A/N: Gah! This was a tough one to write! But hopefully it'll be to your satisfaction my dear readers! And yeah, this chapter is gonna cover The Tales of Ba Sing Se but only Iroh's is covered in this. Zuko's will be next don't worry!
For once, Orora was the first one up.
Or at least, the first of the two youngsters.
Iroh's bed mat was empty, she noticed, tiptoeing her way out of the room, not wanting to wake Zuko. He was rather particular about his beauty sleep being disturbed, of course when she had observed so, using the same words, she'd received a cushion to the face.
Alright, so maybe teasing Zuko was fun. Then again it was only revenge since he didn't hold back either.
He'd actually laughed out loud when she had admitted to not understanding the use of a dustpan when she had swept the shop. That was back they had just started to work. Granted his laugh had been more of a HA sound, that was more haughty then playful, she had quickly shut him up by reminding him that there was no need for it where she was from since everything was made of ice.
Besides, just because the both of them had called truce, didn't mean that they were about to stop their arguing. Honestly, most of the time, they were the most interesting part of her day.
Moving to the stove, she picked up the spark rocks, only to stop at the sight of a scroll sitting in the middle of the table. Curious, she picked it up and unfolded it.
Dear Zuko and Orora,
Since there was to be no work today, I decided to spend it by myself. I will be back after sundown, so do not worry about me. Be on guard and stay safe. I expect to return to a clean house, with no broken furniture, and, hopefully, both of you with all your limbs intact.
Love, Uncle.
Smiling to herself, Orora set the letter aside. Honestly, with how much Iroh had to deal with it was good that he had a day off. Enjoy himself perhaps? He did have to work hard to make sure she and Zuko didn't get in trouble, or didn't kill one another.
Humming softly under her breath, she began to prepare breakfast, frowning slightly at the few ingredients that were left in the meager pantry. Deciding to perhaps go shopping later, she continued making breakfast. While normally she would have made something just for herself, she made sure to make some for Zuko as well. The young waterbender had only just put the finishing touches and was pouring some tea when Zuko emerged, tousle-haired, yawning and rubbing his neck from where he had slept wrong.
"Morning!" She greeted, smiling at him. Alright, so she was in a good mood. No work, and shopping later. What more could a girl want?
Zuko made a small sound in reply, probably a greeting back, as he looked around the apartment. "Where's Uncle?" He asked, his voice a little hoarser then usual since he had just woken up. Orora held up the letter. "He said he was taking the day by himself. I'm sure he got tired of us bickering all the time."
Holding up the pot of tea, she gestured for him to sit. "Eat while its still warm. I'm gonna go shopping for some stuff after this, we're almost out of food." Zuko settled onto the futon on the opposite side of the small table they would be sharing.
"You made breakfast?" Usually it was Uncle who made it, since he was the first one up. Orora frowned. "What? You don't think I know how to cook?" She asked, raising an eyebrow at him. Zuko was still looking at the meager yet appetizing bowl of food. "No, but I didn't think you would make breakfast for me. Only Uncle has ever done that."
Her face fell, that all too familiar squeeze in her heart making her nearly clench her chest, but she stopped just in time. Instead her hands tightened around her teacup.
"Spirits Zuko. Why do you have to go and make me sad so early in the day?" She muttered, to which he frowned from where he was already eating his breakfast.
"How is that sad?" It still astounded her how normal Zuko thought it was for people to not care about him. Small things like making him breakfast, or a cup of tea, helping him out with his work at the shop. During those first few days of their truce, when she had offered to help him, he had actually asked her what she wanted him to do in return.
Orora had been stunned to say the least. She assured him that she was doing it simply because she wanted to, a reply that had him frowning in confusion and asking why.
"Just eat your breakfast." She muttered, pointing at the food with her chopsticks and continuing with her own breakfast. "What're your plans for today then?" The girl spoke after a few moments of silence. "Will you actually be going out and enjoying a beautiful day, or are you going to find a dark corner to sulk and brood?"
