Chapter Text
Zuko wasn’t sure how long he had been resting but he knew it was enough time to leave the campsite. He was awake one moment in the tent and the next time he woke up, he was in an infirmary room in a Fire Nation ship. He could feel the sway of the ocean and knew they were moving. It reminded him of the first time he woke up on a ship three years ago. The smell was the same-the ointment and cleaning-the medicine and bandages seen around the counter, easy access to heal the next patient, and the hard bed that wasn’t meant to stay long. All of it reminded him of his first few days and how Uncle sat with him all those weeks. A sense of longing came over Zuko and he wished, yet again, that Uncle was with him.
Instead, he focused on the fact that he had to be carried, which he didn’t like. He hated appearing weak. He hated how someone had to carry him. Even more that he wasn’t awake during it. It was almost as if they knew he would complain about being carried.
He attempted to sit up a little bit but wasn’t able to move much. His body was still screaming at him at the pain it caused. The more he moved, the harder it was to breathe. He figured it would have to do with the broken ribs.
“I know you are not trying to sit up on your own and ruin all my hard work.” Katara narrowed her eyes at Zuko from the doorway. Jet stood behind her and while he couldn’t see who else was there, Zuko figured the rest of the group were coming to see him.
“Uh…no…” Zuko muttered, embarrassed at being caught. Somehow seeing Katara upset now was worse than when he fought her in the north.
“That’s a lie.” Toph said after she and Sokka entered the room. No one else followed them in which Zuko was thankful for.
Zuko rolled his eyes. “Fine. I was trying to sit up but I didn’t get very far.”
“Zuko.” Katara sighed. “For you to heal completely, I need you to not move. Don’t do anything unless I tell you it’s okay.”
“But…” Zuko looked between Katara and Jet. “What if I need to get up? Or move?”
“No. You don’t move yourself. I will get someone to help you but no movements on your own.” She pointed her finger at him and he felt like he was being reprimanded by a grandmother. “Your ribs are still pretty bad. That means no movement unless I authorize it. No bending for now. No getting out of bed without someone nearby.”
“But…” Zuko squeaked, trying to get a word in. Yet Katara kept going as if he didn’t speak. It didn’t help that Toph and Sokka were holding back laughter at his expense.
“Oh! One more thing!” She looked between Zuko and Jet. When she spoke, she was glaring at Jet though it was for the both of them. “A quick kiss is all you get. Nothing more than that. And no sex!”
Zuko sputtered, unsure of what to say, as his face turned a bright shade of red. This was embarrassing. He didn’t need his private business out in the open like that.
“Katara, come on. Be reasonable.” Jet protested.
“I am!” She put her hands on her hips. “Twice I have seen you two be extremely close to one another. If you aren’t careful, you are going to make things worse. The last thing I want is for the two of you to be making out and injuring him even more. So nothing more than a quick kiss.”
“Ugh. Can we please stop talking about my personal life?” Zuko groaned into his hands. The last thing he wanted was for everyone to know what he did or didn’t do.
“No offense Sparky, but most of us already knew. I can see everything with my feet if I’m in earth or metal.” Zuko lifted his head when she spoke and regretted it. Her eyes seemed to stare into his soul even though she couldn’t see him directly. “I can see everything.”
“Oh. Oh….” Zuko widened his eyes as it hit him what she was referring to. “So everyone knows about my personal life?”
“I don’t think Aang knows.” Sokka said. When Zuko glared at him, he shrugged. At least Aang was not in the room with them currently and he wouldn’t know from this conversation.
“That doesn’t help much.” Zuko turned to Jet. “Do Smellerbee and Longshot know?” Though they weren’t in the room as well, Zuko hoped they fell into the same category as Aang of not knowing.
“Do you want the truth or want me to lie?” Jet asked.
Zuko groaned. “How long have they known?”
“You remember that night you told me you were a firebender?”
Zuko remembered that night very well. Mostly because that was the first night they were together. Which meant they knew the very first night Jet and Zuko had sex. That was not comforting. “How did they know?”
At least Jet had the decency to look sheepish. “I might have complained to them about that night.”
“Ugh fine.” There was no point arguing with Jet about that night since he had a right to be upset and complain to his friends. “How do the two of you know?” Zuko asked Katara and Sokka.
