Chapter 21 – Ba Sing Se: The Arrival
The next day, they arrived at the port near Ba Sing Se. Milah had been staring at the high wall that screamed safety at her for some time, glad that the fog had finally lifted. Zuko had been gone from the bedroll when she woke up just a few hours ago, but she had been glad about it. She still didn't know why she had kissed him last night. It was a moment of weakness, she knew that, fuelled by the pain in her chest she had been experiencing all week. Scratch that, she was just weak. Especially when it came to that Fire Nation jerk whose great-grandfather was responsible for a war that had cost so many lives already. Including her mother's.
The thoughts flew from her head when she saw his familiar form make its way towards her. Butterflies erupted in her stomach once more. It didn't matter to her anymore that it would probably be wrong for her to love him, not when one couldn't simply choose their parents or their forefathers and their actions.
Not when she loved him too damn much to care about any of it.
''What did Jet want with you this morning?'' she asked him once they had all filed up in a line again, waiting for their turn to get a second passport check before they would be allowed to enter the train that would take them to Ba Sing Se. Zuko had been standing at the front of the ferry when he had approached the Prince, Milah had noticed.
''He said something about sticking together since we were both outcasts,'' he told her with a soft voice, not wanting to be overheard. ''Mentioned my scar.''
''I love your scar,'' she blurted out before her head turned into a tomato. His head flipped to her, his eyes widened in shock. The word 'love' hadn't been mentioned ever since that night. ''I-I mean, I think it suits you.''
An amused spark appeared in his eyes, relieving her. ''Gee, thanks.''
''No problem,'' she replied dryly, hoping with all her heart that he could forget she had said that.
When it was their turn, an old woman with a rather large birthmark above her right eyebrow checked their passports with great detail. ''So, Mr Lee, Ms Kya and Mr… Muh-shi, is it?''
''It's pronounced Moo-shi,'' Iroh corrected her with a smile.
''You're telling me how to do my job?'' the woman asked him with annoyance. Iroh looked panicked.
''Uh, no, no. But may I just say you're like a flower in bloom? Your beauty is intoxicating,'' he flirted with her while approaching the booth. Milah had to hold back her laugh. It had worked upon seeing the newly formed twinkle in the woman's eyes.
''You're pretty easy on the eyes yourself, handsome. Raorr! Welcome to Ba Sing Se.'' And with that, she had stomped their tickets.
Iroh turned back to the pair of them, a big grin covering his face. Zuko simply looked disgusted, drawing a giggle from Milah's lips at last.
''I'm going to forget I saw that,'' the Prince grunted beneath his breath before grasping a ticket from his uncle's hands and walking towards the gate that would lead them to the train into Ba Sing Se.
''Ah, lighten up my Prince,'' she jokingly whispered once they had caught up with him. ''Let your uncle have some fun.''
''He may have fun only when I'm miles away. Otherwise, I might vomit,'' he replied, a small smile tugging at his lips at hearing her call him my Prince. As if he was indeed her Prince. That would make her his Princess.
Princess Milah, he thought, my Princess Milah of the Water Tribe. His heart stumbled.
While they waited for their train to arrive, Milah announced that she had to use the restroom, claiming that she would be back soon to catch the train with them. Zuko had offered to go with her, but she insisted that it wasn't necessary; she was, once again, perfectly capable of protecting herself and Zuko knew that, of course, but still he always felt a lot better when she would be in his line of sight. However, Milah won this battle and went on her own.
When she came back not too long after, she noticed a tense atmosphere around Zuko and Iroh. Two abandoned cups of tea were laying on the ground before the latter's feet, spilt tea all around it.
''What murder scene happened here?'' she asked the two with an amused smile, pointing at the tea.
''My uncle bought some tea for you and himself,'' he started, nudging with his head to his side so he could continue softly with his story of how Jet saw him firebending his tea.
''Iroh!'' Milah scolded him in a whisper.
''Sorry,'' he apologised with a cringe. She merely shook his head at him, refraining from looking back to Jet to see if he was eyeing them like she thought he was.
