Jay's POV

Zuko, for once in his life, seemed happy. What was that look on his face earlier? Was it... Worry? Don't be ridiculous Jay. Why would Zuko give a damn about you?

I painfully leaned against the crumbling wall trying to get comfortable. "So um... Iroh... What happened?" He looked up from his tea.

"Azula shot her lightning at you and you got hit."

"Ok... Then explain to me how I'm alive. She got me in the chest right?"

"Yes she did. You are actually very fortunate to be alive little Jay." I thought over what he told me.

"Other than that, what were you guys doing here? And why are you dressed as though you're part of the earth nation?" Zuko was the one that spoke this time.

"My crew was taken away from me and some pirates destroyed my ship. We had to hide out and become refugees. I... I mean we are now traitors to the fire nation." The words were sour on his tongue.

"Well I guess you kinda know how I feel. But that doesn't explain why you are here." Zuko looked at his Uncle.

"Well I was traveling by myself for a while."

"What?! You left Iroh?!"

"I needed to figure some things out! It seems he was following me though." He honestly doesn't know how good he has it.

"So Uncle... I've been thinking. It's only a matter of time before I run into Azula again. I'm going to need to learn more advanced firebending if I'm going to stand a chance against her. I know what you're going to say. She's my sister and I should try getting along with her."

"No... She's crazy and she needs to go down. It's time to resume your training."

I space out a little as Iroh continues to lecture Zuko. Suddenly they both got up and began leaving.

"Wait! Where are you going?" I asked a little panicked.

"We're just going outside to train Zuko, little Jay. Don't worry. I'm sure you wouldn't want him training in here."

"Please take me." I pleaded a little hasty. "Don't leave me alone." Iroh nodded and Zuko helped me up and took me outside and gently sat me down on a rock shaded by a tree. I watched as Iroh explained how lightning is made. He began producing it and shot it into the sky. From how Iroh explained it, it didn't seem as though Zuko was capable of doing it. Zuko copied Iroh's moves, but when he tried shooting it out it blew up and he flung back. I winced trying to get up, but Iroh warned me to stay seated.

20 minutes later

"Why can't I do it?! Instead of lightning it just blows up in my face! Like everything always does." His voice cracked.

Poor Zuko. He must've had a harder life than I thought. Of course Agni Kai must've been life changing but it seems there's something else.

Iroh tried to explain to him why he couldn't do it. Zuko looked down ashamed at himself. Ok honestly I know this is hard but does he honestly believe he'll get it the first day? He's so privileged! Or was I guess...

I watched as Iroh take a different approach and teach Zuko how to redirect lightning.

"Ok I'm ready to try with real lightning." My ears perked up at his response.

"ARE YOU INSANE?!" Iroh held up his hand silencing me.

"What are you crazy? Lightning is very dangerous."

"I thought that was the point. You teaching me how to protect myself from it."

"YEAH BUT I'M NOT GOING TO SHOOT LIGHTNING AT YOU!" Iroh's eyes bugged out. Once he regained his composure he continued. "If you're lucky you'll never have to use this technique at all."

"Well if you won't help me... I'll go find my own lightning."

"WHAT?!" I shrieked. He ran off. "Iroh I have to stop him! He can't do this!"

"I know little Jay. Please ... Just bring him back safely."
I struggled getting up and went after him.

10 minutes later

The sky darkened and began pouring rain. I still hadn't found Zuko. With all the mud forming on the ground I couldn't get a good enough feel for him. I began shivering because I was only wearing my green crop top and black shorts. I heard a thunderclap in the distance. Oh no... I'm running out of time...

I came across a cliff and I heard Zuko shouting at the sky. I began running towards him feeling the electricity building up in the air. A bolt of lightning was heading straight for him. I pushed him out of the way as the lightning hit the edge of the cliff causing some of the rock to fall.

"ARE YOU TRYING TO GET YOURSELF KILLED?!"

"WHY'D YOU STOP ME?!"

I was furious. I screamed over the sound of the rain and thunder.

"I WAS SAVING YOUR LIFE YOU IDIOT!"

"I DIDN'T ASK YOU TO JAY! WHY DO YOU CARE SO MUCH ABOUT MY LIFE ANYWAYS?!"

"BECAUSE I LIKE YOU HOTHEAD!" I covered my mouth and began crying. His golden eyes grew huge. Too shocked to speak and he just kept staring at me.

"You honestly don't understand how good you still have it. You still have Iroh... He loves you... What if you died? How would that make him feel?!" I sobbed. I hunched forward trying to breathe. My scar on my chest searing pain throughout my body. I bit my lower lip and squeezed my eyes shut trying to stop crying.

I heard Zuko move but I assumed he was getting up to leave. I felt a light touch under my chin. My red eyes snapped open to look up at his golden orbs. He leaned in and kiss me hard. I felt his emotions wash over me in a wave of heat. A small spark lit up inside of me and I closed my eyes kissing him back.

We only broke apart when we were struggling for air. I brushed my black wet hair out of my face breathing hard.

"I'm sorry JJ." I looked up at him. His smile was soft but still a smile.

"It's alright I guess, but as your punishment you'll have to carry me all the way back to Iroh."

"Yea sure.."

"No I'm serious. You're carrying me back. It's your fault I can't walk."

"What are you talking about?"

"You made my legs like jelly. No way am I going to try getting up let alone walking. Plus, I had to walk all the way here to save your sorry ass." I crossed my arms.

"Alright alright I give." He picked me up and we started to head back, but not before I thunked him on the head.

"Idiot."