Chapter 24

Zuko and Aang returned to their accommodations after an absolutely exhausting day. They walked in the door, and Aang shoved it closed behind them before they both practically collapsed into the nearest comfortable surface. This couch had seen better days, but it was better than nothing.

"Ugghh." Zuko let out a long, drawn-out groan.

"Ugghh," Aang answered with his own. "That was nuts."

"So nuts," Zuko responded.

All day they had been stopping people from bickering, and even Aang's famed patience was on its last legs. Zuko had yelled a few times, his temper flaring in frustration. Neither side was listening to the other and mostly just hurling insults instead of trying to resolve the problem. Thus, he had lost his cool and yelled for them all to be silent. He told them how short-sighted they were once they'd all shut up out of shock and fear. He explained that he had desperately hoped that with the War over, everyone could show each other the importance of unity.

As Zuko had many times before, he talked about how he used to be and how unhappy he was chasing the Avatar, and it took him a long time to realise it. Now he and Aang were best friends, but he would never have been able to develop that bond if he hadn't pulled his head out of his ass and looked at the bigger picture.

They had listened, and Aang beamed at him on cue as if he was showing how close they were now. The offended parties thought over what he had said, and although tension was still high in the room, it had eased somewhat. Aang suggested that everyone take the night to think over all they had talked about, and they would reconvene tomorrow morning.

It was their third day of negotiations since the first day mainly had just been getting to know their surroundings and inspecting some homes and businesses. Zuko wanted to ensure that the Fire Nation people hadn't been relegated to one part of the town and ostracised there. Fortunately, that wasn't the case, but they had to fight to earn their place in the town, which was also expanding due to the increased trade between the four nations. The population had probably increased two-fold since he and Aang were here last. It was a perfect, natural harbour and thus was a good stop-off point for merchants making their way along the coast.

A job boom had erupted with the construction of new homes and businesses, which all needed people to complete. With the economy better than ever, it seemed silly for them to argue about every little thing. There were two main troublemakers, the two men who had gotten into a fistfight in the marketplace. They were both in their 40s with a family, and both Aang and Zuko could understand the importance of their passions. However, they essentially tried to turn everyone else to their side and poison everyone against their perceived enemy.

The other townsfolk were neutral but could be swayed either way, depending on their mood. It had unfortunately become Zuko and Aang's job to adjudicate everything since they had no elected leadership. With the growth in the town, it had become necessary to organise some sort of hierarchy to stop the infighting, which they would try to finalise tomorrow.

With a muttered agreement, everyone left the town hall and returned home. Zuko and Aang walked back to their accommodation, a guesthouse belonging to one of the locals, who had happily offered it up for them to stay in. Thankfully he was one of the reasonable people in the town, and they thanked him for his kindness and accepted his offer.

"You wash up first. I can't be bothered to move yet." Zuko told Aang, and the airbender nodded lazily and groaned as he got up from the couch.

The guesthouse had its own bathroom, but there was only one, so they had to take turns using it. Aang didn't take long to clean up, returning to flop on the couch when he finished. Zuko got up and did the same but spent a little longer there since he was lost in thought as he sat in the bath. He didn't quite know how to figure everything out but was glad Aang was here. He couldn't have handled all of this on his own.

Getting out of the bath once his skin had begun to prune, he put on clean clothes after drying off and headed back to the living area. There was only one single bed in the guesthouse, and it was his turn on the couch tonight. Before they could get some sleep, though, they needed to eat something.

"Let's go get dinner," Zuko suggested, not sitting down since he wouldn't move again once he did.

"Okay," Aang replied lazily and dragged himself to stand up and plodded along as he followed Zuko.

They headed down the street, where a small restaurant was more than happy to serve them. The owners were a married couple, and they treated both of them kindly. Most people were fine with Aang, but others gave Zuko dirty looks, and he just didn't have the energy to try and show them who he really was today. Aside from his outburst today, he had spent most of his time here so far being as charming and kind as possible. Zuko needed to prove to everyone that he wasn't the brat kid he used to be, that he had grown and matured into someone he hoped the people he loved would be proud of.

