Hi! At first Ithpught of this as a one shot, but right now I feel like a more accurate conclusion and background could make it better, so I'm already working on it! Hope you enjoy the continuation.
I also noticed the wikia stated Suki's eye color as "Blue". Honestly...is vague for me haha. In all her appearances, the eyes fluctuate between gray, blue, dark blue, purple and green. At this moment only the creators know the real color.
Disclaimer: I don't own Avatar or the universe. All rights to their respective creators.
Enjoy!
I hear people talking to me every day, concerned about the wellness and protection of my people. As I sit on the throne, people come and go asking me favors or requests to reconstruct the city and make it even better. This was something fairly new to the palace, but I didn't really care, having my friends and family here helping me makes it easier to digest.
Looking at my right there she was, the leader of the Kyoshi warriors and just recently one of my closest friends, Suki. My first impression sure wasn't the best one, after all, I couldn't even look at her after acknowledging that I was the one who burned her island, but changing and being kinder to people has been easier since I decided to follow my heart and the advice my uncle and friends gives me.
She looks back at me with concern in her eyes, waiting for any type of order. I just bow my head to her, smiling as a salute. She bows too, her face in a blank state and looks forward, one hand close to her fan if the need arises.
As I look forward and see the people talking to me while Aang addresses them, relaxing as the exchange between them has always been easy. Meanwhile my mind drifted away thinking about her. Since Mai left the palace nights have been lonely and recently, restless. Feeling someone who loves you sleep by your side is something I have always yearned for and yet, when I had it I lost it because my paranoia keeps creeping up.
-Okay, time to meet with the other councilers. Ready?- Aang asked me looking excited.
-Of course, let's go.- I answered smiling, having my friend was soothing to me.
As we sat up I gestured the girls to follow me, as they have always do. Walking away from the throne, I saw Sokka slowing his pace so he can be side by side with Suki. It annoyed me but how could I demand him to stop bothering her? If I could, I would be just walking alongside with her every day, her whole presence is relaxing.
As hard as I tried to ignore them, the chit chat and small laughs caught my attention. My hand slowly forming into a fist and the other voices fading away, my hearing senses becoming even more acute and focused in their words.
-You want to get out in a date? Today's not my free day Sokka, I'm sorry.- Her voice was sincerely sorry. Don't apologize Suki. Because exactly as you said. You can't leave because you have to stay here with me, as a warrior and as a friend.
-Well, I can help you patrol and we can consider that a date. You in?- He asked in a suggestive tone.
A small giggle followed, one I hear all the time. My body tenses, for whatever reason. Maybe I'm just too nervous for this reunion. It's the first big one since the mini war erupted and I was almost captured. It was also 2 months since Suki was heartbroken and crying at her free times, her honor and pride being too high to ask me for free time to mourn her romantic loss.
That was only one of the many reasons he was starting to tick me off the wrong way. I like him as a friend, but he's a terrible boyfriend. He really applies the "out of sight out of mind" really well.
-Sokka, we need to enter right now, please join us.-I said in a serious tone, not bothering to turn around to address him.
I could only imagine his face because he took his time to come closer to Aang and I. I heard a smooch but knowing her, it was his. On duty she was this strong, independent, serious and fearsome warrior, deceiving the enemies with her painted expression and petite size. I only smiled the first time someone even tried to get close to me with her on my side, that was truly a power move she made.
I shook my head before sighting, Aang's hand on my shoulder for support. I look at him and smile, opening the door to focus for the first time in the day on something that's not Suki and my stupid friend.
God, how I hate that day 2 months ago. It keeps me from my duty as a Lord.
As I order a feast for our guests to the dinner ball later in the night, Katara and Toph come to the hall with beautiful gowns, dare I say almost unrecognizable. Love on both girls sure makes them shine radiantly and smile. Suki standing by my side, looking serious as always. I put my hand on her shoulder, just to imagine again how it felt under all those layers of clothes.
Her blue purple eyes stare at me, focused on my expression and probably awaiting an order. What it felt hours to me where probably mere milliseconds, as having my friends in front of me could make them suspect we even interact after hours.
-You can go change too, I can give you another day off.- I smile with my heart crushing. This will make her happier than me.