The scowl he threw at her had her grinning into her cup as she finished up her tea. "I don't do that." He sulked, prompting her to bite her lower lip to keep herself from laughing out loud.
Finishing first, she quickly stood up, giving her utensils a quick wash using her waterbending. "You know its amazing how its the middle of Spring and we haven't had any rain yet." She observed. "I'm looking forward to it. Maybe I can try and waterbend some of the rain to use it as a weapon."
It had been so long since she'd practiced. Orora was actually making plans to go to the Outer Wall and practice at a Lake. One of the patrons at the tea shop had told her about Lake Laogai, maybe she would have a little fun there.
Behind her, Zuko barely heard what she said, his mind focusing on a rather insignificant detail she had just revealed.
Spring.
Mid Spring.
His face fell, his eyes widened, and his hand darted out to grab the letter where it rested on the table. "Wait?! What date is it today?" Zuko, looking around and letting out a frustrated sound when he saw no calendar in sight. Orora turned around, putting her now clean bowl in the small cupboard as she did.
The answer she received pulled an instant reaction from Zuko. His hand flew to his forehead, before sliding down his face as he muttered. "Spirits! How could I forget?!"
She frowned. "Forget what?" It was strange seeing Zuko act like that. Usually he was either annoyed or angry. Though lately even those emotions had been few and far in-between. Sighing deeply, the young Prince removed his hand from his face, gripping the letter with the other as he replied.
"Its...today's Lu Ten's birthday." He muttered. An aching sadness clenched his heart as memories of his beloved cousin rose tot he forefront of his mind.
Orora blinked. "Who's Lu Ten?" She asked, wandering what kind of person would have Zuko reacting in such a manner. Another sigh, before his gaze lifted to meet her's
"Lu Ten is...was my cousin. Uncle's son."
The way he spoke, the sadness in his very expression and eyes had a sickening feeling settle in her chest. And her suspicions were confirmed true when he spoke the next few words.
"He died a few years ago. While he and Uncle were trying to conquer Ba Sing Se."
A startled gasp fell from her lips, a hand rising to cover her mouth as her eyes darted to the letter he still held. "Oh my Spirits, I didn't...you never...he didn't tell..."
Zuko shook his head, putting the letter on the table. "He doesn't like to talk about it. Its still painful for him." The young girl gave a small nod. "I get it, its never easy to loose a loved one. And its never easy for a parent to loose a child."
Silence fell between them, both of them lost in their own thoughts. Orora's were filled with the smiling visage of her Master, and how, despite the tremendous loss he had faced, he was always smiling, ready with the right words of wisdom, not to mention how kind he was.
Zuko was lost in his own memories of his cousin. While he had never been close to Azula, Lu Ten, despite the age difference, had been more of a sibling to him then she had. He had always been ready to play with him, show him a new firebending move.
Orora finally glanced up at Zuko, her expression soft. Clearly the day was just as hard for Zuko as it probably was for Iroh. What should've been a day of celebration, would be a day of mourning for both of them.
Suddenly an idea began to form in her mind, one that could either work out really well, or would go wrong. She hoped it would be the former.
Standing up, the girl quickly made her way over to the small wardrobe where she kept her shopping bag. Slinging both it and her water satchel over her shoulder, she made sure she had enough money before moving to stand beside Zuko.
He hadn't even moved from his spot, opting to simply stare at the wall in front of him, his half-eaten food now cold on the table. Reaching out she rested a hand on his shoulder, an act that he barely acknowledged, other then the slight tenseness in his shoulders.
"Why don't you stay at home today, I'll be back in a couple of hours. I can shop alone."
Receiving no response, and really she hadn't been expecting one, the young waterbender rose to her feet, and with one final glance in his direction, she slipped out of the apartment.
