Ok so here is chapter 3. It's overly way too dramatic just warning. And I did a spell check but I really didn't do a full edit on it. I'll probably properly edit it in a day or two so please forgive any grammatical mistakes. Also the end what happens is cute but written a little choppy. I guess that's what fatigue will do. In the edit the end will be rewritten. ^^ But Hope you enjoy the angst drama fest! xDDD
The night was chill as the snowflakes fluttered through the air. Zuko was pacing through the grounds waiting for his son to be born. Mai had already been in child labor for 4 hours and all he could do was pace; it was not customary for the men to be there during birthing. All he wanted was to be at her side hearing her cry out in pain was overwhelming. Zuko stomped his foot and cursed out loud. Clouds of steam rolled out of his nostrils as he paced next to the koi pond. A servant called out to him,"Fire Lord Zuko. You have a guest." Zuko Spun around wondering who could possibly important enough to disturb him in his court. Standing next to the servant was a slender boy with a blue arrow on his head. The Fire lord sighed and relaxed his shoulders,"Aang!" The boy shyly smiled and waved. "Excuse me sir" The servant bowed and headed indoors. "How have you been?"
It's been 9 months since I saw you last! We really need to visit more often it's been too long." Aang smiled and rubbed the back of his head,"I thought you'd be super busy with your Fire Lord duties and well I have to travel a lot too. Sorry" Zuko walked over to his guest and patted him on the back,"Don't worry about it lets go inside where it's warmer. Let's have a drink today is a special day! It's my son's birthday!" Aang looked surprised,"Wait your son?" Zuko headed toward the door,"Yes Mai is in labor right now. She's been in labor for a few hours now." His face fell thinking of his wife in pain. Aang took note of Zuko's expression and looked to his side. He then quickly nudged Zuko's side,"So whats the name of the next Crown Prince of the Fire nation?" Stepping inside Zuko rubbed his chin,"Well you know I really hadn't though about it too much. It's really up to Mai. But maybe Iroh." Aang smiled ,"That would be a great name." Zuko absently looked up,"Yeah that would. Wouldn't it?"
They continued into a lounge that had a large sofa in front of a fire place. They sat down in front of the fire and a servant brought them a drink. The two drank and talked about the past 9 months watching the clock in between breathes; waiting for word of the prince and Mai. Until finally a mid wife entered the lounge. Zuko shot up and briskly walked to the mid wife.
"How is Mai, my son? Is he strong, is he healthy? Is he a he?" The mid wife kept her eyes closed her fists wringing a cloth. Zuko paused and his heart dropped. He pushed past the woman and began to jog toward the room Mai was in. Aang trailed behind quietly. Zuko slammed the door open, "Mai?!" She was laying still on the bed. Zuko threw himself toward the bed and grabbed Mai's shoulder. "MAI! Mai!" Aang began to enter the room and stalled in the doorway at the sound of Zuko. "MAI! MAI! Wake up!"
wake up...wake up." Zuko's face twisted and tears began to pour from his eyes. The silence draped itself over the room hugging the cold floor. The heavy sobs of the Fire lord shook the core of the young boy behind him. He slowly stepped forward reaching out to touch his trembling shoulders. "Everyone LEAVE!" Zuko Snarled. "But-" Aang began to protest but he was only met with another volley of shouts,"EVERYONE JUST LEAVE GET OUT!" A mid wife grabbed Aang's wrist and dragged him from the room. The other servants followed quickly.
The door was shut tightly and turned to the Avatar. "Shall I escort you to your room?"
Aang looked at the door,"No it's alright." The servant frowned in dismay. "I know." She turned and walked down the hall leaving aang for a moment. She quickly returned with another servant. The other woman was holding a bundle of blankets. Aang's head perked up as the blankets wiggled. "Here is the Crown Prince of the Fire nation." The servant smiled and gestured to the prince. Aang looked wide eyed at her and then the prince. "Go ahead" Aang reached out to the child and gently cradled him in his arms. "Hello." Aang smiled at the healthy boy. The boy looked up and began to make small noises. "You have a good Father. Your mother was strong." Aang then passed the prince back to the Servant. "If you need anything just call we'll be prompt" Aang nodded and the servants left him.
An eternity passed as Aang sat on the floor waiting. The candles began to flicker when the door finally opened. Aang jumped up to face his friend. Zuko was pale and his body was drooping and swaying. "Zuko!" Aang tossed his arms out to catch him if he were to fall. "Call a servant." Aang looked to Zuko in his empty eyes with concern before he nodded and turned to call help.
The Fire Lord finally sank and leaned against the doorway. The servants ran down the hallway and to their Lord. "Fire Lord Zuko?"
Zuko looked out into the space,"My son; is he well?" "Yes sir. He is well." Zuko faintly smiled. "Please take care of my wife."
With that he stood up and began to stagger down the hall. Aang went to his side and wrapped Zuko's arm around his shoulders to help him walk.
They entered Zuko's chamber. Aang sat him down on his bed and went to shut the door. "Don't leave." Zuko whispered. "I won't.
I promise." Aang shut the door and walked back to the bed. Zuko's head was hanging heave on his shoulders his arms limp against the bed. The younger boy touched the other's shoulders. The shoulders began to shake and tense. Zuko grabbed Aang's hand and pulled. "It's not fair why?" Aang searched for the words to say but nothing came. "Why!? Mai was so strong so brave! I lo--" Zuko choked and looked up at Aang with a pained expression. Zuko tugged and Aang fell forward against Zuko knocked them both from the bed. Trembling arms wrapped around Aang and pressed him close against his friend. Aang hugged Zuko, "It's alright." Zuko pressed his face against Aang's shoulder and began to weep. They laid on the floor consoling each others grief. Zuko's sobbing began to calm. He pushed against Aang and looked at his friend. Aang leaned forward and kissed Zuko on his forehead. "It will be ok. Your son is healthy." Zuko nodded and sat up. Aang sat up as Zuko stood and walked toward the bathroom. Aang sat on the edge of the bed while Zuko washed his face. A few moments later Zuko reentered in his pajamas. I have a extra pair if you'd like to change." Aang nodded,"That would be nice." The Fire lord gave him a red robe to change into and went to his bed.
Aang reentered and walked to the foot of the bed. "I should go to bed. Let me know if you need anything." Aang turned toward the door and took 2 steps. "Don't leave." Aang paused and turned. "Please stay." Aang replied,"OK. Just tonight though." He walked over his friend and sat next to him. A warm hand covered Aang's and Zuko leaned on his shoulder. "Lets go to sleep."