A. N. : Welp, I've run out of pre-written chapters ! This isn't going to be a "true" break, in the sense that I'll still try to get a chapter out whenever I can, but unfortunately this is happening during a transitional part of the story (aka in-between two arcs), which is always something I have trouble with. So, uh, I'll do my best ! Is what I'm getting at !

They're going north.

That's what Zuko says, once dinner has been eaten and they've all started relaxing around the fire. The sun has started going down, and with it, Lin's energy levels – she's taken to climbing into Zuko's lap and probably plans on falling asleep in the nest of his crossed legs.

There were times, in the past few days, when she clung to him and tried to use the support to get her chubby little legs to stand upright, but she hasn't managed to get the hang of it yet. She also keeps getting distracted mid-try, by Momo or Sokka or Suki's long skirt, and Zuko doesn't know if his heart can take much more of this suspense.

Staying in one place for a little while is good for her.

Unfortunately, he can't only think of her – can't only think of her immediate future, but must also consider the world she will grow up in.

So they're going north, maybe not tomorrow or the day after, the Avatar's mysterious little woodworking project needs to reach completion first, but eventually.

Katara asks why, and Jet answers before Zuko can.

As kind as the Sea Walkers are – and, right, Sea Walkers, not pirates, Zuko really needs to get it through his skull – it's just not safe to stay in one place for too long. Aang is still the Avatar, and Suki's an escaped prisoner, and they're still in enemy territory. And even though Zuko was right and his sister didn't follow them – and fuck, there is no way she took well to banishment, and she didn't even have Uncle, Zuko hopes she's at least somewhat alright – people high up probably know their faces. If it was Jet, he'd try to track them down before they can pull another Tenuht.

Oh, and Zuko is the exiled fucking Prince, he concludes with a shrug, earning short laughs from everyone.

Zuko snorts and shakes his head in amusement. It's true, he adds, I am the exiled fucking Prince. In the midst of the loud laughter that follows, he thinks he hears Katara exasperatedly mumble something about washing their mouths with snow.

But seriously though, Toph ends up asking after she catches her breath, why north ?

And, well, the fact is that Zuko doesn't have anything more he can teach the Avatar about firebending. There's still a lot to improve on, don't get him wrong, but in terms of moves, Zuko's all out. If Uncle was here, he could teach them advanced forms properly, but as it stands…

The only way to go deeper is to follow Uncle's advice and head to the Sun Warriors ruins in Teukan. He doesn't really know what they'll find there, but if Uncle said they should go, there has to be a reason.

Lin has fallen asleep now, her head on one of Zuko's thighs and her legs on the other. She whines softly when Zuko pets her head, but doesn't wake up.

He can't help but smile at how peaceful she looks.

But then Sokka has to ruin the moment by laughing and putting his chin in his hand and say that, come on, Zuko just wants to see old buildings doesn't he ? It's fine to admit it, they'll still go – he winks, the bastard, and Toph barks and slaps her leg and says yeah Sparky, it's fine, we still love you even if you're a nerd, and Katara and Aang smile and giggle as Jet playfully elbows Zuko's ribs and –

Zuko sighs and rolls his eyes.

This time, too, he can't help but smile.