Slumping onto one of the many benches littered in the shopping market, Orora wiped her brow as she dropped the food she had bought in the last half hour, next to her. Once she had caught her breath, the young girl did a mental headcount of everything she had bought so far. She had splurged a little to get a few ingredients they normally wouldn't buy, but for her plan to work, all of her purchase was crucial.
Digging into one of the bags, she brought out a moon peach, a fruit she had grown quite fond of since coming to Ba Sing Se. Munching on her snack, she took a few minutes to catch her breath before she was to make the trek back home.
It was amazing how people were going about their lives, as if nothing was happening beyond the borders of their Walls. Then again, maybe for them nothing was going on. The were safe in here. And were so used to it that they didn't think the Fire Nation could reach them.
She hoped it would remain that way.
Finishing the fruit, she quickly stood, pursing her lips as she tried to figure out how she would carry all her purchase home.
She was so lost in her contemplation that she barely felt a familiar figure walk up to stand next to her.
"You've been staring for so long people are actually starting to point at you." That all too familiar husky voice cut through her thoughts, prompting her to turn in his direction.
"Zuko! What're you doing here? I thought you were back home?" He remained silent, cutting quite the imposing figure with his swords at his side and the serious expression on his face. Then it occurred to her. "Have you been following me?" She asked, her tone sounding more then a little accusatory as she glared at him. Zuko glanced at her out of the corner of his eyes.
"Following you and keeping you safe from a distance are two different things Orora." He stated. Ice blue eyes blinked at him disbelief. She stared at him long enough for him to grow uncomfortable.
"What?" He demanded sounding defensive, prompting Orora to give him a bright smile. "Awww, Zuko, were you worried about me?" She all but cooed, her tone teasing, albeit carrying a pleasing undertone. A bright blush spread across the Prince's cheeks, prompting her smile to grow even wider.
If that was even possible.
"Uncle asked me to keep an eye on you in the city." He quickly stated, pinning it all on his absent Uncle.
She couldn't help it.
A warm bubble of affection for the scowling, annoyed, flustered looking Prince prompted her to throw her arms around his shoulders.
And while Zuko's entire being froze, his golden eyes widening in disbelief, Orora allowed herself those few seconds of embrace to enjoy the presence of another person. She'd barely gotten any expressions of affection as a child, and she was intent on not passing up any chance to showcase her affection for her new family. Once Iroh returned, he would be getting a hug from her as well. For now, not wanting Zuko to combust into flames from embarrassment, she simply let out a small laugh. "You're a big old softie Zuko, and you know it." She stated as she pulled back. He was staring at her as if she had grown a second head.
Smiling to herself, the young waterbender quickly turned around and hefting one of the heavier bags, pushed it into Zuko's hands. He fumbled with it briefly, still a little lost at what had just happened, but he adjusted quickly.
"Now, come on! We have a lot of work to do if we want everything to be ready for tonight." She stated before gathering the rest of the bags and starting the walk back home.
Zuko, having regained his normal thought process, started after her. "Wait! Ready for what?!" He called out, his embarrassment ebbing away to be replaced by a sense of elation and tranquility.
All because Orora had hugged him.
Between the both of them, their string flickered again, though neither of then noticed.
"Remind me again, how I got roped into doing this with you?"
"Because I threatened to ice you to the wall if you didn't help."
"Argh, I can't believe I'm being reduced to helping you."
"Its called doing something nice for someone Zuko. Now get back to your task. You still have to peel the carrots after this."
An annoyed huff was her only response, but Orora didn't pay any mind to it as she continued to cut the many fruits she had bought.
On their trip home, she had told Zuko of her plan. One that included making delicious food, all ready and waiting for Iroh whenever he would come back, to celebrate Lu Ten's birthday.
Zuko had tried to protest, but had shut up, when she had reasoned that since Iroh had spent the entire day by himself, he would love a little dinner to celebrate the life his son had lived.
As short as it may have been.
