A. N. : The fact that so much of the past chapters happen in one day is baffling to me. Zuko likes markets as much as I like casual shopping. And he still needs a friend. Just not this one.

And he thought the Lower Ring was crowded yesterday.

Zuko walks through the marketplace, trying to find his way without bumping into anyone. Or setting something on fire. Or losing Lin – she is bound to his chest as tightly as possible, and yet Zuko is sure she's just going to disappear in the middle of all those people.

Uncle didn't tell him it would be like that.

Well, to be perfectly honest, Uncle probably didn't know this place would be so crazy. But having someone to blame has always helped Zuko find some sort of meaning to the things happening around him, and a crowded marketplace is no exception.

He takes out the list and prays he'll find everything before the sun sets – it's still morning, but with his luck, he has to be prepared for anything.

He guesses he could find something for Lin to chew on, too.

Zuko sets to find the first thing on the list – cabbages – and he already hates the world. This is going to be a very, very long day.

The cabbage merchant seems paranoid for some reason. He is shuddering and stuttering the whole time Zuko talks with him.

The butcher is a two-meter tall giant with tattoos of an Unagi and elephant-kois and the sweetest voice. Zuko gets some free meat – to help the kid grow strong.

The fruits lady could very well be a hundred years and she stares at Zuko and Lin, mumbling things like – too young, kids these days, shame on their families.

The ducks roasting nearby start emitting some very dark smoke as a panicked merchant tries desperately to calm the fire.

Zuko breathes.

In –

And out.

Half the merchandise isn't here yet – problems in the Outer Ring, she heard rumors of an earthquake, but that's obviously a lie and it looks like the delivery-boy is finally here and ugh, why is everyone hiring refugees these days –

In – and out.

The roasted duck merchant lets out a yelp.

Zuko hopes the fruits will be worth it – but with his luck ? They'll be full of worms and he will have wasted hours listening to an old woman's nagging, for nothing. He really pities the delivery-boy – though said guy is laughing and perfectly amiable and how does he manage to talk with wheat in his mouth –

Oh shit.

The fire under the ducks goes out.

Jet. Jet – what is Zuko supposed to do, say hello, by the way could you forget about the small fire incident yesterday, also thank you for not killing Lin, that was really nice of you ? And who's to say he won't do it now –

Lin giggles and what did Zuko ever do to the spirits to deserve this –

The child's laughter seems to get Jet's attention, and he looks up – anything to distract him from that annoying merchant.

He almost chokes on the wheat.

He hasn't been looking forward to this.

At all.