“It’s Jet.” Katara shrugged. There was nothing else that was said and Zuko wasn’t sure what that meant. Sokka didn’t add anything either, just nodded in agreement. What did that even mean?
“What-“
“That’s not the point.” Katara interrupted. “The point is to make sure you don’t do anything without waiting for someone.”
“Fine. I can wait.” Zuko rolled his eyes. “Is there anything else you want?”
“There is.” Sokka smiled and pulled out maps and papers he had hidden in a bag. “We’re planning on an invasion and I could use some help.”
“I don’t understand. What do you need my help for?” Zuko looked at the maps Sokka had. Each one was of the Fire Nation. The more he looked, the more he noticed the capital focused. “You’re planning on invading the Fire Nation.”
“Yes. There’s an eclipse that’s coming up in a couple months.” Sokka flipped a couple pages to a detail map of Caldera. Zuko wasn’t sure how he managed to get a map that detailed without going to the Fire Nation. “We plan to invade then.”
“Invade at a time that firebenders are defenseless. That’s smart. But an eclipse is something they would be able to keep track of. The Fire Sages would know the date of when it would happen and alert the Firelord. He’ll be hidden in a bunker for safety.” Zuko was impressed with the plan and that they knew about the eclipse as it wasn’t something well known to those outside of the Fire Nation. No reason to give everyone an advantage over them.
“A bunker that you would know the location of? And be able to get us into?” Sokka asked, his grin becoming larger as he spoke.
Zuko hesitated in his answer. Part of the reason was for the answer and part was because Katara was busy trying to heal him and continued to move around him. It was a bit awkward to hold a conversation this way. “I can tell you where the bunkers are located but I don’t know which one he would be in.”
“That’s great! We can-“ Sokka started and hesitated a moment. “Wait… you said bunkers. As in there are more than one?!”
“There are a few. It’s to protect the Firelord. There is no notice of which one he will be at for his safety. I can help narrow down which one but it’s still a guessing game after that.” Zuko hated that he didn’t offer good news with the bunkers. But the whole point of them was to keep the Firelord safe from invasion.
“If you can help us narrow it down, it might be able to help us find him in time.” Sokka grabbed the papers back and started writing notes down. He was mumbling but Zuko couldn’t make out what he was saying. It seemed like he was in his own mind planning out everything.
With the siblings focused on different things and Toph sitting on the bed but not paying attention to anyone, Zuko’s attention was left on Jet. Not that he minded that. He reached out to hold Jet’s hand as the two of them stared at each other. Zuko kept trying to keep his eyes from focusing on Jet’s lips but it was a hard thing to do. He wanted to kiss Jet, feel the taste of his lips, pull him closer, run his fingers through his hair-nope! Zuko needed to stop. The more he thought about Jet, the worse it was going to be.
“I’m done with a healing session for now. I’m going to have to work on you every day to help heal you. Otherwise, you are going to have to wait to heal the long way and we don’t have time for that if you are going to teach Aang.” Katara stepped back and put her water away. “If it’s not complicated, you might be able to teach him soon.”
“What about meditating? Can I do that? Can I teach that to Aang?” Zuko was not calm enough to skip meditation. Maybe a couple days if he was pressed, but not too long. He needed that relaxation to help him.
“Not today if you can help it. I’ll check tomorrow and see how it is. In the meantime, let me get you something to eat.” Katara pulled on her brother to get his attention. “Come on, let’s go. Zuko needs to eat and rest.” She held the door open for Sokka and Toph to follow. “I’m giving you five minutes before I come back with food. Don’t do anything stupid.” She closed the door without waiting for a response.
“I thought she would never leave.” Jet smirked and leaned down to kiss Zuko. A quick kiss was not enough. Zuko wanted more. He craved more.
“If we don’t stop, I’m going to make Katara very upset.” Zuko said as he pulled away.
“Then we’ll just have to wait until you’re healed up to finish.” Jet sat down on the edge of the bed next to Zuko. His smile faded and his face turned serious. “I thought I lost you. I thought you were gone. I was afraid I would never see you again. I was so angry with you for doing something so brave and so stupid. I was angry at myself for not telling you what I felt. I don’t want to lose you Zuko.”
“I don’t want to lose you either Jet. I wish I could say you would never lose me but I can’t promise you that. I can only promise to be with you as long as I can.” As much as Zuko wanted to say he loved Jet, he was afraid to say it. What if Jet didn’t feel the same? What if it was too soon?
