Zukaang Week 2013: Day 7 - Friend
Title: Avatars of the Elements - The Missing Friend
Type: AU Fanfic
Characters: Aang, Toph, Katara, Sokka, Zuko, Jet
Rating: T
Warnings: boys kissing, injury and worry
Summary: Aang realizes just how much Zuko values their friendship.
Aang and his friends made sure to shed their Avatar selves as soon as they were clear of the battle field. They had long since learned that while they couldn’t be tracked in their normal personas, their Avatar forms emitted a very distinct energy signature that simply drew in Phoenix Kin, both the spirits and human-looking types.
They had established Aang’s house as their base of operations of sorts. Aang lived with his grandfather, who was a professor at the university and as such was often out, either at work or for meetings. This allowed the heroes to discuss their battle plans openly. It also allowed a safe haven to patch up after a harder battle.
That day’s battle had been the hardest so far. Aang had a sinking feeling that if it hadn’t been for them gaining new allies from seemingly nowhere, they very well might have perished. Which brought him to the thing that was confusing him the most. What had caused the Blue Boss and Green Grunt to join with them against that new Phoenix Kin? They had disappeared for seemingly no reason and now they were back and fighting beside them. Sokka had told them that the two Kin apparently had a grudge against this new one, but Aang wondered if that was all it was.
The Blue Boss had known his name. Hadn’t that been his goal, to find out that information? He apparently had it now but didn’t seem to be in any hurry to take advantage of that or use it against Aang and his friends. Perhaps that was what had happened at the radio tower. He had discovered Aang’s identity and then, what, decided the chase was over with that? And how would he known Aang’s name from only seeing his face?
These were the thoughts Aang dwelled on while Katara tended to Toph’s injuries. She was the one of them most severely injured, her melee-concentrated battle style not only having proven ineffective against their enemy, but actually risking herself in the process. The scrapes, bruises and burns Aang and Katara had earned were minor compared to hers, even after the shifting between forms healed the worst of it.
Aang made his way to the entrance hall, where his eyes fell on the wrapped package settled on the phone stand. Zuko’s gift, Aang had completely forgotten about it after he’d laid it down when Katara had started pushing him out the door.
Picking the gift up, Aang started unwrapping it. He needed something positive with the day he had been having. The wrapping fell away to reveal a wristband. Aang recognized it as the one he constantly saw Zuko wearing, only it looked different. Rotating the item in his grasp Aang noticed it was missing the blue gemstone Aang had so admired when he’d first seen it, the gemstone that had seemed almost to glow…
“Sokka.” Aang hurried over to the living room, where Katara and Toph were sitting surrounded by first aid equipment. Sokka was nowhere in sight, though.
“What do you need, Aang?” Sokka bounced out of a pile of gauze.
“I need the Truth Stone.”
Sokka took a moment to process the request before speaking out: “Okay, sure. But what do you need it for?”
The stone shimmered into existence and Aang slid it into the slot on the band. He felt the pull on his clothes as Sokka climbed him and they both saw how the fit was. The stone was set into the wristband perfectly, like it had been made for it.
“Wow, perfect fit,” Sokka commented. “Where did that thing come from?”
Aang felt a bit numb. “It was in the package I got from Zuko.”
“Oh,” Toph’s voice commented. “The creepy bookstore guy you have a crush on?”
Aang blushed in both embarrassment and anger. “Zuko isn’t creepy!”
“But the crush part at least is true, huh?” Toph raised an eyebrow and Aang’s steamed while Sokka also joined in with: “I’m not sure he’d be good boyfriend material. I mean, I don’t know anything about Phoenix Kin dating methods, but…”
“Would you stop obsessing about my love life, especially since as far as I know I don’t have one?” Aang flailed, almost dislodging Sokka from his perch on his shoulder. “I just found out Zuko is one of the Phoenix Kin. Why are you all being so blasé about this?”
