(Untitled)

[princeinexile]

The prince returns -- not with fanfare, but with two huge dogs that flank him, shoulders to his hips. They keep him upright with their strength, and he drops hands to curl into their fur once the ring that has brought him from the safety of Etna back to Milliways has been replaced on it's chain around his neck; it rests against a collarbone that

Comments

[allican_do]

It isn't quite empty, though.

There are a few chairs between them, but Katara is sitting before the fire, hands occupied with a mug of cocoa and a note Jet left for her that morning, letting her know he'd gone exploring in the woods again.

She's awfully pleased (and amused) at how tamable he's been.

But people who collapse in chairs certainly aren't unnoticeable and Katara starts with the sound, looking up to--

"...Zuko?"

[princeinexile]

...shit.

"Waterbender," he says, and curls a hand around Gifr's ear and scratches it. The dog's tongue loll's out a moment later, as he enjoys the attention.

See? Even like this, he's the master of not letting the stupid, arrogant, touchy and invasive Waterbender matter at all. He is serene! Fine! Totally not caring that she's there and giving him That Damn Look.

[allican_do]

That Damn Look being the intent, searching and, yes, pitiable eyes that take in the protruding collarbone, the too-obvious cheekbones, the color under his eyes.

Stupid but she had forgotten about him, in her happiness with Jet and Steph and Milliways in general, the escape it did offer. And now that Katara seems him again, she remembers perfectly the state of his apartment, his voice when he'd last spoken to her, the pain and...

Everything.

Folding Jet's note, she slips it into a pocket, her gaze dropping down to the carpet while she adjusts in the chair. He doesn't like her, he never liked her, and really, Katara doesn't think much of him. But no one deserves what Zuko puts himself through.

"...you aren't pretending anymore."

No more Li.

[princeinexile]

"I still don't want to hear that name," Zuko replies. "So don't speak it. Too many people know Li... and that's who I am, from now on." There's grief now, rather then quiet and happy acceptance. "And Li is simply ... to tired to pretend."

[seewhatyoumean]

There is a girl clad entirely in black standing in the middle of the room. Just standing. Which means she's in the way of a lot of people, but apparently she either hasn't noticed or doesn't care.

Now she is staring at Zuko, her head moving to track his movements. She seems very intent.

[princeinexile]

...that's kinda creepy. Zuko's eyes open after he's in the chair, and he looks at her with eyes of gold.

Weird chick.

[seewhatyoumean]

Her body language is agitated as she continues to stare, and eventually strides over toward him.

[princeinexile]

Zuko blinks at her, as she strides over-- he doesn't know what to make of her, honestly. "...what?"

Strange ninja woman.