Glancing at Orora out of the corner of his eyes, something he noticed he did quite a lot, Zuko couldn't help but be envious of her. He would never have thought of coming up with an idea like that, let alone have the common sense to pull it off. Sure he was a good strategist and all, and could come up with a plan of escape or evasion when the situation called for it, but it would seem Orora had the upper hand when it came to dealing with people in a more compassionate way.
Almost as if they were two halves of a whole.
Shaking his head, he turned his attention back to the dough she had ordered him to knead. So far all he had managed to do was get himself covered in flour, and his fingers sticky. He made a face, pulling his hand away and watching the dough stretch as he did. "How long do I have to knead it for?" He asked. "You can stop once its smooth." She replied, not bothering to take her eyes away from her cutting.
As he began to knead the dough once more, he couldn't help but ask. "So, how does the daughter of a noble know how to cook?" It was a little strange for him since back at the Fire Nation, daughters of noblemen didn't learn to do so. Instead they hired servants to cook for them.
"Well like I've told you, my father believed a woman's place was at home. And while I hated the endless sewing that was of no use, as well as the etiquette lessons, I did enjoy learning how to cook."
Indeed, the way she had taken charge of preparing everything and ordering him about, anyone would think she had done this before. Even her tea making skills had been alright before Uncle had begun teaching her. Now she brewed tea just as well as his Uncle. Though he would never tell the old man that for fear of breaking his heart. He still fancied himself the best tea maker in the world.
Thankfully, the dough had started to attain a more normal shape and texture. It wasn't sticking to his fingers much, and was becoming soft and pliable. "Is that enough kneading?" He asked over his shoulder, accidentally swiping at his forehead.
Putting her knife down she quickly walked over, eyes assessing the now perfect dough. "Looks good, now start on the carrots." Her eyes shifted from the dough to his face.
A small giggle fell from her lips, one that promptly turned into a full laugh that had her clapping her hand over her mouth and her shoulders to shake.
Zuko frowned. "What?" He asked, looking bemused. Not bothering to answer, and still smiling from ear to ear, the girl grasped his shoulders and turned him in the direction of the small mirror Iroh had installed just beside the front door.
He was truly a sight to behold.
And not in a good way.
Somehow, he had managed to get flour in his hair, and on his cheek. That was nothing to say of the sticky dough that hung from his hair where he had wiped his hand not even a few moments ago.
"Why don't you go wash yourself up before the next task?" Orora offered, patting him gently on the back in a reassuring manner, though she was still laughing softly. He just looked so utterly ridiculous like that.
Normally, Zuko would be embarrassed at such a state, but something about the way Orora's carefree laughter followed him to the wash basin, where he quickly scrubbed his face clean, he found he didn't mind looking like that.
Not when it made Orora laugh like he had never heard her laugh before.
Maybe Orora was right. Maybe he was getting soft.
Or maybe, he was allowing himself to accept her as a friend and letting himself not be defensive around her like he normally was with people.
It wasn't long before almost everything was cooking away on the stoves. "You know its convenient to have a firebender around while you're cooking." Orora mused as she came to sit down beside Zuko where he was struggling to make dumplings. "Why do you say that?" He asked, making a dejected face at the lumpy dumpling he had made.
She smiled, as she began to create her own dumpling with practiced ease, though she did go a little slower so that Zuko could pick up on her steps and follow suit. "Because I can always ask you to lower the intensity of the flame, or increase it without having to struggle with the wood and smoke."
He gave her a look, though he did wave his hand and the fire beneath the stove lessened in intensity. Orora grinned at him, while he allowed himself a smile in return as well.
The both of them continued to make dumplings in a companionable silence for a few minutes.
"Were you close to your cousin?" Orora asked, her curiosity getting the best of her as she glanced at Zuko. "Well, I was more close to him then Azula, so yeah, I guess I was." He responded after a brief moment of hesitation.
Suddenly he smiled. "He was actually the one who gave me my first set of Dao Swords. It was just before he left with Uncle to the war front. Told me he expected to train with me once he returned." Placing another dumpling on the plate, he shrugged. "That last part didn't happen, but I did get really good at it."