She blushed, probably drawing the conclusion that I heard them. As she's about to mouth "No" she stops, a thoughtful face on her. She smiles and gives me a small bow. Searching for Ty Lee and addressing her to replace her. I don't let go of her until our friend stands beside me. My hand feeling on fire as I remove it.
I see her walk on a rapid pace, the one she always made when Sokka came to town and was too excited to hide it. As she turns to the corner of the hall I can already imagine how fast she has ran to her bedroom to get ready. I turn to Katara and Toph who are chatting with Aang, probably about something else. I see Toph's feet on my direction. Maybe she noticed?
As she lifts one brow my suspects confirm, she probably noticed my mood change as I touched Suki. Well, I can always throw a lie….now that I rethink that, maybe I could just excuse myself. I have to still finish the rounds with my people and go talk to my uncle about my predicament.
-Well, I'm sorry again to leave you all alone but please make yourself at home. In 3 hours we'll see each other at the dinning hall to share more travel talks- I said smiling. The power couple smiled to me, waving goodbye with their hands on each other as I started to walk, Toph however just nodded.
Well, maybe she didn't noticed at all and her feet casually were looking at me. Yeah, maybe.
Man, looking for flowers at this hour seems to be impossible. Either they are expensive as hell or the ones I'm looking for are just gone. For being a city it still seems to have limited time things too long for my liking. A date on the palace halls? Not my top ten but it'll be fun as long as I'm with her. Seeing her on duty is also one of the sexiest things my eyes have been blessed with.
I strolled around town, purposely evading the flower shop with Mai on it. She seemed….even more pissed off than usual, but hey, I'm not the one to judge! I was almost the same when I arrived yesterday. Well, there's a meat shop nearby and I'm starving, might as well think about it a little bit more before checking in with Mai.
As I sat down by my side there were girls already giggling. Feeling flattered I just smile towards my bowl, trying to focus while I eat. How I missed eating without the feeling of puke. As soon as I finished music began ringing at the other side of the city. Curiosity killed the cat didn't it? It won't hurt me to peak at the commotion. Getting closer a band was just there doing a free concert. The fire and multiple fireworks made everything look so bright and colorful.
The music was slow and romantic, normally not my type… But right now, hearing the song reminded me so much of how much this woman means to me.
-There are some songs that touch the soul, other's that make us dance all night, and others that sound with the heart.
The girls went crazy as they kept playing. I laughed, girls really get crazy with music and flowers….
Bingo! Sure Suki would love hearing me sing till dawn with some flowers in hand, chasing her around as she patrols the halls, though, I don't think people will receive well my voice at midnight. I'll make something out of this.
-One song for you and me, for us to express what we feel. I wanna have you, so I made this song for you…~
This is it. Might as well run for the flowers before the sun sets down. Running was easy, dealing with the flower lady, that was going to be the hardest part. As I entered the flower shop, I heard a grunt. Gosh, again her.
-Same flowers?-I hear her monotonous voice say.
-Please.- I reply quickly, trying to save both of us the conflict.
Silence. The only audible noise were the steps made from the flowers to the register.
-Still for the same whore?- She taunts, a grin in her usually, serious face.
-Shut the fuck up before I make you regret it.- I spoke angered, throwing the money. Why was she so mad with her? My eyes widen as I realize I completely lost it at her degrading her. She noticed and mocked me.
-Oh no, the waterboy is angered, what is this nenderthal going to do?- She said rolling her eyes, obviously not bothered.
-What's your problem with Suki?- I answered, staring at her cold emotionless eyes. Surely she did something to her.
Her frown became noticeable under her bangs, turning away from my stare.
-She still hasn't told you what happened while you were gone?- Her mocking tone shifted to a hurt one.
I just stared at her in silence. Waiting for her to finish, as it seems she really wanted me to know this "unexcusable" thing that she did.
-She stole my exboyfriend, right under my nose.- She continued.
-They're not dating Mai. She's with me and you know she's not capable of doing that.- I reply, trying to tell her this Suki is not a real one.
-Really? Where you two dating 3 months ago? Oh…right. You weren't.- She mocked again, turning around to meet my eyes, obviously enraged.
I will not stand here to listen again to the same old broken record. I picked up the flowers and left, not even bothering to be polite on my way out. The night again was starting to show, hopefully, today I'll make it to the dinner ball with them.
