A. N. : Blame Zuko for the turn this chapter took, it wasn't supposed to be like that. Jet behaved for once, but I'm really tempted to say it's his fault anyway for his terrible influence.

Zuko doesn't know what he did wrong.

Jet took him aside after lunch to have a talk – his words, not Zuko's – but he hasn't said anything since. And so Zuko is left to wonder what in hell Jet could possibly want. And sure, maybe it's just going to be a normal talk about whatever stupid idea just popped into his head, but there would be no need to stand so far away from the group in that case.

Which means Zuko messed something up. Not anything big enough to warrant a cue, but just. Something.

And he has no idea what. It's uncomfortable. Not knowing what he did wrong – what Jet thinks he did wrong – means he has no chance of doing anything about it. Whether by fixing it or by telling Jet to fuck off.

Well ? Zuko crosses his arms. Jet is staring at the water, and he still hasn't said a word. It's starting to get on Zuko's nerves.

But then Jet asks why Zuko didn't tell him he wanted to hand Lin over to Master Piandao. And that's – what ? What is he talking about ? That was the best solution, even if it didn't work out in the end – Zuko has to find a way to ensure Lin's safety, Jet knows that ! Or would he rather Zuko takes Lin along and gets her killed ?

What does he mean that's not the issue ?

Jet speaks of trust, like that explains anything. Like Zuko trying to keep Lin safe is somehow a blow to Jet's honor – again, Jet says, that part isn't the issue, but what is the issue then !? Why does Jet act like Zuko personally offended him ?

Why did Toph react so violently when Zuko asked Master Piandao to take care of Lin ?

There's something Zuko is missing here, a crucial piece of a puzzle he didn't even know existed, and it frustrates him to no end. He can't wrap his end around it. He made a decision, it was the best possible decision given the circumstances, Jet agrees it was, but he still thinks Zuko did something wrong. It makes no sense.

Zuko doesn't get it.

Jet finally stops looking at the hot spring and turns to face Zuko. It doesn't matter that it was a good decision, what matters is that Zuko didn't tell anyone beforehand.

What matters, he continues before Zuko can interrupt, is that Zuko is part of the group, Lin is part of the group, and he can't decide something that important unilaterally, even if it turns out they all share the same opinion. What matters is that it feels like Zuko doesn't trust them. Like he isn't really standing with them.

And wow. Wow, that's – rich, coming from Jet of all people, like he hasn't gone off on his own at the first occasion. Really. Who's the one that got cued because he kept on not working with the group already ? Pot calling the kettle much ?

Jet scoffs. He knows that, but he's been trying – Zuko said so himself, didn't he ? – and also he agreed to the cueing, remember ? Jet makes efforts. Zuko… well, maybe Zuko makes efforts too, but it sure as hell doesn't look this way.

That's – he – what –

Zuko is going to punch him. He doesn't make efforts !? He's working with them to take down his own father ! He's been teaching the Avatar, he's been helping Jet and keeping him out of trouble in spite of everything, and that's somehow not enough !? What more does he want from Zuko ?

How dare Jet insinuate that Zuko isn't already doing the most he can in this situation. How can he say – no, how can he think that ! It makes Zuko sick.

Jet tries to say something, probably along the lines of that's not what I meant, but Zuko is done listening. He needs to check on the Avatar, make sure he isn't messing up his babysitting duty even with Katara at his side. Zuko has better things to do than listen to the accusations of someone who has no business talking about any of this.

He walks away. Hears Jet curse behind him – it's muted by the anger running through his head, easy to ignore. That Jet would doubt him after everything Zuko did for him…

He just doesn't get it.