Try to see it my way

[raavashing]

Characters: Wan, Aang, Zuko
Date: 08.07 just after this
Location: Wood Sector; Mu-Gai
Situation: Wan takes Zuko to see Aang
Warnings/Rating: Awkward Zuko and Tears

[Wan followed the pull on his soul that he figured was most likely Aang. He still couldn't tell Aang and Korra apart from each other - and they both still just felt like him - but Korra didn't live in the Wood Sector like both Aang and Wan did. And the second tug on his soul was further out. The closer to Mu-Gai they got, the stronger that tug felt and he knew he'd chosen the right one to follow.

Wan trotted up to the door and knocked on it while he turned to look back at Zuko.]

He knows we're here... well, he knows I'm here, anyway. He should be down to see us pretty fast.

Comments

[lordhotman]

[Zuko followed Wan the entire way in relative silence, and a bit slower than he normally would. He was still recovering himself, and... he was trying to think of what to say to Aang. A sense of dread making him very solemn.

When they arrived, he looked to Wan and nodded, waiting for Aang's arrival.]

[12goingon113]

[There's what feels like a slight draft around the door mere seconds before Aang opens it, a side-effect of the airscooter that brought the boy Avatar to the front door. Aang's smile is wide when he sees his friend.

Unfortunately that smile is short-lived. It falls the moment Aang catches sight of the teenager standing next to the other Avatar.

His eyes widen as his jaw slackens.
"...no."

An airblast is quick to follow.

[raavashing]

[Wan's eyes widen and it's only because of his own reflexes that he's able to shield both himself and Zuko from the majority of the air blast. After it subsides, Wan stares in confusion at his reincarnation.]

Aang? What's wrong? What was that for?

[lordhotman]

[Zuko's eyes widen, his arms coming up in attempt to shield him from the blast... only to have Wan protect him instead. But that didn't really make him feel any better. His friend had just tried to attack him. It's just as he feared.

He steps around Wan, a plea in his eyes.]

Aang please, can't we talk about this?

[12goingon113]

[Aang's hand remain raised in a defensive position. His eyes never leave Zuko even has his stance shifts from airbending to earth. The look in his eyes is the same one he had for Zuko under Ba Sing Se.]

I have nothing to say to you, Zuko.

[raavashing]

[Wan wanted to step back in between the two of them, but Zuko had very purposely put himself in a position where doing so would be difficult. So Wan shifted to the side and held his hands up, trying to calm the tension.]

Okay. There is clearly something between you, but whatever it is, it can be worked out. Please, Aang, if you won't talk to Zuko, then talk to me. Tell me what's going on.

[lordhotman]

[For a moment Zuko looks visibly hurt... But then why is this surprising? He had done terrible things and Aang had every right to hate him. Especially if the catacombs was the last thing he remembered.

Wan's words then reach his ears and Zuko sighs.]

It's my fault that Aang was hurt.

[12goingon113]

Among other things.

[You betrayed Katara, Zuko. Nearly killing Aang is one thing, betraying Katara's trust is something else. And it's this something else that keeps his eyes narrowed.]

[raavashing]

[Well, that makes things awkward. And Wan is now reassessing the reaction Zuko had when first told of the injury. It made sense that he'd want to be sure his student was fine after having caused his-

No, wait. That didn't make sense at all.]

Aang, you told me someone named Azula hurt you. How is it Zuko's fault?

[The question was directed at Aang, but Wan was looking between the two of them since Zuko had just claimed responsibility.]

[lordhotman]

I know! I'm sorry!

[How many times is he going to have to apologize for his mistakes? He's already getting frustrated.]

Because I helped her.

[12goingon113]

Azula is his sister. General Iroh came to us for help in rescuing Zuko and Katara from Azula. When were making our escape from Ba Sing Se, Zuko turned on us. We'd just saved him, and he took Azula's side.

You're not the first person to try and get me to talk to Zuko, Wan. Both Toph and Korra have tried. Apparently in a future I haven't lived through things are different, but for me...I'm here while my friends are on the run, hurting, and thinking I'm never coming back. That's hard for even me to forgive.

[raavashing]

[That was a lot to take in, but what he took away from it the most was a sad familiarity. It wasn't an exact parallel, of course. But it had been hard for Raava to forgive him and accept his help after he, in his ignorance, separated her from Vaatu.

Wan stepped forward, his hand going to the staff Aang held as he pushed it to the side. He put himself between the two of them, looking first at Aang.]

You do not have to forgive him now. But I ask that you listen to him and hear out any apology he wishes to give. His worry for you is genuine and... Please, just listen to him.

[He turned around and looked sadly at Zuko, now seeing much of his own mistakes in the young man. He opened his mouth, but it was Raava that spoke as his eyes went white. Her voice was strong, clearly feminine as Wan's voice echoed behind hers. She spoke firmly, harshly.]