The train arrived not too long after. Milah could finally feel a weight lift from her shoulders; here, a new journey would begin for them. One that wasn't filled with days that consisted solely of travelling and looking back over their shoulders, always aware that danger lurked everywhere. They would-
''Kya?'' a voice interrupted her thoughts. She faced the woman that had called her out.
''Ying!'' Milah greeted the woman happily, only now noticing the baby in her arms and the missing bump. ''Congratulations! You had your baby!'' She was genuinely happy for them.
''Yes, her name is Hope.'' Milah took place beside her, greeting Than and his sister as well.
Together, they talked about their adventures – leaving out a lot of detail from many of them – they had had since they had last seen each other in the tavern almost two months ago. Meanwhile, Iroh had begun a conversation with Than and Zuko just simply sat next to his Waterbender in silence.
''But how come that we didn't see you on the ferry ride? Was there another way to come to Ba Sing Se?'' she asked them curiously. Than and Ying shared a knowing look that only they would understand.
''We had to cross the Serpent's Pass since our belongings were stolen, including our passports,'' she told the Waterbender that still didn't understand how they could've crossed the deadly Pass while carrying a baby at the same time. But she knew it wasn't her place to ask questions, noticing that Ying didn't want to elaborate on the subject anymore. ''But, tell me, have you finally succeeded?''
Milah gave her a dumb look. ''In what?''
Ying laughed. ''I'm asking if you're pregnant yet, silly!''
It was like the world became silent. She was suddenly very aware of Zuko's leg slightly touching hers and the golden eyes that she could feel were trained on her felt like they were burning holes through the back of her head. Her hands fisted a part of her skirt.
''No, she's not pregnant,'' Zuko answered for her, crossing his arms over his chest. Milah released the breath she had been holding.
A little boy with golden eyes and curly brown hair was running after a little girl with blue eyes and straight black hair, the first playfully shooting fire at her while she tried to put it out with water.
The daydream ended too soon when she could hear Ying talking again. ''I'm sorry, I shouldn't pry so much in your life. Than and I… we had very much difficulty conceiving Hope and were so happy once I found out I was carrying her. I guess what I'm trying to say is… I hope that one day you can start your own family together as well. I can see it in your eyes how much you want to, Kya.''
Milah felt a lump forming in her throat. ''Thank you.'' It came out shakier than she wanted to.
The rest of the train ride consisted of Iroh, Than and Ying making conversation. Milah and Zuko kept silent for the rest of it, not feeling the need to join in their talk when both needed to process what Ying had said.
Milah knew that she wanted to have her own family one day, but to suggest that she wanted to have a family with Zuko… Was it what she wanted? If she had the choice, would she start a family with him here, in Ba Sing Se? Would he want a family with her?
When they arrived in Ba Sing Se, they said their goodbyes to Ying and her family. Hugs were exchanged and promises were made that they would try and meet up again in the city. However, Milah knew it was unlikely. Not when they needed to keep a low profile. And especially since Than and Ying still thought that Zuko and she were married, which they weren't. They certainly were not.
A government specialist had given them a map of the city together with a key, stating that their residence could be found at the marked spot. A monthly rent was set which was to be paid at the beginning of each month, starting the next. Milah thought it was reasonable and very well managed for the refugees that sought safety in the city. This way, everyone was given fair chances. Now, the only thing they would have to do was find a job.
Together, they walked to their new home. Dusk was setting in the sky, casting a shadow over the abandoned market stalls and late-night wanderers. Muted chatter could be heard from her left, suggesting that a tavern resided behind the building's doors. A new moon was approaching, so the city's lights were the only kind of light that would provide for a view once the sun had completely set.
Their apartment consisted of two bedrooms, a bathroom and a living room combined with a kitchen. It was small, but Milah didn't mind. It beat the nights laying on the ground and living like cavemen already and she was happy that they finally got a permanent residence. A residence that they could make and call home in a short while.
''A place called home,'' Iroh said softly after a while. The three of them had been standing in the place for a while, drowning in the new situation they had been landing in.