“Well, he gave you that thing, didn’t he?” Sokka mumbled, sounding a bit dizzy from the rough treatment he’d received.
“Never mind how he came to your rescue,” Toph added.
“Aang.” Katara looked a bit hesitant, like she was holding some sort of deep secret. She also sounded a great deal more serious than either Sokka or Toph so Aang was inclined to listen to her. “I’ve been on speaking terms with Jet…Green Grunt for a while now.”
Unsure why she was bringing this up now, Aang nodded. “Since that shadow trap debacle.”
“Ah, yes.” Katara blushed. “I guess I haven’t been very discreet.” The girl cleared her throat. “My point is, he told me a lot about himself, why he is here for example.” Katara hesitated briefly. “He told me his Boss, I suppose that’s Zuko, lost something. The First General took a part of him and is using it as leverage to make him do what he wants.”
Aang remembered Toph telling him about the scar she had seen in Zuko’s soul and felt a rush of sympathy for Zuko.
“Think about it, Aang.” Katara met Aang’s gaze with an intense look. “He gave up a piece of himself to come to your rescue. Just, think about that.”
Aang did think about it. Even after Toph and Katara left for the night, Aang was still thinking about it. He could barely sleep with how much he thought about it and come morning he was done thinking and ready to act.
“I need to find Zuko,” Aang told his friends with conviction. “He’s still my friend, and I want to be sure he’s alright.”
Katara smiled at him. “I’m glad to hear it, Aang.” She showed him a slip of paper. “Because Jet contacted me last night.”
Aang glanced at the paper, reading an address. “What’s this?”
“It’s where Jet is staying,” Katara replied. “Most of the Phoenix Kin are helpless with addresses; they have no idea how they work. So this is as specific as Jet could get in his message in case it got intercepted.”
“Although I do wonder how many would want to intercept a creepy Kin hawky thingy,” Sokka grumbled with distaste. Most likely the Kin creature had been a carnivore and attempted to eat the otter, thinking him a quick snack.
Katara petted Sokka’s head, soothing the otter’s temper. “If anyone knows where to find Zuko, it’s Jet. They’re friends after all.”
“Alright then.” Aang handed the address back to Katara. “Sounds like a plan.”
--
The Phoenix Kin was staying in an apartment building. Granted it was an exceptionally high apartment building but it still seemed a tad too regular for magical human-like beings from another realm. And naturally the apartment Jet was staying in was on the highest floor. It wouldn’t be a surprise he’d managed to get such a place what with having magic in his use and all.
All the Avatars went to the building together, riding the elevator to the topmost floor. As much as Aang trusted Katara, he wanted to hear any news about Zuko himself firsthand and if they were both going, then Toph would not agree with being left behind.
Fortunately Jet didn’t seem to mind finding a crowd behind his door once he opened it. In fact, he seemed relieved to see them all as he rushed them in.
“Sorry about the way I contacted you, Katara, I hope my little friend didn’t startle you,” Jet spoke as he closed the door behind them.
Katara gave Jet a good-humoured smile. “He was a sweetheart, really. If anyone was startled, it was Sokka.” Jet only nodded in response and Katara frowned in worry. “Is everything alright?”
“I’m not sure,” Jet said and that was when Aang noticed how tired he looked. “I’ve been stuck here because I can’t leave Zuko’s side.”
“Zuko’s here?” Aang instantly jumped at Jet when he heard the news. “Where is he?”
“In the bedroom, through there.” Jet pointed down the hall and Aang immediately rushed in the direction he was shown. Jet speed walked after him, still continuing to speak: “He’s not much for conversation, or anything, right now.”
Aang entered the bedroom and froze as for a brief moment of terror Zuko looked dead to him. But then he heard the laboured breathing and deflated in relief. He waked further into the room, terrified by how ghastly pale Zuko was, not counting his flushed cheeks.
“What happened to him?” Aang felt his chest constrict.
