Aang can tell right off the bat that the Zuko meditating in the sunlight isn't their Zuko, but sits down anyway only for mini-Zuko to open both eyes to stare at him blankly.

"Sorry," he says. "Can I join you?"

Mini-Zuko studies him for a moment, as if searching for some hidden motive behind the request, then shrugs. "You're the Avatar. You can do whatever you want."

A chill runs down Aang's spine at the realization that this Zuko knows who he is, at least until he also realizes that the other boy has given no indication that he's even remotely interested in capturing him.

Aang chuckles a little awkwardly as he wriggles around, trying to get comfortable. "You, uh, figured that out, huh?"

The look he receives in return is one of pure disbelief. "You know how to use all the elements, even if your firebending isn't very good," he points out. "I'm not that stupid."

"Oh." Aang considers this for a minute. "I wasn't trying to-I don't think you're stupid."

Mini-Zuko shrugs and, apparently deciding the conversation was over, closed his eyes and went back to meditating. A moment later Aang follows suit.

"I'm not going to turn you in."

Deep in meditation, it takes Aang a moment to realize he's being spoken to. "What?"

"Sokka says we're friends," Mini-Zuko continues thoughtfully.

"We are," Aang agrees. "All of us-well, except Katara, but she just needs time. But she's not going to hurt you or anything."

"I know," Mini-Zuko nods. "I don't know why we're friends. We shouldn't be."

"Why not?" Aang asks, even though he already knows the answer. "I used to have lots of Fire Nation friends."

The boy shoots him a frustrated look, then shakes his head. "You're supposed to be the enemy," he says, voice low. "But Sokka says we're friends, and I've never really had friends before. And anyway, I don't even know how to find anyone from the Fire Nation, so I couldn't turn you in anyway."

He's right about that, but the admission makes Aang nervous. "Would you? If you could?"

Mini-Zuko ducks his head briefly before straightening back up to meet his gaze. "I don't know," he admits, and the confession feels like a slap in the face. "The Avatar is supposed to be the enemy. And we've been fighting the other nations for almost a hundred years. That makes all of you enemies of the Fire Nation. But-" here the boy takes a deep breath before continuing. "But you've all been so nice to me, even though I'm a firebender, and even though my dad is-"

"Firelord Ozai." Aang finishes for him. Mini-Zuko nods, looking absolutely miserable.

"I was taught the water tribe is nothing but a bunch of savages," he admits, voice lowering to a whisper. "But Sokka and Katara don't act like wild people, any more than Toph is backwards, or ignorant, or stubborn, just because she's Earth Kingdom."

"Well, Toph actually is pretty stubborn." Aang's not sure why he feels the need to point that out, but it does almost surprise a laugh out of the other boy.

Almost.

The moment passes, and the far too solemn expression quickly returns.

"I don't understand why I was taught these things if they aren't true," Mini-Zuko admits. "I don't understand why there has to be a war, if the other nations aren't bad and don't need our help."

Aang doesn't have an answer.

He's saved by Katara calling everyone to breakfast, but the distraction does nothing to dissipate the unease starting to form in his chest.

Mini-Zuko is quiet during breakfast. So is the rest of the table, with the exception of Sokka, who seems intent on keeping up a steady stream of chatter throughout the meal, pausing only for the occasional bite and continuing even with his mouth full.

For once, Katara doesn't call him on it.

Mini-Zuko doesn't seem to notice. His attention is on his own bowl, and unless Aang is mistaken, he's thinking hard. The boy is wearing an expression similar to that worn by their Zuko when he's working through something. It would be reassuring if not for their earlier conversation.

After breakfast he excuses himself to go practice. Aang debates trying to join him until he trips over his own feet and goes sprawling only to immediately come back up glaring at anyone who might have dared to witness his fall.

Aang finds his own spot somewhere else to work on his forms.

By lunch the mood has mostly returned to normal. Katara and Sokka spend most of the meal arguing about something (Aang honestly has no idea what, and at this point doesn't really want to know what), Toph is fully awake and in a great mood, and Mini-Zuko seems to have reached some sort of conclusion to his internal debate (at least as far as Aang can tell, though he might simply be distracted by Katara and Sokka).

After lunch Toph drags Aang off to practice his earthbending, and he loses track of Mini-Zuko for a while. He figures the other boy is probably practicing though.

They practice for a while, taking turns launching boulders at each other, until Toph is satisfied with his progress and dismisses him.

A tiny pebble, launched through the air with ease, goads her into another game of chase, one Aang has every intention of roping the firebender into. Prince of the Fire Nation or not, Zuko needs to learn how to play-it's not good for anyone to be that serious all the time.

Author's Note: Short piece this time, but I wanted to start a new chapter before switching points of view. Also, I've been busy! Trying to get my book ready for release, not to mention getting ready for a recital on Saturday-both preparing my students and my own music. And we're in the midst of planning summer music camps. It's all fun, though. I just don't want to neglect you all in the meantime.

Disclaimer: Avatar: The Last Airbender does not belong to me.