rightfully mine. I just want to go home"
"Some home."