Jet moved to stand beside Aang. “Zuko burned himself out beating Azula.” The Kin released a frustrated sigh. “He’s been out of it for a whole day.”
“Have you ever anything like this before?” Katara asked as she looked Zuko over. “You’re the only other Phoenix Kin here.”
“Once.” Jet looked pained. “When the First General of the Phoenix King took away his magic.”
“And he’s still alive after going through such a soul injury?” Sokka queried in awe. “He’s tenacious.”
Jet laughed humourlessly. “Tell me about it.”
Aang sat on the edge of the bed, eyes glued to Zuko’s face. He laid a hand on top of one of Zuko’s and marvelled at how warm it was in his grasp. He’d expected it to be deathly cold. He also noticed a feeling of rightness, unity, magic between them. He’d only felt the sensation twice before.
“He’s an Avatar,” Aang murmured.
There were startled exclamations from behind Aang but he paid them no mind. He hadn’t noticed it before because Zuko was so against touching. But it was also a matter of Zuko’s stolen magic. But now Aang could feel the magic in Zuko, thrumming beneath the skin.
“I can feel the connection. He’s one of us.” Aang lifted his gaze to Jet. “How did the First General take Zuko’s magic?”
“I can answer that better than he.” The voice was soft and raspy but Aang recognized it immediately. He turned around to give Zuko and elated smile.
“You’re alright.”
“And you figured my clue out.” Zuko gave him a lazy smile. “I was starting to think you were even denser than I thought.”
“I only got to open it last night, shut up.” Aang placed a hand on Zuko’s chest, liking the feel of Zuko’s magic he could now pick up. “You were about to tell me about your dark and troubled past?”
“What is there to tell?” Zuko pushed himself up and his elbows, winced, and flopped back down. “Fine. The First General is my father and when he asked me to give up my magic so that he could use it to revive the Phoenix King I, like the dutiful son I fancied myself as, gave it to him willingly.” There was so much regret in Zuko’s eyes that it made Aang’s breath catch. “When I betrayed him last night, the loyalty that tied my magic to him vanished, severing his hold on it.”
“It hurt to get it back?” Aang queried, slowly rubbing circles on Zuko’s chest. Zuko didn’t seem to mind.
“Less than it hurt having it torn out.” Zuko flashed Aang a smirk. “Naturally he never warned me about that part.”
“I’m glad you’re alright,” Aang spoke gently and saw Zuko’s eyes soften.
“Oh, ahem.” Sokka’s sudden voice caused the two to jump. “We’ll all just move to the living room. You two…get...reacquainted…or…whatever.”
“Just shut up,” Jet growled and shut the door behind the leaving group with a touch more force than necessary.
Certain he was blushing scarlet, Aang focused back on Zuko.
“They’ve somehow convinced themselves we’re going to kiss now or something,” Aang offered the other as a way of explanation. Zuko merely smirked at him in response.
“You mean we aren’t?”
“Ahem.” Aang cleared his throat, his rushing heart nowhere near calming down now. “Well, uhm, I wouldn’t know. Are we”
“Well,” Zuko drawled, suddenly looking very comfortable lying on the bed recovering from an impromptu session of soul-patching. “I’d hate to disappoint people.”
“Yeah, you have a point.” Aang glanced around nervously, unsure what he was supposed to do.
Zuko released a heavy, put-upon sigh. The other’s tone was completely no-nonsense when he spoke: “Aang.”
Aang immediately focused on Zuko.
“Just stop fidgeting and kiss me already.”
There was no way Aang could disobey that tone of voice. He leaned down and kissed Zuko experimentally. A hand on the back of Aang’s head kept him from pulling away and Aang fumbled, propping an arm on the bed beside Zuko’s head, leaving him looming over Zuko.
“Do it properly,” Zuko muttered against Aang’s lips and the younger male giggled. Even now Zuko was completely impossible.
So Aang kissed him again. And again. Deeper and longer each time, until Zuko’s complaints faded away completely.