“I’ll take what I can get.” Jet leaned over and rested his head against Zuko’s. His hand reached up to to Zuko’s cheek. “I don’t want to be away from you.”
“You can’t get rid of me that easily.” Zuko smirked. “You’re stuck with me.”
Jet opened his mouth to speak but was stopped by the door opening. Katara entered the room with a tray holding food for Zuko. She eyed the two of them but said nothing of the closeness. Instead, she placed the tray down on the table next to Zuko. She sat in a chair next to him, bowl in hand, like she was ready to feed him.
“I don’t… I can feed myself…” Zuko stumbled over his words, unsure of what to say.
“No. I don’t want you to strain yourself too much.” She swatted his hand away. “It’s either this or I watch you eat to make sure you don’t hurt yourself.”
Zuko was not pleased by either option. The thought of being fed was awkward enough. Being watched while he ate was another matter entirely. Out of the two, being fed was easier for him. At least this way, he could still hold onto Jet as well.
He let Katara feed him but kept his focus on Jet. The two of them kept smiling at each other as they held their hands together. The fact that he could still hold onto Jet was a positive for him. He would have liked a little more contact, but he wasn’t going to complain. At least not to Katara. She might restrict any contact.
After eating, and a small attempt at stretching his legs, Katara told him to rest. She gave him medicine to help with the pain which made him sleepy. Still, he didn’t want to let go of Jet. He was able to slide over enough for Jet to lay down next to him. Jet wrapped his arms around Zuko as Zuko leaned against Jet. The smell of pine and forests hit his nose. He didn’t understand how the other boy still smelt of forest long after leaving it. It was a comfort to have as he drifted off.
~~~~
Jet was in a panic mess. He tried not to let it show but he was a mess. He couldn’t stop worrying about Zuko and his injury. Though they talked a few minutes, they were still interrupted. Jet hadn’t said a word about being in love with Zuko either. He wanted to but didn’t want to be the first. What if Zuko didn’t feel the same?
He was terrified of how bad Zuko was. He was afraid to touch Zuko too much. He was afraid of what would happen to Zuko if he was too close.
The point was, he was stressed.
He managed to occupy his mind with other things throughout the days. When Zuko was awake, he’d stay with Zuko. When he was sleeping, which was a lot, Jet was with the rest of the group. He went over information with Sokka about the invasion. He practiced fighting with Smellerbee and Longshot. He fought with Aang, Katara, and Toph. He helped them find the rest of the Freedom Fighters to add more people for the invasion.
The Duke was thrilled to see Jet again. Jet couldn’t lie, he was thrilled too. Pipsqueak was hesitant as the last time they saw each other, Jet had been in a bad place. He knew the best way to prove he had changed was to introduce them to Zuko. Once Zuko was awake, Jet brought the boys to meet Zuko. It was a small amount of pleasure introducing his boyfriend as Zuko, Crown Prince of the Fire Nation, firebending teacher to Aang, still not the best tea maker, and best boyfriend. The look on their faces was priceless.
“You’re a firebender?” The Duke asked as he climbed on the bed. Jet was thankful Zuko wasn’t in the infirmary anymore and had his own small room. The bed was bigger so they could both sleep in it and more comfortable. It also gave them more privacy.
“I am.” Zuko smiled at The Duke. He held out his hand and a small flame appeared. He moved the flame into a dragon which circled his hand before disappearing.
“Wow! That’s amazing!” The Duke grinned and snuggled up next to Zuko. “You’re nice and warm.”
Zuko blushed at the close affection but let The Duke curl up. He wrapped his arm around The Duke to pull him closer. Jet was sure if Katara saw it she would complain. He thought it was adorable.
“Oh thank you Duke.” Zuko mumbled.
“It’s The Duke.” The Duke said between a yawn. A minute later and he was knocked out with his new favorite firebender.
Jet snorted at the ease The Duke warmed up to Zuko. Pipsqueak still hesitated, standing closer to the door. Jet understood that look, that hesitation. Not long ago, Jet had that same look, held that same fear. “Looks like you’re busy for now Zuko. We’ll leave you alone for now so you can rest with your new friend.” Jet winked and pushed Pipsqueak out the door before Zuko yelled in protest. He couldn’t move without approval from Katara and he couldn’t move without bothering The Duke. No matter how much Zuko was mad at Jet, he wouldn’t risk upsetting a child.