''Exactly,'' Milah whispered mostly to herself, agreeing with Iroh. Yes, she could see herself living here.
Zuko started moving then, opening the doors that led to the bedrooms to see what they consisted of. ''A double and a single,'' he told them, a frown visible on his face.
Milah gulped. ''I see.''
''If you don't mind, I would like the single bedroom. I don't think you can handle any more of my snoring,'' Iroh jokingly asked them, knowing that their having to share a bedroom would maybe, finally, lead to something both of them had been craving for months.
''Uncle, I…'' Zuko started, not looking at the woman next to him. He wanted nothing more than to share a room with her, but his restraint could take only so much before he would snap and blurt out something he didn't want to share yet.
''It's fine, Iroh,'' she answered for both of them, knowing fully well that she could just take the couch and make it easier for them. ''You can take the single.''
Iroh nodded appreciatively and closed his door after. They were silent for a moment.
''Don't worry about it-''
''I can take the couch-''
They started talking at the same time, still not looking at the other. Silence ensued.
''It's okay, really,'' Milah said softly, making her way to the couch. ''I can sleep on the couch.''
''Don't be ridiculous,'' Zuko said almost angry, his eyes blazing. ''What happened to 'it's not like we haven't shared a bed before'?''
Milah cast her eyes down, studying her beat-up shoes. ''You're right.''
''I know,'' he simply stated, entering their room and taking off the shirt he had been wearing. A sight that had been stalking her every dream met her eyesight and caused a pool of heat to fill her lower stomach. She could still feel her hands running down his body and his hands exploring every part of her-
Stop, she scolded herself. Luckily, he was already out of sight and in their bed, the covers drawn up over his partly naked body. She was glad, but on the other hand…
She took off her own shirt and skirt as well until she was only in her little clothes. A shiver went down her body because of the chill in the air. The only sound that could be heard came from the nearby tavern, breaking the deafening silence that had engulfed the room. She looked behind her, to Zuko, and couldn't help but give out a little sigh. Would this be their life? Dancing around each other forever, terrified of rejection?
He turned around suddenly, eyeing her with suspicion. ''I won't bite.''
Milah gave a little smile and finally climbed into the bed with him, facing him. ''I know.''
Zuko stared into her blue eyes for a while, revelling in them, letting himself drown for a moment before he turned around and faced the wall. ''Goodnight.''
''Goodnight, Zuko,'' she whispered back, turning around as well to look out the window. The covers were thick enough to draw out the cold from her body, but still, she was glad that Zuko's naturally hot – figuratively and literally – body was next to her, heating her usual cold one.
The next morning, Milah woke up in Zuko's arms as usual. It appeared to be a habit for her to move over to his side in her sleep. They had had many mornings like this, so she wasn't surprised at all to find herself in her arms, his nose pressed at the crown of her head. Her right hand was resting on his bare abdomen, the blanket having slid to their hips.
Zuko woke up by a snuggle into his side and the feeling of fingers lazily caressing his stomach. He breathed in a familiar jasmine and rose scent and knew that he had pulled Milah into his side again at night. It had become a habit of theirs, but he would be lying when he would say that he didn't like it. In fact, he wished that she would wake up by his side every morning for the rest of his life.
His eyes opened, facing the chair where he had draped his clothes over. Inside his pocket, his mother's ring rested. The ring he was now sure belonged to Milah someday, when he had the courage to step up and tell her how he really felt.
''Good morning,'' he greeted her with a raspy voice, making a move to sit up and turn away from her. Luckily, she let him since he was dealing with a troubling situation called morning wood and only hoped that she hadn't noticed. He now had to make it quick work to let it disappear as soon as possible before an awkward moment would arise.
Milah was glad that he had broken the moment, knowing fully well that she couldn't and shouldn't act like everything was normal between them. ''Good morning. Sleep well?''