It was a long time coming, after all.
Type: AU Fanfic
Characters: Aang, Toph, Katara, Sokka, Zuko, Jet
Rating: T
Warnings: boys kissing, injury and worry
Summary: Aang realizes just how much Zuko values their friendship.
Aang and his friends made sure to shed their Avatar selves as soon as they were clear of the battle field. They had long since learned that while they couldn’t be tracked in their normal personas, their Avatar forms emitted a very distinct energy signature that simply drew in Phoenix Kin, both the spirits and human-looking types.
They had established Aang’s house as their base of operations of sorts. Aang lived with his grandfather, who was a professor at the university and as such was often out, either at work or for meetings. This allowed the heroes to discuss their battle plans openly. It also allowed a safe haven to patch up after a harder battle.
That day’s battle had been the hardest so far. Aang had a sinking feeling that if it hadn’t been for them gaining new allies from seemingly nowhere, they very well might have perished. Which brought him to the thing that was confusing him the most. What had caused the Blue Boss and Green Grunt to join with them against that new Phoenix Kin? They had disappeared for seemingly no reason and now they were back and fighting beside them. Sokka had told them that the two Kin apparently had a grudge against this new one, but Aang wondered if that was all it was.
The Blue Boss had known his name. Hadn’t that been his goal, to find out that information? He apparently had it now but didn’t seem to be in any hurry to take advantage of that or use it against Aang and his friends. Perhaps that was what had happened at the radio tower. He had discovered Aang’s identity and then, what, decided the chase was over with that? And how would he known Aang’s name from only seeing his face?
These were the thoughts Aang dwelled on while Katara tended to Toph’s injuries. She was the one of them most severely injured, her melee-concentrated battle style not only having proven ineffective against their enemy, but actually risking herself in the process. The scrapes, bruises and burns Aang and Katara had earned were minor compared to hers, even after the shifting between forms healed the worst of it.
Aang made his way to the entrance hall, where his eyes fell on the wrapped package settled on the phone stand. Zuko’s gift, Aang had completely forgotten about it after he’d laid it down when Katara had started pushing him out the door.
Picking the gift up, Aang started unwrapping it. He needed something positive with the day he had been having. The wrapping fell away to reveal a wristband. Aang recognized it as the one he constantly saw Zuko wearing, only it looked different. Rotating the item in his grasp Aang noticed it was missing the blue gemstone Aang had so admired when he’d first seen it, the gemstone that had seemed almost to glow…
“Sokka.” Aang hurried over to the living room, where Katara and Toph were sitting surrounded by first aid equipment. Sokka was nowhere in sight, though.
“What do you need, Aang?” Sokka bounced out of a pile of gauze.
“I need the Truth Stone.”
Sokka took a moment to process the request before speaking out: “Okay, sure. But what do you need it for?”
The stone shimmered into existence and Aang slid it into the slot on the band. He felt the pull on his clothes as Sokka climbed him and they both saw how the fit was. The stone was set into the wristband perfectly, like it had been made for it.
“Wow, perfect fit,” Sokka commented. “Where did that thing come from?”
Aang felt a bit numb. “It was in the package I got from Zuko.”
“Oh,” Toph’s voice commented. “The creepy bookstore guy you have a crush on?”
Aang blushed in both embarrassment and anger. “Zuko isn’t creepy!”
“But the crush part at least is true, huh?” Toph raised an eyebrow and Aang’s steamed while Sokka also joined in with: “I’m not sure he’d be good boyfriend material. I mean, I don’t know anything about Phoenix Kin dating methods, but…”
“Would you stop obsessing about my love life, especially since as far as I know I don’t have one?” Aang flailed, almost dislodging Sokka from his perch on his shoulder. “I just found out Zuko is one of the Phoenix Kin. Why are you all being so blasé about this?”
“Well, he gave you that thing, didn’t he?” Sokka mumbled, sounding a bit dizzy from the rough treatment he’d received.