I am really nervous to talk about this. How am I supposed to tell him I'm falling for her? Once my closest friend. We were sitting on the lake, feeding turtleducks with some warm tea. We have been in here for hours, as the sky was almost dark and the moon was close to coming out.
-Zuko…Is there something troubling you? It's not the first time you had this face.- His warm voice interrupts my predicament. I gulp.
My words were unable to leave my mouth, too scared to say it out loud. Saying it was believing them, making them true. I don't want them to be true.
-I…I don't know how to say it.- I stuttered, not being able to look at him.
A warm hand touched my shoulder, I turn around to look at my uncle. His face as peaceful and empathetic as always, just like the old angst days I used to have while searching for the Avatar.
-Remember. Inhale and exhale slowly, close your eyes and let it flow as smooth as the air.- He replies, his tone still warm and inviting.
I closed my eyes and sighed. I haven't done this in a long time, feeling really safe and secure since I joined team Avatar. Alright….Inhale….exhale….one time…two times…three times…..
-I think I love Suki.
As I opened my eyes I could see his shocked expression. It was surely better than what I expected, as my father would probably have laughed at not taking her away from my friend. After all it is in my power to do that kind of horrible stuff.
-Is that why you and Mai broke up?- He asked raising an eyebrow with curiosity.
-No… She left me because of other things.-I answer, not wanting to tell him my paranoia took the best of me while visiting my father.
My uncle grabbed some tea and drank it, as he finished, he put down the cup and faced me. I could feel my cheeks the color of my face.
-Since when you have felt this way son?- He continued interrogating.
I look at the sky and do a retrospection of my story with her. Since when?... That was a good question.
-I'm…not really sure. We have been close friends since she came here to live in the palace, but…
-But?-He said raising an eyebrow.
What's more embarrassing then having your honor revoked and being exiled from the palace? Discussing your sex life with your uncle. I grabbed a strand of my hair and grip it, it was stupid to try to hide my nervousness with him, he reads me like and old book.
-But the day she….she and Sokka broke up, she was crying and I felt so bad and…angry for her. She deserved better and… I could offer her that. We were training in my room and… and everything was so…so natural and beautiful…- I daydreamed drifting off from the talk, returning to my senses a bit later.
His grin grew as well as my blush. I sincerely felt like fire was consuming my face again.
-She ended up crying, nothing happened other than kissing and cuddling.- I finished my story with a bit, perhaps, of nervousness.
He didn't need me to fill the blanks I left, such as being naked and almost making love.
-Son, A man falls in love through his eyes, a woman through her ears. Are you sure you're not confusing infatuation with love?- He looked at me with a big question mark.
-No! Why would I only want her for her body? In that case I would have just taken her that night, not bothering to ask is she was alright or consent.- I answer almost offended at the insinuation.
-Zuko, you are honorable. That's why you didn't do that. But, I must tell you being with a friends ex-lover is not something to be proud of if he is not even questioned about it.- He reminds me, here in the fire nation is not a bad look like in other nations, but consent from your friend is crucial.
- I know! Sokka was once my best friend and…I know this has ruined that relationship.- I look down to the pond, remembering our chit chats and awkward jokes.
My uncle sighted, grabbing his beard, thinking. There was no way to undo this. Is either her or him, and going for one will probably make me lose the other one.
-There's a funny thing about love. It will find you in the most unusual circumstances, at the most unlikely times. Love will come upon you, throw its arms around you, and transform your entire existence.
I listened cautiously… Is she really making me a better person or I'm making the wrong choices to chase her? Obviously not her fault, as she stated that day. She loves Sokka.
-Meditate it son, I cannot tell you if you should go and get her or draw a line in between. For the time, we shall go to the dinning hall, as I'm really hungry and we both need to get ready.-He finished with a laugh.
I knew I would probably leave this place more confused, but surprisingly, I didn't. The question was bold and the answer simpler. Do I love her? Is she changing me for the better or worse?
As we almost left the area, his hand grabbed my wrist, making me face him.
-I would also suggest to talk to her before declaring how you feel. If you intend to do that.- He said, looking at me with caution.
-Thanks Uncle.- I said nodding.
This will be a long feast, specially knowing she will probably be in bed with him at the end of the night.
Next chapter is of course the ball :)