And with that, a regular conversation ensued between them, occasional laughter being shared and both making it quick work to wash, get dressed and start with the day. Milah was glad to finally be able to wash in a proper bathroom filled with a running bath, toilet and washbasin. She looked at herself in the mirror, noticing her filthy clothes and deciding that she soon needed to earn some money so she could have a second pair of clothes. And upon looking at Zuko's and Iroh's clothes as well from across the table, she decided that they desperately needed some new clothes as well.
''So, today, I think it will be wise for us to look for some jobs, don't you think?'' Iroh suggested at breakfast, giving them both knowing looks. Zuko simply rolled his eyes.
''How long are we planning on staying here, then?'' Zuko asked in retortion.
''For as long as we need,'' Iroh answered him. ''Azula is probably still after us and as long as we're here, she can't catch us. Ba Sing Se is the safest place to be right now.'' Milah nodded in agreement.
''Iroh's right. If he couldn't take the city, then Azula won't be able to either. Trust me,'' she added and nudged his arm with her elbow. He eyed her warily.
''Fine,'' he finally agreed and stood up to collect the dishes and put them in the kitchen's washbasin. After they had cleaned the place, all three of them exited the house to begin their day. The market was already bustling with traders and buyers, people of all shapes and sizes making conversation with each other. Children were running around, singing songs in the streets and playing with dice on the tiles.
''Kya?'' a man's voice shouted her mother's name from behind her and when she looked upon the person, she could see Bohai waving at her enthusiastically.
''Bohai!'' she greeted him with glee and started to make her way over to him before turning around at the last moment, saying to Zuko and Iroh, ''you guys go ahead, I'll catch up with you in a moment.'' And with that, she walked away with Bohai.
Zuko already started to go after her, hating the idea of her being alone with him, who, in his opinion, had been staring at her for far too long. But before he could do so, his uncle had taken his arm with a firm grip, holding him in place.
''No, Zuko,'' he softly scolded. ''Let her be.'' His uncle tugged him along and they continued their walk at the market.
''You know, this is your own fault,'' Iroh went on after a minute. Zuko looked at him. ''If you would just tell her how you really feel-''
''There's nothing to tell,'' he harshly cut his uncle off. ''I don't feel anything about her at all.'' The greatest lie he ever told.
''Fine. Keep telling yourself that.'' And with that, his uncle walked off, a thing he had never done in anger before. Zuko was surprised. Most of the time his uncle always remained utterly calm and controlled, but this really seemed to upset him.
Meanwhile, Milah was walking alongside Bohai who had been giving her a tour of the city. They had been chatting all the way and found out that they had much in common. Overall, Bohai was a really nice and funny guy.
''Bohai!'' a feminine voice called out to him all of a sudden. They had been standing at a stall that sold various fruits and vegetables. A woman around her age approached them with a smile. Bohai's eyes softened significantly, a hazy look appearing over them. It was clear as day; he was utterly in love with the woman.
''Yin,'' he greeted her back and gave her a soft peck on the lips once she was by his side. Yin turned towards the Waterbender.
''Hi, I'm Yin,'' she introduced herself and made a traditional Earth Kingdom bow, one which Milah gladly returned. Her smile was big and genuine, one of her hands resting on Bohai's waist.
''I'm Kya. Nice to meet you,'' she introduced herself in return. Yin's eyes were a light green and framed by brown, curly bangs.
''She just arrived here yesterday. I checked her in together with Mushi and Lee, her…'' Bohai continued voicing a question because they hadn't been clear as to what their relationship with each other was.
Milah blushed, not knowing what to answer for a moment. Normally, she would have gone with the lie that Iroh was Zuko's uncle and that she was the Fire Prince's wife, but at the moment she didn't know whether that would be a good idea. After all, they planned on staying a while so it didn't seem wise to begin spinning a web of lies yet.
''We're just travelling companions. I met them on the road and we kind of just stuck together,'' she lied anyways, although trying to be vague. Bohai's twinkled with secret knowledge.
''Are you sure, though? Yesterday Lee seemed like he wanted to bite my head off. I could have sworn that you two had it going on,'' he tried to joke with her, Yin scolding him silently from behind. The Earth Kingdom girl could feel the awkwardness coming off Kya.