He doesn't have to forgive you. Whatever happens for you to gain his trust and become his teacher has not yet happened for him. He does not have to forgive you, no matter how sincere your apology. Do not try to force him.

[A pause before her voice came softer, more gently.]

Give him time.

[The glow faded and Wan waited a moment, meeting Zuko's eyes with his own and holding them. Afterwards, he stepped aside and turned his back on the two. He would not leave, but he was taking himself out of the conversation for the moment.

It was a very difficult thing for him to do.]

[lordhotman]

[At Aang's explanation, Zuko looked away with a wince. It was hard, having his mistakes thrown back in his face like that. Just like with the Ember Island Players, except worse.

As Wan spoke, he looked back, not complaining when he moved between them again. However... when Zuko looks about ready to speak, Wan started to glow and a strange voice came from him.

Taking a step back, Zuko just stared. He'd seen Aang go into the Avatar State before but this was different. Once it was over though, Zuko blinked and looked back to Aang, digesting what he just heard. It took him a couple moments to find his voice again.]

I know it's hard for you to trust me. We've been through this before.

But you once said that forgiveness is the first step you have to take to begin healing.

So please, just hear me out. Not for my sake, but for yours.

[12goingon113]

[It's not the sincerity of the please, or even Raava's intercession that ultimately breaks Aang's resolve, but the Air Nomad wisdom that Zuko credits to him.

Aang may very well say that to Zuko at some point in his future, but when he hears those words now all he can think of is when he heard them first.
From Monk Gyatso.

The hard lines of his face soften almost in an instant, and his glider drops to the ground with a clatter.]

[raavashing]

[Wan's head whipped back around at the sound of the staff hitting the ground. It doesn't look like Aang is hurt, but he's not sure what the kid is thinking either. Or if he should do anything. But he'd left it between Aang and Zuko, he couldn't just step back in, right?

Right.

He did start fidgeting with his sleeves, though. To keep himself occupied.]

[lordhotman]

[And then the awkward silence ensued. Zuko blinks as Aang drops his staff, not saying a word.

He stands motionless, waiting for Aang to say something.

Anything.]

[12goingon113]

[Aang's brow furrows again, but this time in confusion. This doesn't make sense. The teenager that stands before him looks no different than the one who's made it his life's ambition to hunt Aang and his friends to the ends of the world, and yet...if he waits and listens he can feel the change in Zuko.

He takes one more breath to be sure.]

Okay. I'm listening.

[lordhotman]

[Zuko visibly relaxes and rubs the back of his neck with one hand. At first all he can think is...

'Don't mess this up. Don't mess this up. Don't mess this up.'

Deep breath. Okay. He can do this.]

All that time, when I was chasing you, I thought my destiny was to capture the Avatar and regain my honor. Then my uncle showed me that I could make my own destiny, and I did change.

But when Azula came to me with her offer, I took it because all I saw was a way to get back home and everything I wanted. I didn't just betray you and Katara, but my uncle too.

It was stupid, and I know that now. After what happened I was confused and angry at myself. I didn't know what to do. Even though my father actually respected me, I wasn't happy.

But I've found my way again. I'm good now, and I joined your group. Before I came here, I was fighting Azula with Katara. Because we both want the same thing, and because we're friends.

[12goingon113]

[He tries ever so hard to keep his expression schooled, but it's clear to anyone who knows him that Aang is really, deeply, and truly affected by Zuko's words. Not only does he believe them, but they ring true in the way that only Avatar Flashes of Insight do.

When Zuko stops speaking, Aang finds himself looking up and away. He sighs, and his shoulders slump.]

This is so messed up.

[lordhotman]

I know. I'm so sorry.

[He must be getting good at this apology thing. He's only had a lot of practice.]

[12goingon113]

[Aang grabs his left elbow with his right hand and just sort of stands awkwardly in his own doorway.]

Did you win? Against Azula, I mean.

[lordhotman]

[And now Zuko looks really uncomfortable.]

I don't know. I was injured and... I think I might...

[He can't quite bring himself to finish the sentence.]

[12goingon113]

[...no. Oh no. No no no. His stomach feels as though the bottom might drop out.]

zuko...

[His voice is small. So so small.]

katara. you said she was with you. what about katara?

[lordhotman]

I'm not sure. The last thing I remember was her fighting Azula.

[He wished he could tell Aang more than that but he couldn't.]

[raavashing]

[The two seemed to be getting along just fine. That was good. However the concern over their friend and Zuko's uncertainty of her fate could lead to a problem. And it didn't really need to.]

Well, if you don't know, then Korra might.

[Wan quietly interjected as he rejoined the conversation, deciding it was safe to do so.]

She's the Avatar after Aang.