“He’s… he’s really a firebender?” Pipsqueak asked. “And you’re dating him?”
“He is and I am.” Jet smiled. “It was a little rough when I found out he was a firebender. But we worked it out.” Jet paused in their walking. He wanted to speak somewhere private to ask Pipsqueak but he figured in the hallway was just as fine as anywhere. “I know firebenders have done a lot of damage to all of us, but I want to make sure you’re okay. If it’s too much with him, let me know.”
“I don’t know how I feel. I’m afraid of firebenders. I know you hated them. But you like him. I trust you and your decisions. It’s hard to believe that he’s okay.” Pipsqueak shrugged. “I think I just need time.”
“That’s understandable.” Jet patted his shoulder. “Come on, let’s go find Longshot and Smellerbee. I’m sure Longshot is dying to talk about what’s been going on.”
“Ha!” Pipsqueak laughed. “You’re funny Jet!” Pipsqueak slapped the back of Jet, which still hurt after all this time. Not like he would ever tell the big guy that.
~~~~
Katara should have let Zuko know that he was enough to do more bending, but she didn’t. She liked the idea of having a patient and something to occupy her time instead of realizing the lost Ba Sing Se and she did not want to talk to her dad. Not to mention as soon as she gave him the all clear, he and Jet would go back to making out and she did not want to see that.
Still, as a healer, she should have told him his progress. He was almost fully healed. If she didn’t say anything soon, she was sure he was going to ask questions or Toph was going to suspect something.
She let out a sigh when she stood in front of his door. She didn’t want to tell him but had to get it out of the way. However, she remembered her duty as a healer and went into his room. But the scene before her made her hesitate.
Jet and Zuko were curled up together facing each other. While that was normal for the two of them as they often slept together, this was different. The Duke was squeezed in between both of them, and both Zuko and Jet had an arm wrapped around The Duke. It was utterly adorable and she did not want to ruin any part of it.
Katara backed out of the room as quiet as she entered and closed the door. She figured later she could let Zuko know he was free to do more.
Maybe she should wait until they docked again. Or see about investing a bed that wasn’t made of metal or earth for Toph’s sake.
~~~~
Soon after The Duke arrived, Zuko was clear to start firebending more with Aang. He thought it odd since he assumed he would have been able to long before. It was also odd how Katara smiled at him like she knew a secret. The only secret was that The Duke liked to sleep with Zuko. But it wasn’t that much of a secret since he announced it often.
The problem was that Aang struggled to do much firebending. He was afraid of fire. Hearing the reason why, Zuko understood. However, it was going to be a problem with firebending. Aang needed to learn. No matter what he tried to tell Aang, he was afraid. Hesitant.
The answer that Zuko thought of also created a problem. In Ba Sing Se, Uncle told him if there was any problems with firebending, seek out the Sun Warriors. The problem was that last Zuko knew, they were still close to Ba Sing Se and would take a few days travel to get to the Sun Warriors.
When he explained the option to the group, he discovered they were further away from Ba Sing Se than what he thought. They were closer to Mo Ce Sea, north of Crescent Island. It would take a day at most to get there. Within a couple of days they would return. It didn’t seem like it was that bad. So Aang and Zuko packed for a couple days away and Zuko tried to ignore the dread he felt.
~~~~
Jet was thrilled Zuko was going to find a way to help Aang through his insecurities. He was thrilled there was an option to help Aang. He wasn’t thrilled it meant Zuko would be away from him for a couple days. After the past couple weeks, he didn’t want to be away from Zuko anymore than necessary. He was afraid being away from Zuko meant Zuko would be hurt. He was afraid if Zuko left, he wouldn’t be coming back.
Still, he put on a brave face and smiled like he was happy. He was a supportive boyfriend. He kissed Zuko a few times before they left, promising when he returned they would spend some time alone. He would make sure the signal stayed in place so they would arrive back on the correct ship.
Jet waved at them as they flew away on Appa. He stayed there watching them fly away long after Appa was out of sight. He didn’t want to leave his spot as that would make him realize Zuko was not there. If he stood there, he could pretend Zuko was still there. Safe. Not in any danger.
He just wished he didn’t feel like he was waving goodbye to his boyfriend.