She nodded in agreement, smiling softly at him. "Well from what I've seen, you are good." He sounded so proud and eager about his accomplishment. "I'm sure he would be proud of the person you've become." Finishing the last of her dumpling and setting it in the steamer she waited for him to finish up before putting it on the pot of water she had bubbling away to start the steaming process.
"Why don't you go get cleaned up. Its just the dessert left so I'll finish up." Nodding, he walked off to the next room, eager to get out of his flour covered clothes. Humming to herself, Orora quickly fixed up the final touches on her dessert. A little treat with a little help from her bending when the time would come. For now though she simply prepped everything before moving to check on the rest of the dishes. It was nearing sunset now, and hopefully Iroh would be returning soon.
Zuko came out after ten minutes, looking much cleaner in his new green Earth Kingdom clothes. Iroh had insisted they buy nicer clothes for some formal engagement they might have. The two teenagers had been a little skeptical at first, and while Zuko had to be convinced to buy new clothes, he still didn't like the colors, Orora had been quick to pick out a rather pretty light green robe for herself.
"Just keep an eye on the dumplings, and set out the table." She instructed, walking past him. Zuko rolled his eyes at her slightly bossy nature, though he did move to obey her.
Once the table was set, he moved to check on the food. The small apartment smelled amazing, and he couldn't wait to actually start eating. Though when he checked on the broth for the noodles, he did decide to do a little taste test.
Picking up a spoon he scooped up some of the broth. It tasted good, just needed a little more spice.
Spotting the container that held the red flakes, he quickly unscrewed the lid and dropped in a couple spoons. Waiting a couple of minutes to allow the spices to dissolve properly, he tasted it again.
Still a little too bland for his liking. And Uncle's too, he was sure.
So he added another spoonful.
And this time, it was perfect.
Nodding in satisfaction, he allowed himself one more taste of the broth before being startled by Orora. "Zuko!" He quickly put the spoon down, pivoting on his heel, and raising his hands as if to defend himself. "I was only tasting!"
Orora frowned from where she stood. "You just had a couple of fruits, leave some room in your stomach for the actual food." She scolded, reaching up to push her blue dragon hair comb back in place behind her head to keep her hair away from her face.
It was then that Zuko noticed what she was wearing. A long light green robe, that was tied around her waist with a satin sash. The edges of the robe was a lighter green, the same shade as the sash. Her sleeves were snug along her arms. The entire dress was covered in swirling deigns in gold as well as the darkest shade of green.
As she straightened the neckline of her dress, he briefly wandered how she would look were she to wear the clothes of his nation.
He couldn't help but look at her now, he would certainly not be able to look away if she ever wore red. Shaking his head to push away the thoughts, he moved to put the finishing touches on his table set-up. And only turned around in time to see her lifting the same spoon he had been using to give the broth a taste.
His eyes widened. "No, Orora! Wait!"
Iroh had seen many strange things over the course of his life. But nothing could prepare him for the scene that greeted him when he opened to door to his home.
There was his pupil, fanning her hands with her tongue hanging out, while his nephew was laughing his head off. A strange but not at all unwelcome sight since he had not heard his nephew laugh like that in a long time.
"I wilth kilth thu Thuko!" Came Orora's voice, slightly distorted since she had her tongue hanging out. Her words only caused Zuko to laugh that much harder, clutching his stomach and nearly staggering where he stood. Still fanning her tongue, Iroh watched as his young pupil quickly picked up the entire bucket of their drinking water and empty it completely.
Granted it was not even half full, but still that was a lot of water.
Once done, Orora set the bucket aside and touched her still tingling lips. "Spirits Zuko! Why'd you go and make it so spicy?!" She demanded of his nephew who was grinning from ear to ear. "Because it's how Uncle and I like it."