''Uh, well, it's not-, I mean, we don't-'' Milah stuttered, her head becoming even redder. It didn't help that the sun was scolding in the packed streets of Ba Sing Se.
''Kya, don't worry, Bohai is just being a jerk,'' Yin tried to calm down the poor girl, patting her arm. ''Right, sweetie?''
The man pouted jokingly and tried to pecker his girlfriend for kisses, although she didn't cave. Eventually, he turned back to the blue-eyed girl in front of him and smiled apologetically. ''Yin's right, as always. I'm sorry Kya if I made you uncomfortable. It's just good banter, right?''
Milah grinned back, having already forgotten the ordeal. ''It's all good. You just caught me off guard. And if I'm being honest with you… Zu- I mean, Lee and I have a difficult relationship.'' Milah had almost slipped out his name, but luckily neither of them seemed to have noticed. Bohai let go of Yin for a moment to wrap a comforting arm around her. She smiled appreciatingly at him.
''Kya!'' her fake name was being shouted out from far away by Iroh, an angry-looking Zuko walking beside his uncle. Together, they headed their way. Yin and Bohai seemed to be sharing a knowing look upon seeing the scarred man they were just talking about.
''And who is this lovely lady?'' Iroh greeted Yin, giving her a traditional Earth Kingdom bow as best as he could while carrying a large vase holding orange flowers.
''I'm Yin,'' she introduced herself, giving him a bow back after giggling softly. ''And you must be Mushi and Lee.''
Zuko didn't notice the girl that was introducing herself, focussing entirely on Bohai's arm that was wrapped around his Waterbender. He could feel his blood starting to boil from his rage, his hands forming two fists.
Fucking stupid, he thought to himself. Really fucking stupid. Because of his actions she had found herself someone new. Someone worthy, opposed to him. Obviously, she had moved on without him because he just wouldn't come clean about his feelings. The girl he had loved, the girl he had envisioned to be his wife and mother of his children someday, who had accepted him for who he was, a disgraced and fallen Prince of the Fire Nation, the Nation that had killed her mother and destroyed her Tribe, had moved on from him.
Minutes must have passed when suddenly, he could feel eyes on him. Bohai and the girl whose name he still didn't know had gone away, leaving Milah and Iroh staring at him with concern. The former moved towards him, extending her arm as if to touch his skin, but he backed away quickly, walking away from the pair. He needed to be alone for a moment.
Milah watched him walk away with sadness and asked Iroh, ''What just happened?''
Iroh looked troubled as well, still carrying the vase. ''I'm not sure, although it could have something to do with Bohai's arm that was wrapped around you rather possessively. Did I miss something?'' The old man tried to sound upbeat, but it was hard for him when all he really wanted for his nephew and Milah was for them to get together. The idea of Milah being with another man than Zuko unsettled him greatly.
''Oh, certainly not,'' she laughed, taking over the heavy vase from him. ''Yin's his girlfriend. Besides, I could never be with anyone other than-'' she cut herself off quickly, knowing what she was about to say. Iroh's eyes lit up finally.
''That's good, Milah,'' he replied softly, continuing their walk towards their apartment.
All would be good, eventually. Iroh was sure of it.
A/N: I know it's been like 1,5 month since I last updated, but when I don't have the inspiration then all that comes out of me is utter crap. Believe me, I have had evenings where I sat behind my computer and I wrote an entire chapter but when I re-read it, I hate it. So I delete it. I would much rather have something good with slow updates than something crap with quick updates. But that's just me. Anyway, I hope that you like this chapter. The next one will be sooo hard to write. It includes Zuko's date with Jin and that one's gonna wreck me. Last question: have you figured out who Bohai and Yin are? Please notify me if it's not right that they're in BSS right now, but from what I looked up at their history is that they're around Zuko and Milah's age at that time, so I thought it would be fun to include them! Special shout-out to SenSen-Chan for supporting me as usual! Kind reviews always make my day