"There's something else," Izumi began.
"I know... about you and Mother." She admits, "I don't know how I know exactly, but deep down, I've always known." A hesitant breath, then, "And... I'm actually ok with it."
Izumi's revelation hits Zuko like a physical blow, leaving him utterly stunned, his breath stolen by the shock of her words.
Moved by her father's reaction, Izumi goes over and wraps her arms around him in a tight, comforting hug. Pressing her face against his shoulder for a moment, she then pulls back slightly to look at his face. "I... I just want to know one thing," she whispers, her voice hesitant. "Did you love her?"
Averting his gaze, Zuko pauses, grappling for an answer to her thoughtful question.
‘I always have. But not in the way that you may think. She is my sister. I didnt force her, Its just.. it’s something that happened between us. But I shouldn’t… I shouldn’t have done that to her. I should’ve known better….’
Izumi looks at Zuko with a hint of pleading. “Papa," she says, "please don't regret having me." Zuko's eyes, full of deep affection, held hers. "You," he stated firmly and earnestly, "were the one thing that we did right."
A hopeful smile touched her lips. "I hope I make you proud, Papa."
Without hesitation, Zuko reassures her,
“Izumi, my daughter, you always have.”
Father and daughter embraced once more. Tears stream down their faces as the heavy weight of their secret had finally lifted, leaving them at peace with themselves.
Excerpt from the fanfic I’m writing called ‘Beyond the Shadows’
It was inspired by this scene…
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