The young girl only huffed. "Yeah well that spice level nearly had me breathing fire. You're gonna burn your own tongue off if you're not careful."
Picking up the now empty bucket, she chucked it in his direction, which he caught.
It was then that Zuko realized his Uncle was back. Orora, too, caught sight of him standing in the doorway just then. Despite the sadness that he had felt the entire day, coming home to this, to both of them, lightened his heart more then he had thought possible.
"Mind telling me what is going on?" He asked.
The small table was laden with all the food the two teenagers, coughOroracough, had prepared throughout the day. There were fresh dumplings, steaming roast duck, udon noodles, a fruit platter and a selection of vegetables to top the noodles with.
Iroh was frowning in amusement from his seat of honor at the head of the table, as he watched Zuko settle on his right and Orora on his left, on either sides of the table.
Clearing her throat, Orora lifted her gaze to meet her Teacher's. "Zuko, told me what today was." She finally revealed. Iroh glanced briefly in his nephew's direction. "I suppose you would've known eventually, given how close we have gotten over the past few months."
Orora smiled at his words before continuing. "And I know that its a very sad day, but I thought that perhaps we should also celebrate today together. In honor of your son's memory. I'm sure he would not want to see you sad." She couldn't help but reach out and place her hand atop Iroh's.
"I...I hope you do not find our efforts offending in anyway."
She truly looked and felt nervous as she waited for her Teacher to react. Zuko looked at his Uncle and saw the reaction before it came. Iroh gently gripped Orora's hand in both his own and, despite the tears in his eyes, he smiled.
"You have too kind and pure a heart for this world, my dear." He said, his voice laced with emotion. "You have truly been a bright light in our lives since you have come." And though he could never have voiced it like his Uncle had, Zuko did give a small nod of agreement when Orora's blue eyes flitted in his direction.
As if seeking confirmation and reassurance.
She smiled back, wiping away the tears that escaped her with the back of her hand. Reaching into the bag he had taken with him for the day, Iroh pulled out the portrait he had of his son. "Place it on the futon Zuko." He tasked his nephew, who quickly obeyed, setting the portrait so that it would take up the final place at the table.
"Before we begin, I would like to propose a toast." Iroh stated, raising his glass of tea. Orora and Zuko gripped theirs as well, after the former had poured a cup for Lu Ten's portrait.
"A toast to my beloved son, in honor of his birthday." Iroh stated, a sad yet proud smile on his lips as he gazed at his son's portrait.
"A toast to Zuko." He turned the cup to his nephew, who looked a little startled to being addressed like that. "For always remaining vigilant and keeping us all safe, for it is his nature to protect." Orora smiled brightly at the flustered Prince.
"A toast to Orora, for showing my nephew and I the compassion we sorely needed, trusting us when no one else would and making us smile again." A please blush crept across her tanned cheeks as she laughed shyly.
"And to myself." Iroh raised his free hand to press against his chest. "For being the best tea maker in all of Ba Sing Se." He stated in a jovial tone. Zuko shook his head, an affectionate look on his face as he regarded his Uncle. "And for getting us safely to Ba Sing Se." The Prince added. "And for always being ready with a word of wisdom to help the both of us out whenever we need it." Orora beamed.
Their cups held aloft, they toasted one last time before drinking the warm beverage. "Now let us eat."
It was truly a night to remember. With easy conversation and stories shared between the three of them. The highlight of the evening had to be the food, though when Orora brought out dessert it overshadowed everything else.
Using her waterbending abilities, she was able to use the cream and milk to create ice cream. Iroh decided to use jasmine tea as his flavor, while Zuko opted for cherries from the fruit platter. Orora herself added strawberries to her own. She even put on a little show by creating small ice sculptures of different animals and having them move around. Zuko added to the fun by creating small fire obstacles she had to maneuver her ice animals through without melting them.
That was a night none of them would be forgetting for a long long time.
A/N: Hope you enjoyed the chapter! Lemme know what you think! - Hestia28