He and Aang ate in silence, enjoying their meal consisting of a noodle soup with dumplings. The broth was hearty and filling, and they both seemed refreshed and revitalised after finishing.

Afterwards, they sat at the same spot and talked for another two hours about everything, trying to figure out the best course of action to make everyone happy. They didn't take notice of the owners watching them and listening intently, smiling at each other occasionally at hearing how hard the two men were working. They brought over some more snacks, tea and desserts for them in the meantime.

Aang finally realised that the restaurant had closed around them and night had fallen while they sat and talked. Zuko and Aang got up from their seats and apologised for keeping them back after they had already closed their restaurant for the night.

"We're sorry. We didn't realise it was so late." Zuko offered and bowed his head in apology.

"Please, there's no need to apologise." The man on the left with the shorter hair spoke first.

"We really appreciate how far you've come and how hard you've been working to help us. It's nice to know you both put so much effort into improving the world." Said the man with the longer hair, reaching just past his jaw.

"Thank you for eating at our restaurant and enjoying our food. The Fire Nation spices have really made a difference in our popularity." The shorter-haired man said with a grin.

"What're your names?" Aang asked in his bright tone, clearly getting a boost of excited energy.

"I'm Latun, and this is my husband, Xalin." The shorter-haired man, Latun, introduced them.

"I'm Aang, and this is Zuko. It's so lovely to meet you both." Aang's happy and warm nature was always infectious, and all four smiled.

"We know who you are," Xalin said with a laugh. "Like I said, we're grateful for what you're doing. Thank you." He continued, smiling warmly at them.

"After today, you have no idea how happy I am to hear that. I thought I'd ruined all our progress when I lost my temper." Zuko said with a hint of shame, but Latun shook his head.

"Honestly, you did the right thing. Someone needed to tell them off." Latun's disgruntled tone made Zuko chuckle softly. He was clearly just as fed up. "They deserved it."

"Good to hear that you are both on our side, and our efforts are appreciated." Zuko smiled gratefully at both men, feeling his heart swell at their kind words.

"We should let you close up. How much is the bill?" Aang asked, not wanting to keep the men any later.

Latun and Xalin looked at each other, communicating with their eyes until they both turned to them with a smile.

"Five copper pieces," Xalin answered.

Zuko was taken aback. They had paid five copper pieces when they ate here previously, and they only had two meals and tea. Tonight, they had two meals, tea, snacks and desserts since they'd been here so long. Something wasn't right.

"Are you sure? We paid that last time and didn't eat as much." Zuko said with confusion.

"I told you," Latun muttered to himself but said it loud enough for Xalin to hear. Xalin responded with a quick glance and rolled his eyes.

"We know, but it's our way of saying thanks," Xalin explained with a kind smile. "Latun didn't want you to pay anything, but I thought you would prefer to pay something."

"We are happy to pay for the entire amount of what we ate. Please." Zuko pleaded with them, not wanting to feel like he was getting freebies.

"You are. And the price is five copper pieces." Xalin repeated firmly, but his warm look and smile told them it was okay.

Aang turned to look at Zuko, who was holding the money pouch and nodded. Catching the drift, Zuko pulled out five copper pieces and handed them over to Xalin.

"For your outstanding service and wonderful food, here is a tip as well," Zuko said, pulling out another ten copper pieces and placing them on the counter.

Latun burst out laughing, knowing they'd been beaten. Xalin just smiled wider and laughed as well. Zuko and Aang laughed too, pleased that the gesture had not been lost on the men and they weren't offended by the tip.

"Thank you, gentlemen. Please come back soon." Xalin said and bowed gratefully. Latun copied him, still laughing.

Zuko and Aang returned their bow with one of their own and headed out of the restaurant. They were smiling as they went back to the guesthouse in silence. Even though they hadn't felt like they'd achieved anything today, it was nice to know their work was recognised.

Regardless of their tiredness, they both stepped lightly with renewed enthusiasm for tomorrow…