“Never mind how he came to your rescue,” Toph added.
“Aang.” Katara looked a bit hesitant, like she was holding some sort of deep secret. She also sounded a great deal more serious than either Sokka or Toph so Aang was inclined to listen to her. “I’ve been on speaking terms with Jet…Green Grunt for a while now.”
Unsure why she was bringing this up now, Aang nodded. “Since that shadow trap debacle.”
“Ah, yes.” Katara blushed. “I guess I haven’t been very discreet.” The girl cleared her throat. “My point is, he told me a lot about himself, why he is here for example.” Katara hesitated briefly. “He told me his Boss, I suppose that’s Zuko, lost something. The First General took a part of him and is using it as leverage to make him do what he wants.”
Aang remembered Toph telling him about the scar she had seen in Zuko’s soul and felt a rush of sympathy for Zuko.
“Think about it, Aang.” Katara met Aang’s gaze with an intense look. “He gave up a piece of himself to come to your rescue. Just, think about that.”
Aang did think about it. Even after Toph and Katara left for the night, Aang was still thinking about it. He could barely sleep with how much he thought about it and come morning he was done thinking and ready to act.
“I need to find Zuko,” Aang told his friends with conviction. “He’s still my friend, and I want to be sure he’s alright.”
Katara smiled at him. “I’m glad to hear it, Aang.” She showed him a slip of paper. “Because Jet contacted me last night.”
Aang glanced at the paper, reading an address. “What’s this?”
“It’s where Jet is staying,” Katara replied. “Most of the Phoenix Kin are helpless with addresses; they have no idea how they work. So this is as specific as Jet could get in his message in case it got intercepted.”
“Although I do wonder how many would want to intercept a creepy Kin hawky thingy,” Sokka grumbled with distaste. Most likely the Kin creature had been a carnivore and attempted to eat the otter, thinking him a quick snack.
Katara petted Sokka’s head, soothing the otter’s temper. “If anyone knows where to find Zuko, it’s Jet. They’re friends after all.”
“Alright then.” Aang handed the address back to Katara. “Sounds like a plan.”
--
The Phoenix Kin was staying in an apartment building. Granted it was an exceptionally high apartment building but it still seemed a tad too regular for magical human-like beings from another realm. And naturally the apartment Jet was staying in was on the highest floor. It wouldn’t be a surprise he’d managed to get such a place what with having magic in his use and all.
All the Avatars went to the building together, riding the elevator to the topmost floor. As much as Aang trusted Katara, he wanted to hear any news about Zuko himself firsthand and if they were both going, then Toph would not agree with being left behind.
Fortunately Jet didn’t seem to mind finding a crowd behind his door once he opened it. In fact, he seemed relieved to see them all as he rushed them in.
“Sorry about the way I contacted you, Katara, I hope my little friend didn’t startle you,” Jet spoke as he closed the door behind them.
Katara gave Jet a good-humoured smile. “He was a sweetheart, really. If anyone was startled, it was Sokka.” Jet only nodded in response and Katara frowned in worry. “Is everything alright?”
“I’m not sure,” Jet said and that was when Aang noticed how tired he looked. “I’ve been stuck here because I can’t leave Zuko’s side.”
“Zuko’s here?” Aang instantly jumped at Jet when he heard the news. “Where is he?”
“In the bedroom, through there.” Jet pointed down the hall and Aang immediately rushed in the direction he was shown. Jet speed walked after him, still continuing to speak: “He’s not much for conversation, or anything, right now.”
Aang entered the bedroom and froze as for a brief moment of terror Zuko looked dead to him. But then he heard the laboured breathing and deflated in relief. He waked further into the room, terrified by how ghastly pale Zuko was, not counting his flushed cheeks.
“What happened to him?” Aang felt his chest constrict.
Jet moved to stand beside Aang. “Zuko burned himself out beating Azula.” The Kin released a frustrated sigh. “He’s been out of it for a whole day.”
