Hopefully, we’ll see sort of those things? That’s all he had to say? She remembered what her father had said, about how she was supposed to be a leader for her people, and now she was talking to the one person who could actually change things for them and all he had to say was hopefully? She had gotten herself in the mindset that out of anyone in the royal family (except Iroh) Zuko, the former banished prince, would be the one person who would agree with kindness and forgiveness, but apparently she was wrong. She tried to shrug it off, but that comment didn’t sit right with her. She could have screamed in frustration, but instead she put on a small smile and laughed at his Iroh impression. She might have seemed a little tense, but it was because she had to tell herself she couldn’t keep this Fire Lord in check from a jail cell, so any argument or fight was not worth it. Yet.
“Your Iroh impression is really good. If I didn’t know better I’d say you’ve practiced,” She tried to say in a joking tone, but then realized that she needed to bring back a more formal tone, ”But of course, a Fire Lord doesn’t have time for such silly things.” Actually, what did Fire Lords do in their free time? Did they get free time? She tried to imagine what Ozai did- laugh at the casualty list of Earth Kingdom soldiers? Take hot baths heated by underpaid and overworked servants? Oh, or his favorite, burn the faces of children? Ming knew that Zuko’s face was burned (he was standing right in front of her) but it was how that made her skin crawl. Ozai practically promoted the Agni Kai amongst elite officials and civilians, Ming’s own mother was there amongst the crowd, and saw the whole thing with her own eyes. It was what made her put down her sword and settle down in the colonies with Ming’s father for good. It was also proof to her parents that not having Ming taught how to firebend, and instead instilling in her from a young age that her power was more of a burden than a blessing, was the right thing to do.
Earlier, she had been wrong. Zuko was different, there was no way that he could live through that and not see how much change had to be done. He was just restraining himself, like all politicians need to. Promises are hard to keep in his line of duty. While she was thinking this, Zuko mentioned his father. What do you say to someone who has experienced what Ozai has done? The only thing that came to Ming’s mind was a hug, but she was pretty sure that was off the table. Instead, she let him have a moment of silence. When he did return to the conversation, she was excited that it was about her tea and not another dark experience that she couldn’t respond to. “Iroh mentioned he’d be seeing you later, possibly tomorrow I’m not sure, but I’ll be sure he gets the tea to the kitchen. And I’m glad you like it.” She took Zuko’s now empty cup, and refilled it once more, then poured herself a cup of cheap black tea.
She gently blew the surface for a second, then stopped to ask Zuko a question. “Do you have somewhere else you’d rather be? If you need to leave, feel free to. I’m not going to plan a revolt in your absence, I can promise you that. At first I wasn’t sure about you, but now you’ve won me over.” Offering a smile, she hoped he would get the joke.
he noticed her silence towards his comment and he swallowed, quick to add an amendment. “ i don’t want to make promises, not now, when i still am working out how to change things. i will do what needs to be done, but i will not rush myself. half-hearted attempts will not do any good for anybody. ” the tone of his voice made it clear he was finished speaking on the topic. he had nothing else to say, especially not someone he hadn’t known for only handful of minutes. he planned to speak to the avatar, iroh, and perhaps some of his council, at least those he would come to trust.
zuko didn’t laugh at her remark. “ i haven’t been practicing at all. ” he couldn’t help it when his face flushed pink, but he didn’t meet her eyes. “ in my position, i have been doing my best to organize my council. there is a meeting soon to discuss our nation’s future. i’ve had little downtime beyond now, where i’m expected to mingle with my people and our visitors alike. ” he had the impression that she thought he wasn’t doing enough and it was taking all of his self control to not bristle. it had not been long since he had been crowned fire lord. for those to expect change to already have greeted them and becoming upset, they were naive. he was change, his friends — and all those he had met since living as a refugee in ba sing se — could vouch for him. permanent change would take time. anyone who would care to see it rushed was naive, and did not actually care for the future well-being of their nation — and in extension, the world.
“ he’ll know where to find me tomorrow. ” he would be in the palace, preparing for the meetings that were sure to throw him into his position without much grace. he was ready. he was sure of that. he planned to address the current members of the council, explaining that their loyalty to the fire nation was surely something to be admired, but rankings needed to change. they committed horrors and atrocities — and if it weren’t by their own hand, they were complicit in it. he thought of mai’s father — he didn’t want to hurt mai, but the man could not remain in his position, he had been ozai’s right hand, after all. some could stay, he had decided. how many, that was unsure, but there had to be a voice for the more affluent fire nation members. to extinguish their presence completely was just the same as having silenced the poorer previously. he wondered briefly, aloud, “ you weren’t complicit in all of the rules of being a guard. why not ? ” his voice was neither accusing nor harsh, only pensive. “ would i be wrong to assume you and your family aren’t ... well-to-do ? ” he dipped his head, an apology for something he knew could offend. “ i don’t have the ability to now, but i would appreciate your presence in speaking with me at a later time in the coming weeks. ”
at her comment, he nodded. “ not anywhere that i’d rather be — ” he looked a little stressed at the idea of leaving the comfort of his uncle’s shop “ — but duty and obligation demands my presence elsewhere. ” there was no rush to him, though, and he took the time to finish the tea she had made him. he dipped his head in thanks before saying, “ i’m glad you think you can tolerate me. ” he coughed out an awkward laugh. “ it was good meeting you, ming. i’m sure i’ll be seeing you in the future. ” he took a step away before looking over his shoulder. “ — and thank you. for what you did for uncle. ”