“Have you ever anything like this before?” Katara asked as she looked Zuko over. “You’re the only other Phoenix Kin here.”
“Once.” Jet looked pained. “When the First General of the Phoenix King took away his magic.”
“And he’s still alive after going through such a soul injury?” Sokka queried in awe. “He’s tenacious.”
Jet laughed humourlessly. “Tell me about it.”
Aang sat on the edge of the bed, eyes glued to Zuko’s face. He laid a hand on top of one of Zuko’s and marvelled at how warm it was in his grasp. He’d expected it to be deathly cold. He also noticed a feeling of rightness, unity, magic between them. He’d only felt the sensation twice before.
“He’s an Avatar,” Aang murmured.
There were startled exclamations from behind Aang but he paid them no mind. He hadn’t noticed it before because Zuko was so against touching. But it was also a matter of Zuko’s stolen magic. But now Aang could feel the magic in Zuko, thrumming beneath the skin.
“I can feel the connection. He’s one of us.” Aang lifted his gaze to Jet. “How did the First General take Zuko’s magic?”
“I can answer that better than he.” The voice was soft and raspy but Aang recognized it immediately. He turned around to give Zuko and elated smile.
“You’re alright.”
“And you figured my clue out.” Zuko gave him a lazy smile. “I was starting to think you were even denser than I thought.”
“I only got to open it last night, shut up.” Aang placed a hand on Zuko’s chest, liking the feel of Zuko’s magic he could now pick up. “You were about to tell me about your dark and troubled past?”
“What is there to tell?” Zuko pushed himself up and his elbows, winced, and flopped back down. “Fine. The First General is my father and when he asked me to give up my magic so that he could use it to revive the Phoenix King I, like the dutiful son I fancied myself as, gave it to him willingly.” There was so much regret in Zuko’s eyes that it made Aang’s breath catch. “When I betrayed him last night, the loyalty that tied my magic to him vanished, severing his hold on it.”
“It hurt to get it back?” Aang queried, slowly rubbing circles on Zuko’s chest. Zuko didn’t seem to mind.
“Less than it hurt having it torn out.” Zuko flashed Aang a smirk. “Naturally he never warned me about that part.”
“I’m glad you’re alright,” Aang spoke gently and saw Zuko’s eyes soften.
“Oh, ahem.” Sokka’s sudden voice caused the two to jump. “We’ll all just move to the living room. You two…get...reacquainted…or…whatever.”
“Just shut up,” Jet growled and shut the door behind the leaving group with a touch more force than necessary.
Certain he was blushing scarlet, Aang focused back on Zuko.
“They’ve somehow convinced themselves we’re going to kiss now or something,” Aang offered the other as a way of explanation. Zuko merely smirked at him in response.
“You mean we aren’t?”
“Ahem.” Aang cleared his throat, his rushing heart nowhere near calming down now. “Well, uhm, I wouldn’t know. Are we”
“Well,” Zuko drawled, suddenly looking very comfortable lying on the bed recovering from an impromptu session of soul-patching. “I’d hate to disappoint people.”
“Yeah, you have a point.” Aang glanced around nervously, unsure what he was supposed to do.
Zuko released a heavy, put-upon sigh. The other’s tone was completely no-nonsense when he spoke: “Aang.”
Aang immediately focused on Zuko.
“Just stop fidgeting and kiss me already.”
There was no way Aang could disobey that tone of voice. He leaned down and kissed Zuko experimentally. A hand on the back of Aang’s head kept him from pulling away and Aang fumbled, propping an arm on the bed beside Zuko’s head, leaving him looming over Zuko.
“Do it properly,” Zuko muttered against Aang’s lips and the younger male giggled. Even now Zuko was completely impossible.
So Aang kissed him again. And again. Deeper and longer each time, until Zuko’s complaints faded away completely.
It was a long time coming, after all.